As the summer boating season reaches its peak, a new forecasting tool for boaters on the St. Lawrence River has gone online.

The real-time Great Lakes Observing System St. Lawrence River Boaters Forecasting tool extends Great Lakes global observing technology to the St. Lawrence River with some data specific to the river system.

The easy-to-use, web-based application, at http://www.glos.us, provides current-time and 12-hour-forecasts of water current and depth data for points all along the St. Lawrence River.

Boaters and marina operators can access the site by computer and smartphone. Users can request email and text alerts that are sent when their personal pre-set datapoint, such as a specific water depth or speed, is reached.

“Conditions on the St. Lawrence River can change dramatically due to weather events, drawdowns in the system, pooling and ponding," said New York Sea Grant Great Lakes Coastal Recreation and Tourism Specialist Dave White.

"This new technology will help now help St. Lawrence River boaters plan and adjust their travel based on real-time and immediate future forecasting,” White said.

The new tool integrates data from various sources, including Environment Canada.

New York Sea Grant facilitated four public meetings held by GLOS in Alexandria Bay and Ogdensburg to provide developers with user input.

St. Lawrence Power Squadron Commander Charles L. Gray said, “This tool is a welcome addition to the tools that boaters can use to stay safe and enjoy a great day on the River.”