2024.11.21 Conditions Update and Outflow Changes

Nov 21, 2024 04:35 pm

Over the past week the Winnipeg River Basin has received significant amounts of rainfall. This precipitation has helped increase inflows to the major lakes which are back in the normal range for this time of year. With higher inflows, outflows will continue to be increased to draw down the lakes over the winter and meet flow requirements along the Winnipeg River.

The current level of Lake of the Woods is 322.68 m (1058.66 ft), a 30^th percentile level within the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level increased 2 cm (1 in) over the last week and is expected to remain relatively stable increasing or decreasing by 1 cm (<0.5 in) depending on precipitation. Lake of the Woods authorized outflow is 225 m³/s. Additional outflow increases are planned to drawdown the lake over the winter period and meet flow requirements on the Winnipeg River. Lake of the Woods outflow will increase as follows:

• 250 m³/s Saturday November 23^rd
• 275 m³/s Monday November 25^th
• 300 m³/s Wednesday November 27^th

Each of these outflow increases will cause levels along the Winnipeg River to increase as follows:

• 5 cm (1.5 in) directly downstream of the Norman Dam
• 2 cm (1 in) above the Dalles
• The water level at Minaki will not be impacted by these outflow changes.

The current level of Lac Seul is 355.98 m (1167.91 ft), a 20^th percentile level for this time of year. The lake level decreased 2 cm (1 in) and is expected to decrease by 4 cm to 5 cm (1.5 to 2 in) over the next week. Lac Seul authorized outflow is 300 m³/s with a planned increase to 325 m³/s Thursday November 21^st and a tentative increase to 350 m³/s Wednesday November 27^th.