The City of Magog on the alert due to the level of Lake Memphremagog

The level of Lake Memphremagog continues to cause concern. Currently, the City of Magog indicates that it is working to lower the water level of the lake, which is still qualified as medium flooding.

The authorities took stock on Tuesday morning. According to them, the water level is still around 208 m, a level that has not changed from Monday.

However, the rain that fell on Tuesday morning did not help the situation.

We are currently draining water at a rate of 195 cubic meters per second, or 11,700 cubic meters per minute. To image, it is as if we let 195 vehicles filled with water pass at the same time per second. Last week we were at 120 cubic metersillustrates the Mayor of Magog, Nathalie Pelletier.

Early in the morning, the boats and docks between the McDonald’s restaurant and the Merry Bridge have been secured so that they remain stable despite the strong currentcan we read in a press release published by the City of Magog.

Very clever who could predict with certainty when the situation will return to normal. Currently, it is a science that we are learning. It’s unheard of, what we’re going through. The lake has never behaved the way it does now. What is the normal level? We want to lower it and how long will it take? I would really like to know. They tell me, since last week, five days. We’re down to a week today and it hasn’t gone downlaments the emergency measures coordinator for the City of Magog, Sylvain Arteau.

Concerns for marinas

The high water level not only causes concern, but also discouragement among owners of marinas on the lake. For our marina, we have reached our limit. We can’t go up anymore. These are floating docks that are held in place by chains that are currently stretched to the maximum.says Marina Snug Harbor owner Pete Turcotte.

Also, the location of the marina’s electrical box poses a problem. It is located near the water, six or eight inches (15-20 cm), estimates Mr. Turcotte. If there was a wave, it could very well enter the electrical control and cause damagehe adds

Directives in force

At this time, no evacuation is planned. However, the City of Magog has asked the owners of 166 residences to limit their water consumption to spare the pumping station.

Also, measures to reduce traffic on the lake have been taken. Among other things, it is forbidden to navigate on the Magog River. Moreover, the City’s boat ramps are closed. People are urged to keep boating on the lake to a minimum. The waves, remember, can cause damage to the banks, but also for a question of safety. The wish of the authorities is that there is no navigation on the lake.

With all my heart, I ask you not to drive on the lake so as not to create other situations. I have enough to deal with as it is.

If the water is rising, a dock is unloading and it is drifting, there are possibilities of an accidentrecalls Mr. Arteau.

On the other hand, the cruise ship Le Grand Cru continues to navigate, because it circulates in the center of the lake, makes few waves and has reduced its speed, it is argued.

Also, the beaches are closed, a question of preserving their state.

The City will take stock again on Wednesday morning.