Lac La Ronge is considerably lower than in previous years. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

lakes and rivers

Lac La Ronge below desirable operating range

May 12, 2023 | 2:12 PM

The water level on Lac La Ronge is expected to increase in the coming months.

That’s according to the Water Security Agency, which stated in an email to larongeNOW that the water level as of May 12 is 364.06 masl (metres above sea level). The desirable operating range for Lac La Ronge is between 364.10 to 364.40 masl with a normal summer level of 364.30 masl.

“It is common for lake levels to begin to rise in early May, generally peaking in late July to early August,” the email noted. “This year saw the lake drop to a low of 363.99 masl on April 22. Due primarily to spring runoff contributions, the lake has risen seven centimeters since that time and is continuing to trend upward.”

The Water Security Agency added staff reduced outflows on May 4 at the Lac La Ronge Dam and the projected summer level for 2023 is 364.20 masl. Levels are monitored daily, with operational adjustments conducted when necessary to best achieve desired levels.

Since 2017, $2.7 million has been spent at the Lac La Ronge Dam with $1.5 million being spent 2022 alone. Work at the dam included structural upgrades, including strengthening the control structure and adding a modern steel structure over the spillway to install and remove stoplogs, along with seepage remediation.

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The Lac La Ronge Dam, which is located at the northeast section of the lake, is a significant piece of infrastructure in northern Saskatchewan. If the dam wasn’t present, the water level of the lake would be considerably lower and cause issues for both residents and the commercial fishing industry.

All significant upgrades and remedial work at the dam has now been completed and all components at the dam are reportedly in good working order. The Water Security Agency will conduct routine inspections and maintenance activities as per normal.

Currently, flows on most tributaries to the Churchill River are lower than average, including those that contribute directly to Lac La Ronge. The area experienced well below average precipitation last fall and that trend has continued so far this spring.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno