During which season are the water levels on Lake Ontario typically the lowest?

The water levels on Lake Ontario are typically the lowest during winter due to a combination of factors. During the colder months, evaporation rates tend to decrease significantly because the colder air holds less moisture than warmer air. Additionally, the inflow from tributaries and other sources is often reduced due to the freezing of rivers and streams, which limits the amount of water flowing into the lake. Ice cover can also restrict the ability of water to flow in and out freely.

This seasonal pattern shows that, while water levels can fluctuate throughout the year based on precipitation and runoff, the winter months generally result in lower overall water levels. In contrast, spring tends to see higher water levels as melting snow and increased rainfall contribute more water into the lake. Summer can see variable levels depending on evaporation but typically does not result in the lowest levels as seen in winter. Fall often experiences a transition period where water levels might rise slightly due to autumn rains but are still not as low as in winter.