The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry maintains the current level of Lake Nipissing is "typical for this time of year."
See original story: No concerns over Lake Nipissing water levels say NBMCA, MNRF
Expanding on a report posted Monday by BayToday, the MNRF advises Lake Nipissing was drawn down to normal levels in January and February, a common practice to provide additional flood storage for anticipated rain in the spring.
Except, so far this spring, those rains have not yet come.
Jolanta Kowalski of the MNRF observes, "In Spring 2021, a combination of low precipitation and rapid snowmelt have contributed to the current water level."
Still, the MNRF reiterates "the current level is typical for this time of year," noting a number of lakes in our district and in the Northeastern region have experienced a lack of precipitation this spring. The snowmelt only accounts for one-quarter of the total spring runoff, which means the rest comes from spring rains.
Some of the reader feedback from the previous article wondered about the health of the spring pickerel spawn.
Asked if there are any potential impacts of the current water levels on fishing or wildlife or cause for concern from an environmental standpoint, the MNRF responds with, "Spring spawning behaviour in fish like walleye is dependent on water temperature, so when the correct temperature is reached, the fish will begin to spawn."
It is important to keep in mind most ecosystems experience fluctuating water levels and species can adapt accordingly, Kowalski points out. "Although walleye often exhibit site fidelity to a spawning site, if that site becomes unavailable (even temporarily) fish may spawn at other locations.
"We have observed that the walleye are spawning. As long as their eggs do not become dry, there is no concern for the spawn."
The MNRF says it has been working with other dam operators on the system to maintain minimal outflows that support fish spawning activity and to capture as much water as possible in area lakes.
Kowalski notes it is still too early in the season to predict how the water levels will compare to previous seasons as the weather can change quickly and significant rainfall can increase lake levels rapidly.
Therefore, from a public safety perspective, people will need to be cautious on local waterways as some rocks or logs that are normally underwater will be closer to the surface or even out of the water.
"Boaters will have to especially cautious navigating the lake," Kowalski adds.
