Regional water situation

Kainuu and Oulu-Koillismaa 14.4.

In the River Oulujoki water system, the water levels of lakes are rising, in many places, and higher than usual due to the early spring. Snow in the area has largely melted, and there is very little snow left considering the time of year. During the winter, the surface of several regulated lakes has been left higher than normal due to the low amount of snow, so that the water levels can be raised to typical levels in early summer.

The water level of Lake Oulujärvi continues to rise as is typical in spring. It is currently approximately 70 cm above the average level of the season due to the early spring, and it is expected to rise close to the typical early-summer levels already in late April. The inflow will gradually decrease, as this week is expected to be dry, and there is hardly any snow left.

On the Sotkamo route, the water levels of natural lakes have risen as snow melts. According to the forecast, water levels will no longer rise from the current level, as the majority of snow has already melted. This spring, the water levels will be clearly lower than during the average spring flood peak due to the low amount of snow.

On the Hyrynsalmi route, the rise of water levels in natural lakes has stopped. The surfaces are high, but mainly well below the average spring flood, which would typically only be expected in May. The water level of Lake Vellijärvi has risen close to a typical spring flood level, but the water level of the lake has already been elevated earlier in the winter. Water levels are predicted to decline slowly, during the second half of the month.

In the Kuusamo region, the water levels of Lakes Kitkajärvi and Muojärvi have gradually started to rise, and they are slightly higher than the typical April levels. Water levels are forecast to continue rising around mid-May.