Lake Saimaa faces most exceptional summer in 50 years with record-low water levels

Water levels in Finland’s largest lake are expected to remain about half a metre below average this summer, with the worst conditions coinciding with the peak boating and cottage season, Yle reports.

The Southeast Finland Centre for Economic Development has further reduced Saimaa’s water discharge this week to combat prolonged drought. Discharge rates have now dropped to 350 cubic metres per second, with plans to cut them to 300 cubic metres next week—the lowest levels since 2006 and 2003.

Under natural conditions, Saimaa’s discharge through the Vuoksi River at Imatra would be 760 cubic metres per second. The river, regulated by a hydroelectric dam, is the lake’s only outlet, flowing into Lake Ladoga in Russia.

Lowest summer levels since the 1970s
Tapio Tuukkanen, lead water management expert at the centre, warns that such low summer water levels have not been seen since the late 1970s. The situation will disrupt boating and cottage life, with shorelines receding and docks potentially left high and dry.

“Shallow water also brings underwater hazards closer to the surface, increasing risks for boaters,” Tuukkanen said. If drought persists, ferry services could face disruptions.

Drought and low snowfall to blame
The crisis stems from two years of drought, compounded by this winter’s exceptionally low snowfall. Rainfall forecasts offer little relief, and even with reduced discharges, water levels are likely to stay well below average.

Finland and Russia regulate discharges under a bilateral treaty, which sets a minimum threshold of 300 cubic metres per second. Tuukkanen noted that while political relations have strained due to the war in Ukraine, technical cooperation on water management continues.

“No complaints have reached us from the Russian side yet, but low flows and water levels clearly affect them too,” he said.