Water levels in Quebec are breaking all-time records

Water levels have broken all-time records in some parts of Quebec.

Quebec's environment ministryhas hundreds of sensors along the province's waterways that measure the height of the water. At about a dozen locations, recent levels have beat historical highs or are flirting with them.

One station is at the Grand-Moulindam, between Laval and Deux-Montagnes. On Wednesday, the water level nearly hit 24.2 metres high, surpassing the previousrecord of 23.8 metres since measurements began in 1999.

Another station, at Pointe-Calumet, hit nearly 24.3 metres, beating out the previous high of 24.2 metres since the station began measurementsin 1986.

"All rivers north of the St. Lawrencearehigher than usual," said Annie Lagadec of Hydro-Meto, a private firmthat monitors water levels.

"Some rivers are surpassing 20-year records."

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At the Carillon dam, near Rigaud, the water broke a 100-year record, according to a resident who measures the levels on his waterfront property.

"I wasn't expecting it to go this high before Friday," said Ken Flack, who lives in Pointe-Fortune, which straddles the Quebec-Ontario border along the Ottawa River.

A software programmer, Flack compiles data and forecasts from several agencies that measure water levels. He said weather conditions are expected to raise the river's levels further this week, setting a new record.

Other locations seeing higher-than normal levels are Sainte-Agatheand Lac-Thodorein the Laurentians, and Chapleau Lake near La Minerve.

Lagadec blames the swelling on the unusual spring, which saw more snow melt and rain than in the past.

"Not all springs are like this," shesaid.

Although it's too soon to blame the floods on climate change, the shorter winters and longer springs are trending toward similar condition in the future, she said.

Environment Canada is expecting water levels to remain highuntil Friday. The Lake of Two Mountainsisforecasted to hit 24.3 metres, close to its record highest.

For comparison, the water level was around 23 metres this time last year.