Originally published in Lake of the Woods Area News, Volume 55, Number 2, Spring 2025
The Lake of the Woods Control Board held its Spring Regulation meeting on March 19, 2025. This meeting is intended to assist the Board and its advisors in the preparation of a spring regulation strategy for the Winnipeg River Basin including Lake of the Woods. At the time of the meeting, the level of Lake of the Woods was approximately 322.43 m (1057.8 ft). This level was within the end-of-winter (March 31) target level range set by the Board last October of 322.38 m to 322.50 m (1057.7 to 1058.1 ft). Based on this level, the Board agreed with the recommendation to continue a gradual drawdown of the lake until the end of March with a target level of approximately 322.40 m (1057.7 ft), in preparation for an increase of inflow and refill of the lake during the spring thaw.
The past winter had closer to normal weather conditions overall especially when compared to the previous winter. Based on information provided by Environment and Climate Change Canada, temperatures were generally consistent across the basin, with above normal precipitation in December and February, and below normal temperatures in January and February. In addition, weak La Nina conditions resulted in periods of lower-than-normal temperatures and scattered snowfall events in January and February.
At the end of January, the North American Drought Monitor classified the southern portions of the basin as experiencing abnormally dry to moderate drought conditions. March forecasting indicated that runoff from snowpack and outflow from the Rainy and Namakan Lakes and other sources into Lake of the Woods may be slightly below normal. Spring runoff levels are also affected by levels of precipitation as well as the presence of deeply frozen ground resulting from cold periods during January and February. Frozen ground takes longer to thaw and increases the risk of rapid runoff.
Conditions will be closely monitored throughout spring and as we approach summer to regulate water levels as closely as possible based on targets and changing conditions. It was also recommended that any adjustment to water levels be gradual to limit ice damage that could result from rapid changes in water level on both Lake of the Woods and the Winnipeg River.
The regulation strategy covers the spring refill period till the end of June which is the most unpredictable time of the year for hydrology and related water levels for the basin. A primary focus of regulation meetings is to take a balanced approach that reflects the diverse interests across the entire basin while considering low, moderate and high infill scenarios developed by the Board’s Secretariat. Targets established in the regulation included a level at the end of June of 322.75 (1059.4 ft). The targeted summer level of 322.78 – 323.0 (1059- 1060 ft) referenced in the strategy is consistent with the preferred level recommended by LOWDSA. Achieving targets is of course dependent on evolving weather conditions, forecasting and other factors affecting lake infill. The levels compare to the water level on nautical charts for Lake of the Woods of 322.8 m (1059.0 ft). Should basin conditions arise that are not addressed by the adopted strategy, the Board will meet to update the strategy on an as needed basis.
Have a great spring as we prepare for what will be another unforgettable summer in the Lake of the Woods area. For up-to-date information on water levels and the work of the Lake of the Woods Control Board please visit the web site at lwcb.ca.
