btw, this is from the pwgsc website. http://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/ontario/eaux-water/renseignement-information-eng.html
Looks like Nippissing is above the average and the French below. Suggesting they are in fact holding water back in the lake.
"Lake Nipissing and French River
Recorded Water Level Forecast
The following is the water level forecast for Lake Nipissing and the French River as of Monday, March 22, 2010 as provided by Public Works and Government Services Canada. The precipitation for March, as of March 22, is 0.2% of the monthly average . The inflows into the lake are currently above the long-term average inflow.
Lake Nipissing
As of March 22, 2010 the water level elevation of Lake Nipissing was 194.92 metres. The lake level is 30 centimetres above the long-term average. The lake level is expected to rise during the next few days. Further change in the lake level is dependent on the amount of inflows and precipitation .
French River
At Dry Pine Bay, the river level on March 22, 2010 was 180.72 metres , which corresponds to a flow of 84 cubic metres per second . The river level is 56 centimetres below the long-term average, which corresponds to a flow of 104 cubic metres per second below the long-term average. The river level is expected to be stable during the next few days. Further change in the river levels will be dependent on the amount of inflows and precipitation .
The next update will be on Monday, March 29, 2010. "