Authorities who control water levels on the St. Lawrence River are releasing some of the water held back in Lake Ontario to prevent flooding in the Montreal area this spring, but they will still limit the flow at the Moses-Saunders power dam in Massena.

The International St. Lawrence River Board of Control recently reviewed conditions in the Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River system, and decided that for the next several weeks to continue releasing outflows. Due to required maintenance the release will be limited to the capacity of the hydropower facilities, which will be 293,000 cubic feet per second through July 22.

The board says it might also adjust outflows for downstream conditions and to meet critical navigation and other needs.

During much of June and into July, outflows were greater than those specified by regulation.

The June mean level of Lake Ontario was below the upper limit specified in the International Joint Commission’s Orders of Approval. As of July 11, the daily level of Lake Ontario is down 8½ inches since the June 6 daily peak for this year.

Water levels on Lake St. Lawrence have been below average during the last month, and are currently below average for this time of year.

The Board says it is monitoring the situation carefully and is prepared to take further action as required.