Boundary Water Levels

     The discussion of water levels isn’t heard too often in regard to the lakes of the canoe country.  It’s all outfitters and liveries located on rivers talk about.  Some weekends the water level is too high to float a river and other weekends it’s too low while in the BWCA the levels are always just right for paddling.  We’re lucky there’s never a time in the Boundary Waters that there isn’t enough water to paddle.

     The water level does fluctuate in the Boundary Waters but it doesn’t interfere with paddling.  Sometimes when the water level is really high or really low it makes spotting campsites and portages a little more difficult.  The fluctuating water level can also cause canoeists to find submerged rocks and reefs and can even affect where the fish are.  But thankfully we can always paddle the BWCA.

     I’m not sure if there is any data on BWCA water leves but there is on Lake Superior.  A new report on the water level of Lake Superior shows the lake is 2" higher than it was last June 5th.  It’s19" shallower than the highest recorded depth in 1986 and 17" deeper than the lowest recorded depth in 1926.  The water level has risen 3" since May 5, 2009 and is expected to rise 3" by July 5, 2009.  There’s lots of interesting information out there about the water levels of Lake Superior.  If you know of where to find information about the Boundary Waters water levels then let me know.  I’d love to learn more about it.

     I do know the water level is perfect right now for paddling the BWCA so come on up and see for yourself.