Rainy Lake

Water levels on Rainy Lake and Namakan Lake will be kept low this spring to avoid the potential for flooding.

The International Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Board Water Levels Committee is directing dam operators to keep levels at the lower 25 per cent of the optimal range (Rule Curve) for this time of year.

Recent snow storms, which could lead to higher-than-normal snowmelt, are playing into the decision.

Forecasting models suggest a strong chance of runoff from rivers and streams leading into the Rainy Lake basin being greater than normal.

The National Weather Service says there is also a heightened level of flood risk.

Communities in the Rainy River basin also still dealing with last year’s flooding from record-high water levels.

IRLWWB is expected to provide a further update next week.

An information public session will be held on April 11 to provide an updated summary of basin conditions and seasonal forecast information as part of the spring regulation plan.