During which season is the water level on Lake Ontario typically the highest?

The water level on Lake Ontario is typically the highest during the spring season. This phenomenon occurs primarily due to the melting of snow and ice in the surrounding watersheds, which increases runoff into the lake. Additionally, the spring rains contribute to higher water levels as well. During this season, the combination of snowmelt and precipitation can lead to significant inflow, pushing the lake levels up.

In contrast, during the summer months, evaporation rates increase due to higher temperatures, which can lead to a decrease in water levels. Similarly, in fall and winter, water levels tend to stabilize or decrease as temperatures drop and precipitation patterns shift, resulting in less inflow from surrounding areas. Understanding these seasonal changes is crucial for managing water resources and predicting conditions for navigation, ecosystems, and local communities around Lake Ontario.