Regional water situation

Eastern and Southeast Finland 23.4.

In the Vuoksi river basin, the winter was low in snow, and the snow has melted exceptionally early. The spring peak discharges in rivers and natural lakes were record-low in many places and occurred approximately one month earlier than the normal spring flood season. Rainfall remained low in April, which has further deteriorated the situation. The water levels of natural lakes will remain at unusually low levels in the early summer. It may be challenging to reach the summer target levels in regulated lakes.

The water level of Lake Kallavesi is currently around the average level of the season. The water level has started declining exceptionally early, and it will decline by 5–25 cm by the end of May. The water level will probably continue declining in June. Without heavy rainfall, the water level will be exceptionally low in June–July.

The water level of Lake Pielinen is close to the average level for the time period. Exceptional flow regulations were initiated in Lake Pielinen in early April, when the outflow was reduced to 120 m3/s. According to the forecast, the water level will only rise by 5–10 cm by early June but will remain even lower than last spring. Without heavy rainfall, the water level will fall to an exceptionally low level for the season in June and July.

The water level of Lake Saimaa is approximately 15 cm below the long-term seasonal average. The water level is forecast to remain close to its current level until mid-June. The water level is likely to start declining in June or July. Exceptional flow regulation was initiated in Lake Saimaa at the end of March to reduce the harmful effects of low water levels. Without heavy rainfall, the summer water level is very likely to decline even lower than last summer.