INTERNATIONAL RAINY LAKE BOARD OF CONTROL            
IRLBC

News Release

June 28, 2002

BOARD AUTHORIZES REDUCTION IN NAMAKAN LAKE OUTFLOW

Yesterday morning the Board authorized a temporary reduction in the outflow from Namakan Lake. This action was taken following collection and assessment of data regarding conditions on the Namakan Chain of Lakes, Rainy Lake and downstream, and consultations with the International Joint Commission, which today has issued a Supplementary Order for the operation of Namakan Lake. The text of the IJC’s news release regarding this Order is available from the IJC’s web site at (www.ijc.org).

With a recent dramatic slowing in the rate of rise of Rainy Lake and with improving near-term prospects for drier weather conditions, this action was aimed at reducing and hastening a peak in Rainy Lake levels. The temporary outflow reduction will raise the level of Namakan Lake, as measured at the Kettle Falls gauge, up to the IJC "All Gates Open" level of 341.1 m (1,119.1 ft) over the next few days. It is intended that the lake will then be maintained at that level by passing inflow through the dams at Kettle Falls and Squirrel Falls. This situation is subject to uncertain future weather conditions and will be monitored closely by the Board. Further actions are possible, if warranted by adverse future weather conditions.

The level of Rainy Lake is currently at 338.56 m (1110.75 ft) and appears to be peaking. This would be the 4th highest level reached on Rainy Lake since 1911. The peak level reached on Rainy Lake during the high water event of 2001 was 338.24 m (1109.71 ft), which was the 7th highest level reached on the lake since 1911. The peak level in 2001 was the highest since 1968, when the lake reached 338.36 m (1110.11 ft), which was the 5th highest since 1911. The highest level ever recorded on Rainy Lake was 339.23 m (1112.97 ft) in 1950. The level of Namakan Lake is currently at 341.02 m (1118.83 ft), up from 340.96 m (1118.65) yesterday.

The Board recommends that property owners and users of the system continue to keep themselves updated on basin conditions. Up-to-date information can be found on Boise’s web site (lakes.bc.com), on the Lake of the Woods Control Board site (www.lwcb.ca) and on the St. Paul District Corps of Engineers web site (www.mvp-wc.usace.army.mil). Persons can also call the Board’s engineering advisors, Rick Walden (819-997-2529) or Ed Eaton (651-290-5617).

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Rick Walden 819-997-2529
Ed Eaton 651-290-5617