Water situation 13.10.

River water levels on the west coast partly high due to heavy rainfall

Last weekend’s heavy and extensive rainfall raised the water levels of rivers and small lakes rapidly, especially in the Ostrobothnia regions and in the headwaters of large water bodies. In the regions of Ostrobothnia and South Ostrobothnia, river water levels nearly reached the average spring flood levels, in places. River water levels have started declining during the weekend, but the water levels in lakes will continue to rise in the next few days. The rainfall forecast for the rest of the week may cause the water levels of the rivers in the Ostrobothnia regions to rise again.

The water levels of lakes and rivers in North Ostrobothnia, Kainuu and Southern Lapland are exceptionally high. In the Iijoki and Oulujoki river basins, the water levels of many lakes have reached seasonal record levels. The water levels of the natural lakes in the northern parts of the Vuoksi water system are also high, and last week’s rainfall has raised the water levels further.

Rainfall in the autumn has continued to alleviate the drought situation in Finnish Lakeland. However, the water levels of Lakes Saimaa and Päijänne are still lower than average. The water level of Lake Saimaa is approximately 35 cm and that of Lake Päijänne around 10 cm lower than on average. In the Kymijoki river system, many lakes are still lower than average, but the rainfall in October will raise their water levels.