International Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Board Water Levels Committee High Water and Flow Advisory

Date

Higher than normal stream flow conditions have developed in the headwaters of the Rainy River watershed, including flows into Namakan Lake and Rainy Lake, following snowmelt and precipitation in late April.

These high flow conditions have led to the water levels of Namakan Lake rising above its water level targets established by the International Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Board (IRLWWB)’s Water Levels Committee (WLC) on April 15 and reestablished on May 1 to remain in the 25-75% band of its rule curve.

As of May 5, Namakan Lake is outside the water level target range set by the WLC.  As the present inflows exceed the lake’s outflow capacity, it is expected that Namakan Lake will rise above the Upper Rule Curve within the next 2-3 days, while wet weather could result in a faster rate of rise. The dam at Kettle Falls has been fully open since May 2. Namakan Lake is currently 0.65 m (2.13 ft) below the emergency condition level. No flood advisories or warnings have been issued for the area at this time and the WLC will continue to monitor lake levels.

Rainy Lake continues to remain in the current water level targets. Increased outflow from Namakan Lake will impact Rainy Lake levels. Dam operators will continue to open gates appropriately to meet water level targets on Rainy Lake.

Updates on dam operations will continue to be provided by the WLC on the IRLWWB’s Water Level Decisions & Data page.

For information on current conditions, forecasts, and any active flood advisories or warnings, visit the National Weather Service’s Rainy River Basin page.

Associated Links

Contacts

Elizabeth Jamieson (Engineering Advisor, Canada)
Abby Moore (Engineering Advisor, United States)
International Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Board
rlwwb@ijc.org