Lake names come from authoritative national sources: USGS GNIS in the United States and Natural Resources Canada’s Canadian Geographical Names Database in Canada. Search runs through the same lake-search endpoint for both countries.

Where an unambiguous HydroLAKES match exists, the model adds lake area, estimated mean depth, elevation, shoreline development and volume. Historical ice-out observations are attached only when the match is safe; otherwise nearby long-record lakes provide regional calibration.

During active spring breakup, validated seasonal freezing/thaw physics and operational NWS or ECCC weather can adjust the historical baseline. NASA GIBS imagery is shown as visual evidence rather than converted into an unsupported open-water percentage.