FLOW AND GATE SETTING ADJUSTED DUE TO ICE CONDITIONS
The International Lake Superior Board of Control advises that the gate setting of the control structure at the head of the St. Marys Rapids is being adjusted due to ice conditions in the St. Marys River. Larger than expected ice pans have been drawn into the upper St. Marys River from Lake Superior, which pose a risk of damaging structures, eroding riverbanks, restricting navigation, and creating an ice jam. Some pans have passed through the gates of the Compensating Works and have been observed in the Rapids and Soo Harbour, and a small amount of ice has accumulated on an ice boom in the Sugar Island area.
As a precaution, the gate setting of the control structure has been temporarily reduced to allow conditions to stabilize, with four gates partially open as of this afternoon, Tuesday, May 6th. If conditions allow, beginning tomorrow morning, Wednesday, May 7th, up to 14 gates will be partially opened to 56 cm (22 in.) each in order to achieve a setting equivalent to four gates fully open, as specified by the Board for the month of May. As such, anglers need to remain cautious of the changing flows and water levels in the St. Marys Rapids, and of the potential for hazardous ice conditions downstream of the control structure.
The Board will continue to assess the situation and advise on changing conditions as they develop.