On April 2, Catalyst paper resumed operating the Cowichan Lake weir that regulates flow out of Cowichan Lake.
The weir operation will gradually reduce water flow from the lake into the Cowichan River to target flow set by the Ministry of Forest, Lands and Natural Resource Operations.
The Cowichan Lake boat lock, which allows boats to travel between the lake and the river, also resumed operation on April 2. Catalyst Paper, Crofton Division, operates the weir under the direction of the Ministry of Forest, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, and in accordance with their established regulations and terms of their licenses.
The weir and boat lock are operated 24 hours per day during the control season, and the lake and river levels are regularly monitored to maintain target lake levels, and river release rates. The monitoring and regulations of Cowichan Lake water levels and flow release is part of the Ministry of Forest, Lands and Natural Resource Operations ongoing commitment to maintain stream flows for all stakeholders.
Lake level, river flow, and snowpack data is available to the public at:
http://www.catalystpaper.com/cowichan_waterlevel_results