Christie Lake … a jewel in the heart of Lanark County
Water Levels
Christie Lake is unique in that its water level is a function of what is happening on Bobs Lake. It also has a very shallow outlet which causes a restriction to the flows thereby slowing the passing of water down stream.
Water levels and flow rates on Christie Lake are influenced by the uncontrolled outlet of the lake and the water control operation at the Bolingbroke Dam (at the Bobs Lake outlet) by Parks Canada – Rideau Canal.
Flushing rates vary from lake to lake. The flushing rate of Christie Lake is ~ 2.7 times per year. This high turnover of water volume means that sediments, nutrients, and pollutants may not accumulate as quickly as in lakes with a lower flushing rate.
Balancing flow and water levels is not an exact science and very subject to Mother Nature.
Excerpt from Parks Canada
4 April 2012
The Parks Canada Eastern Ontario Unit is concerned with the present water level situation, as it has not been this dry so soon after the spring runoff. We are literally at minimum flows throughout the Canal. Bobs Lake is now down to less than half a cubic meter of flow, and still has almost 40cm to go before it’s full. At the time of the spring runoff, it was simply too early to let the lake fill. The ice was still hard to the shoreline and consideration was given to possible damage to shoreline structures given the amount the lake rises to fill. It’s not all doom and gloom as Parks Canada still has over a month to fill and provided we do receive some rainfall we should be able to fill. The lake (Bobs) is still rising, ever so slowly with recent cut backs. Unfortunately the reduced flow will continue to keep Christie Lake sitting pretty low – certainly not something lake residents expect at this time of year.
Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
Watershed Conditions Statement:
Low Water Conditions Start Early
(WCS – 2/2012)
April 5, 2012 – The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is declaring a Level 1 Low Water Condition based on the 3 month precipitation indicator.
The spring flood peak on the Rideau River system occurred on March 16 this year, two weeks earlier than normal, and one of the lowest on record. This Level 1 Low Water Condition declaration is the result of low precipitation all winter.
The three month precipitation recorded to the end of March at four climate stations in and around the Rideau watershed is about 74% of normal with one station at 63%. The Level 1 indicator threshold is 80%. There has not yet been a significant impact on water levels in the major streams and watershed lakes but, if the lack of rainfall persists, below normal levels can be expected.
At this time, residents in the watershed need to be aware of the situation and be thinking ahead about what they can do to conserve water such as using rain barrels to capture what rain there may be to water lawns and gardens.
Authority staff will continue to monitor conditions and report new information as it becomes available.
To learn more about Ontario’s Low Water Response program visit: http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/Water/2ColumnSubPage/STEL02_164583.html. Also, visit the RVCA website for local conditions.
Any individuals or business in the Rideau Watershed who may be experiencing unusual problems or hardships due to low water are encouraged to contact the Conservation Authority by calling 613-692-3571 or 1-800-267-3504, ext. 1128 or 1132.
-end-
More Information:
Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
contact: Patrick Larson, RVCA Senior Water Resources Technician
613-692-3571 or 1-800-267-3504,
ext. 1110 or cell 613-799-9423
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