Mamawi Lake sits within the Peace-Athabasca Delta in northeastern Alberta, functioning as a critical gateway between the Athabasca River system and Lake Claire within the Wood Buffalo National Park region. The lake is listed among Alberta's navigable waters and is connected to the Embarras River, Cree Creek (also known as Mamawi Creek), and ultimately to Lake Claire and the Birch and McIvor Rivers beyond.

The lake is notably shallow throughout, and water levels have a direct and significant effect on navigability. At low flow levels, passage becomes restricted to a narrow channel, and at extreme low water the lake can become effectively inaccessible, cutting off access to a large territory including Lake Claire and surrounding areas. Paddlers planning trips that use Mamawi Lake as a transit point to Lake Claire or other interior destinations should carefully monitor upstream water levels on the Athabasca River before committing to a route.

Wind is the primary hazard on open water. The lake's open expanse — roughly 7 km across — leaves paddlers fully exposed to building winds, and crossings can become physically demanding and potentially dangerous. One documented crossing in adverse conditions required over two hours of sustained effort involving continuous bailing and balancing. Wind tends to be calmest in the late night and early morning hours, making those windows preferable for open-water crossings.

The surrounding delta environment supports significant wildlife, particularly migratory shorebirds. Survey data from the lake's north, south, and east shores document large concentrations of shorebird species during spring and summer months, reflecting the ecological richness of the broader Peace-Athabasca Delta. The shallow, expansive nature of the lake means that during low-water years, extensive mudflats are exposed along the shoreline.