Most of us are aware that water levels on our lake are controlled to some extent, but we wonder why flooding occasionally occurs, and sometimes levels drop late in the summer.  There is a dam at Carleton Place, so why can't the lake be maintained at a constant level?  There is no simple answer because the problem is quite complex.

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This lake is part of the Mississippi River watershed, a vast network of lakes, rivers and streams with a drainage area of 3750 sq. km. The river is 212 km long and there are approximately 268 lakes. Most of the water that feeds this system arrives during a short period of time during the spring runoff, which can lead to much increased water levels and flooding.  However, for most of the year, the average rainfall in the area is not sufficient to provide flows to maintain suitable lake levels, especially on Dalhousie and Mississippi Lakes.  Various dams on the watershed are operated by MVCA to manage these two conflicting situations, (and many other issues including ecological, wildlife habitat, erosion, etc.). 

 

Mississippi River Water Management Plan (MRWMP)

 

MVCA is responsible for managing the water levels in the watershed.  Although an informal operating plan had been used over the years, a formal Mississippi River Water Management Plan (MRWMP) was developed and approved for use in June 2006.  This Plan was the result of an extensive study of the numerous factors affecting water management in this system.  Much consideration was given to an integrated approach to maximize all uses of the river including water power, flood control, low flow augmentation, fish and wildlife, tourism, and recreation.

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Mississippi River Watershed Plan 2021

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By 2019, MVCA recognized the need for a more integrated approach to watershed management and began a detailed review of the numerous factors involved.   The result was the Mississippi River Watershed Plan, published in July 2021.   The 2006 MRWMP continues to be an important and pertinent part of overall watershed management.

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Carleton Place Dam Operation

 

This topic has been of particular interest to residents of Lake Mississippi and the communities immediately downstream.  MVCA provides a detailed account of the operating priciples of the dam on pages 86 to 91 in the MRWMP

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