International Osoyoos Lake Board of Control
The International Osoyoos Lake Board of Control (Board) was established by Order of the International Joint Commission (IJC) dated 12 September 1946 to ensure the implementation of the provisions of that Order relative to the alteration and operation of Zosel Dam. Zosel Dam was built in 1927 on the Okanogan River 2.7 km (1.7 mi) below Osoyoos Lake by the Zosel Lumber Company to create a log storage pond.
On January 31, 2013, The International Joint Commission announced that it had issued a Supplementary Order of Approval renewing the State of Washington’s authority to operate Zosel Dam and making minor modifications in how water levels on Osoyoos Lake will be managed.
Supplementary Order of Approval 2013-01-29
Please refer to the reports section of the website for more information on studies related to the Order renewal process and other documents of relevance to the Board of Control, including annual Board reports to the IJC. The records section of the Reports page contains records of past Board meetings and relevant IJC Orders of Approval for Osoyoos Lake.
July 21, 2020: Osoyoos Lake water level now within Rule Curve following spring snowmelt peak
During the spring freshet, the level of Osoyoos Lake crested at 913.65 ft (278.481 m) on June 2 and decreased below the maximum level of the IJC (International Joint Commission) Order of Approval rule curve (912.0 ft) on Saturday July 18. Lake level continues to decrease and the operator of Zosel Dam plans to start regulating outflow from Osoyoos Lake by lowering one or more gates once levels reach 911.8 ft. Zosel Dam gates have been fully open during the spring freshet since May 11.
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Mandate
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Reports
Read the Board's latest reports
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News Releases
Read the Board's latest news release
Call for website photos!
The International Osoyoos Lake Board of Control is seeking digital photo submissions from members of the public for posting to this website. Specifically, we are accepting submissions of high quality scenic photos for use as home page sliders. Please see the attached submission criteria here and send us your best Osoyoos Lake pics!
Zosel Dam Emergency Contacts
Contact Zosel Dam Operations in case of an emergency