Yes, autumn has arrived, and it’s time for all of us to focus on our multiple end of season tasks. It is also the time of year when the water levels of the lakes in the Trent-Severn reservoir system, including Drag and Spruce Lakes, are being drawn down to their winter set levels.
We have just had confirmed by the TSW that for this year, Drag/Spruce Lakes minimum water level will be 1 foot deeper than average – for comparison this is approximately equal to the level we normally see in early September. This is exactly in line with what our Association has been asking for.
Here is the current Drag/Spruce Lakes water level graph from TSW (note the levelling off of the current blue line vs the average red line):
For a more detailed explanation, continue reading here:
For Drag Lake, in an average year we drop to the lowest water level in mid-October, and then the water levels rise again, reaching their steady winter depth in early December. Through our membership in the Coalition for Equitable Water Flow (see cewf.ca), we have asked that this pattern be changed to eliminate the water level dip in the fall. This would translate into approximately 1 foot greater depth in the fall – the time when boats require ramp access for winter removal, and providing an extension of our boating season. For comparison purposes, this elimination of the dip would translate to Drag/Spruce Lakes having a minimum depth approximately equal to what we normally have in early September.
This summer has been particularly wet, and water levels have been running above average throughout the system. This has given the opportunity for TSW to ‘eliminate the dip’. We shall continue to work with CEWF and TSW to make this pattern our new ‘average’. (In an exceptionally dry summer, it may not be possible). Stay tuned.
Enjoy the water!