Over the past week, the Winnipeg River basin received some pockets of moderate rainfall which contributed to lake inflows and delayed their decline. As a result, inflows to Lac Seul and Lake of the Woods remain in the high normal range for this time of year. Forecasts are indicating a drier period through the weekend, followed by a large rainfall system expected to move through the basin early next week. Rainfall amounts associated with this system are currently uncertain, however outflow increases at Lake of the Woods next week are possible if the precipitation in the forecast materializes.
The current level of Lake of the Woods is 323.12 m (1060.1 ft) , a 60th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level increased by 6 cm (2.5 in) over the last week and is expected to increase by 3 to 8 cm (1 to 3 in) over the next week, depending on precipitation amounts and upstream flow changes. The current outflow of Lake of the Woods is 800 m3/s. With the current precipitation forecast an outflow increase to 850 m3/s is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday June 18th.
The current level of Lac Seul is 355.91 m (1167.68 ft), a 45th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level increased by 17 cm (7 in) over the past week and is expected to increase by 8 to 14 cm (3 to 5.5 in) over the next week. Lac Seul authorized outflow is 300 m3/s with no additional outflow increases currently planned.
If you have any questions, comments or observations, please contact the Secretariat at secretariat@lwcb.ca or by calling 1-800-661-5922. This Noticeboard will be updated regularly as conditions develop.
For more information on Namakan and Rainy Lakes, visit the Water Level Notices page of the International Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Board.