MVCA 2025 Fall Drawdown to Begin Later this Month

From the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority

The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority’s (MVCA) annual fall drawdown will begin later this month. This seasonal water level management helps prepare the watershed for spring runoff and reduces the risk of flooding. The drawdown schedule is as follows:

• Shabomeka Lake, Pine Lake and Mississippi Lake: Drawdowns will begin in late September.
• Summit Lake and Widow Lake: Drawdowns will start after the Thanksgiving weekend.
• Kashwakamak Lake, Mississagagon Lake and Big Gull Lake: Scheduled to begin in late October.
• Mazinaw Lake: Drawdown will be delayed until early November to allow for continued boat traffic through the narrows during hunting season.

Winter target levels are typically reached before freeze-up, though the timing may vary depending on fall rainfall across the watershed. Current forecasts indicate that conditions over the next two months are expected to be at or below seasonal averages. The chart below outlines the drawdown dates for lakes used to provide flood storage for the upcoming spring season.

Residents are urged to use extreme caution around these structures as strong currents will be present while water levels decrease to normal fall levels during this time and should ensure that all boats, floating docks, etc., have been removed. 

Daily water levels and flows are available on the MVCA website at mvc.on.ca/water-levels/