Watch Water Levels Change
Eighteen dams on the Columbia River system in Canada are used to manage and coordinate flows in this transboundary watershed. Water stored in reservoirs behind dams is released to meet power, flood control, fisheries, irrigation, recreation and transportation needs. In winter, reservoirs are generally drawn down to meet the need for hydroelectricity. By spring freshet, reservoir levels are typically much lower and the cycle begins again as melting snowpack refills the reservoirs.
This interactive map allows you to see how water levels change during the year in select lakes and reservoirs across the Columbia Basin in Canada in wet, normal and dry conditions.
How to Use This Tool
- Select WET, NORMAL or DRY.
- Next, choose ALL or just the lakes or reservoirs you want to show.
- Finally, click the PLAY BUTTON or use the arrow buttons to play, stop and click through the months of the year.
- To find out more information about a lake or reservoir click the corresponding INFO ICON.
