Duane Hicks
Levels on Rainy Lake are typical for this time of year, but Borderland residents should keep their fingers crossed for April showers, the International Rainy Lake Board of Control (IRLBC) reported.
“As of Monday morning, March 19, Rainy Lake is almost right in the middle of the rule curve band [47 percent],” Rick Cousins, the IRLBC Canadian engineer, said Monday afternoon.
“The lake level is 336.91 metres [1,105.3 ft.],” he noted.
“Last year on March 19, the lake level was about two centimetres [almost one inch lower] than it is now,” Cousins added. “As the lake is near mid-band, it is about typical for this time of year.
“However, with the snow gone and conditions dry, it may appear lower and there may—somewhat justifiably—be cause for concern about low water levels,” he warned.
The lake level had been below the bottom of the rule curve band since September, and only re-entered the band as of last month.
Looking ahead, however, it’s clear more precipitation is needed to stay within the rule curve band, Cousins explained.
“The rule curves decline until the first of April, when they begin their spring rise,” he said. “If the lake level stayed flat, it would be at, or above, the middle of the rule curve band until April 8.
“After that date, a flat lake level would take the level closer and closer to the rising lower rule curve and would be below the lower rule curve on May 8.
“I appreciate the fact that we might have a rainy spring and the lake level may not end up below average in future,” he conceded.
“Now that spring is here, the lakes levels seem to be all people talk about.”
Cousins stressed that summer water levels on Rainy and Namakan Lakes “are more dependent on spring rainfall than on winter snow, so there is still time before the season fishing-opener to see more water in the lakes.”
Cousins also said the outflow from Rainy Lake is at the minimum allowed by the International Joint Commission, and in fact has been at this minimum flow since the beginning of September.
Namakan Lake, meanwhile, is right in the middle of its rule curve band right now, and has remained well within it throughout the past year.
The public can check out the lake levels for themselves online at www.ijc.org/conseil_board/rainy_lake/rl_data.php?language=english
After going to the above webpage, click on “Rainy Lake Graph.”
Historical graphs can be found at www.lwcb.ca/historicalgraphs.html
More detailed data can be found under the “Basin Data” link at www.lwcb.ca
Cousins said the public can reach him or Matt DeWolfe, senior water resources engineer, by calling toll-free 1-800-661-5922.
