In Lake Wabamun, natural water level fluctuations of 1.4 m have been measured in the last 60 years and water levels naturally fluctuate by 1.1 m over a 7 to 10 year cycle (Figure 6). The historic minimum was recorded in 1995 (723.76 m), following a three year drop in water levels. Click here to see Alberta Environment's Weekly Water Level Report Alberta Environment Website - Water

Figure 6. Lake Wabamun Lake Water Levels 1950 - 2004 (click to enlarge)

The primary inflows to Lake Wabamun are:

• groundwater inflow;
• surface runoff;
• direct precipitation (snow and rain); and,
• small inflows from nearby watersheds resulting from mine dewatering.

Primary outflows from Lake Wabamun are:

• evaporation;
• groundwater outflow;
• surface water outflow via Wabamun Creek; and,
• licensed withdrawals by TransAlta for consumptive uses.

TransAlta’s operations affect lake level through direct withdrawal of lake water at the Wabamun plant, enhanced evaporation due to the warm water discharged from the Wabamun Plant and diversion of groundwater and surface water as it relates to their mining activities.

Update

The water level in Lake Wabamun has held its own in 2004 thanks to numerous rain fall events. The water level in the lake peaked near the middle of July, 2004 and only declined about 10 cm over the balance of the summer and into the fall.

Click here to go to Alberta Environments water level chart.

From the end of August through to the middle of October 2004, we note that the water level has remained relatively constant at approximately 724.05 metres. By the spring of 2005 we may see water levels approaching 724.25 metres, a level we have not observed since the summer of 1997.