Lake Ontario Water Level Today
Station: Lake Ontario at Rochester, NY (USGS 9052030) • Managing Agency: NOAA CO-OPS / USACE
Current Conditions Summary
At Lake Ontario in NY, the most recent verified observation stands at 245.48 ft (IGLD85). Water levels fluctuate based on precipitation, reservoir management, and regional inflow. This places today's water level at the 13th percentile for this time of year.
Water Level Observation Chart
Middle 50% seasonal band shown in aquaBoating Conditions & Wind Safety Strip
Forecast point: Lat 43.256, Lon -77.587 • NWS Hourly Model
Monitoring Station Location
Verified Public Boat Ramps
No verified public boat ramps are officially indexed for this basin. In accordance with our data policy, we do not estimate ramp elevations without authoritative agency surveys.
Practical Tools for Lake Ontario
Dock & Ramp Clearance
Calculate water depth over your slip floor or ramp toe today.
Lake Level Risk Report
Analyze multi-decade flood and drought frequencies for specific elevations.
Compare With Other Lakes
Compare Lake Ontario against nearby lakes on level and wind.
About Lake Ontario Hydrology
Lake Ontario is a verified great_lake situated in Monroe County, NY. Water resources and dam operations are managed by NOAA CO-OPS / USACE.
Official hydrological telemetry is captured at station Lake Ontario at Rochester, NY (Station ID: 9052030) and is referenced to the IGLD85 vertical geodetic datum. The station features continuous daily observation records spanning back to 1860-01-01 (164 years of records).
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Ontario
What is the current water level of Lake Ontario?
The latest verified reading for Lake Ontario is 245.48 ft IGLD85, recorded at station 9052030.
Is Lake Ontario currently considered normal, high, or low?
Lower than 87% of the 164 years on record for this calendar window (13th percentile).
What is the full conservation pool of Lake Ontario?
Full pool elevation is authorized at 247.3 ft IGLD85. The lake is currently 1.82 ft below full pool.
What vertical datum is used for Lake Ontario?
Elevations on Lake Ontario reference the IGLD85 geodetic vertical datum. Always confirm this datum when comparing water readings to private dock surveys.
Who manages the dam and water releases on Lake Ontario?
Water management and river operations are directed by NOAA CO-OPS / USACE.
Are public boat ramps on Lake Ontario currently usable?
Launch usability depends on the specific ramp's toe elevation and your trailer draft. Check our verified ramp table above or calculate your exact hull clearance using the Clearance Calculator.