Toronto Reservoir was developed along with Cliff Lake to be a source for the refill of Swinging Bridge. Water from Toronto feeds into Cliff Lake and then can be directed to either bypass our dam or enter the lake through a mile long tunnel. The maximum level of Toronto is 1220 (elevation above sea level) while the normal operating level is at 1215. It is planned to lower the level at least 10 vertical feet to 1205 or lower. The following is directly from a recent FERC communication:

The lowering of Toronto Reservoir was directed by FERC as a precautionary measure due to the recent abnormal observations (i.e. elevated water levels within the dam). The lowering of the reservoir level improves the safety of the dam while EC Mongaup works to gather further information to assess the condition of the dam.

Over the next few days, EC Mongaup will close the public boat launches at Toronto Reservoir, but our public access areas will remain open.

At this time, the drawdown of Toronto Reservoir is expected to persist throughout the 2023 recreation season. The final level and duration of the drawdown will be determined at a later date based on information gathered from EC Mongaup’s enhanced monitoring and guidance from FERC and the group of independent dam safety consultants that EC Mongaup convened at FERC’s direction.

To accommodate the lowering of Toronto Reservoir, Swinging Bridge Reservoir elevation has been lowered to approximately 1064’ and will be held near this to allow water from Toronto Reservoir flowing into Cliff Lake to move into Swinging Bridge Reservoir. Cliff Lake Reservoir is expected to remain near full. Reservoir levels are reported on our website at https://www.eaglecreekre.com/facilities/operating-facilities/mongaup-river-hydroelectric-system/mongaup-river-system-lake-levels-and-rio-operation-forecast. The levels are updated daily.