Water level notices

As per the current Order, the Water Levels Committee monitors hydrologic conditions and may provide the Companies with directions for the operation of their discharge facilities at Namakan Lake and Rainy River. Below are directions and updates provided by the Water Levels Committee.

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Notices


In accordance with the WLC spring regulation plan, the March 24th target water levels for Rainy Lake will be the top quarter of the rule curve (75-100% band) and Namakan Lake targets will be between lake elevation 339.6 meters and the top of the rule curve (approximately the top third of the rule curve).

The March 24th targets were established based on an evaluation of current basin conditions and concerns over drought, including the following factors:  
•    Conditions are drier than normal. 
•    Below-normal snow water equivalent in the entire basin.  
•    Seasonal forecasts (April through June) indicate warmer than normal temperatures and equal chances of above or below normal precipitation. 
•    Concerns over Rainy River fish spawning and potential low water conditions across the basin.  

The WLC will provide an update to water level targets after March 24th or earlier, based on basin conditions and forecasts.
 


On February 29, the WLC held its virtual Pre-Spring Engagement with a total of 51 participants. The webinar included an overview of basin conditions and spring outlook from the Lake of the Woods Secretariat and the National Weather Service, followed by an opportunity for questions and discussion. Key points from the presentations were as follows:

  • Conditions are drier than normal, though precipitation in late December and early February provided some relief.
  • Winter temperatures have been warmer than normal. 
  • There has been a historically low amount of snowpack and snow water equivalent (SWE) across the basin. 
  • There is some uncertainty in frost depth due to fluctuating temperatures, but soil moisture levels are dry to normal. The upper layers of soil in the basin are frozen due to the lack of snowpack that provides insulation. 
  • River forecast simulations (going through early-June) are showing lower chances of exceeding flood stage, but hard frost conditions could lead to enhanced runoff if heavy spring rains occur over the basin.  
  • Seasonal forecasts (April through June) indicate warmer than normal temperatures and equal chances of above or below normal precipitation. 

The WLC will continue to closely monitor conditions through the remainder of the winter and spring to inform water level targets for Namakan and Rainy Lakes. A list of websites with more information on water levels data is available here: https://www.ijc.org/en/rlwwb/water-level-information#2.

The WLC will host a public meeting at 7:00 p.m. on March 5 in International Falls, MN to provide an overview of regulation in the Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed and recap conditions and forecasts discussed during the Pre-Spring Engagement. 


To remain within the rule curves, Rainy Lake outflow has increased the past few weeks. Outflow from Rainy Lake increased to ~200 cms (~7,060 cfs) on January 16th. This increase is temporary and will be reduced to ~160 cms (~5,650 cfs) on January 20th to maintain Rainy Lake levels within the middle band of the rule curves. Increased flow to Rainy River has the potential to increase the amount of slush or water on the ice, which can make the surface more difficult or dangerous to use.

The Water Levels Committee encourages everyone to be extra cautious when near or on the ice, especially when there are fluctuations in temperatures and changes in water flows or levels. Information on ice safety is available on the Minnesota DNR website.


minor and short duration breach in Rainy Lake’s minimum flow occurred the morning of December 12. Operators were diligent to correct the outflow and no downstream impacts were observed.

Water level targets for Rainy and Namakan Lake continue to be the full range of their respective rule curves.


The water level targets for Rainy and Namakan Lakes are to maintain water levels in their prescribed rule curves, with no specific band within the rule curves.