This has certainly been a harsh winter for most parts of the U.S. with record snowfalls everywhere.  Ontario also received its fair share of snow.  Although summer may still be a few snowfalls away, we're already dreaming of spring!

  

All this snow leads to the next question:  what will water levels be like in the spring?  It is looking extremely likely that the spring will start out with high water levels.  But water levels on Lake of the Woods are largely controlled by the Norman Dam at the north end of the lake.

  

  

The Norman Dam was built in 1893 by the Keewatin Lumbering and Manufacturing Company to provide stability in water levels and electricity for the lumber mill in Kenora.  At the completion of the dam the lake levels rose approximately 10 feet from its natural level.  Before the lake level was raised, it was possible to go by horse and buggy from Warroad, MN to the Rainy River on one long, sandy beach! 

  

We are hoping for normal water levels this summer.  Stability is the key;  it provides for great fishing and safe boating!  Water levels can be tracked on the Lake of the Woods Control Board website at www.lwcb.ca.

    

We appreciate your feedback on our monthly e-newsletters.  Last month we talked about spending quality time at Duck Bay Lodge with the special people in your life...

  

                                                           Findlay, OH