Conditions in the Winnipeg River basin remain very wet. Although there was a dry period following the large rainfall event on June 18th and 19th, the magnitude of the event coupled with more recent rain has led to sustained high-normal flows across the basin. The headwaters of the Rainy-Namakan basin received the highest amounts of precipitation, which resulted in local flooding.
More rain is forecast to occur this weekend and into next week which will lead to continued high flows and rising levels across the basin. Inflows to Lake of the Woods and Lac Seul will increase with this upcoming precipitation.
The current level of Lake of the Woods is 323.26 m (1060.6 ft) , a 75th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level increased by 7 cm (3 in) over the last week and is expected to increase by 9 to 17 cm (3.5 to 7 in) over the next week, depending on precipitation amounts and upstream flow changes. The current outflow of Lake of the Woods is 1150 m3/s. With more rainfall in the forecast, all logs are being pulled from the Norman Dam, and outflow is expected to reach 1200 m3/s by Friday, June 28th. This additional flow is expected to raise the level of the Winnipeg River as follows:
- Below Norman Dam: 14 cm (5.5 in)
- Above Kimberley Rapids: 12 cm (5 in)
- Winnipeg River Marina: 12 cm (5 in)
- Near Locke Bay: 12 cm (5 in)
- Above Myrtle Rapids: 12 cm (5 in)
- Above the Dalles: 12 cm (5 in)
- Above Throat Rapids: 12 cm (5 in)
- Minaki: 9 cm (3.5 in)
The current level of Lac Seul is 356.15 m (1168.5 ft), a 40th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level increased by 9 cm (3.5 in) over the past week and is expected to increase by 13 to 19 cm (5 to 7.5 in) over the next week. Lac Seul authorized outflow is 300 m3/s with no changes currently scheduled.
The LWCB Basin Data page will not be updated on Monday, July 1st (Canada Day). Daily data updates and publication will resume on Tuesday, July 2nd.