Over the weekend, moderate precipitation amounts that have kept inflows rising across the basin. Most areas saw at least 15 mm since Friday with some areas seeing closer to 30 mm. As the level of Lake of the Woods continues to increase, additional outflow increases are planned to manage the rate of climb.
The current level of Lake of the Woods is 322.91 m (1059.41 ft), a 55th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level increased by 18 cm (7 in) over the last week and is expected to increase by 9 to 16 cm (3.5 to 6 in) over the next week, depending on precipitation amounts and upstream flow changes. Lake of the Woods authorized outflow is 550 m3/s and will increase to 600 m3/s today Wednesday May 29th and to 650 m3/s Friday May 31st. There is a tentative outflow increase planned to 700 m3/s Monday June 3rd.
Each of these flow changes will cause a levels along the Winnipeg River to increase by approximately 14 cm, (5.5 in) directly downstream of the Norman Dam and by 8.5 cm (3 in) above the Dalles. The level at Minaki will not be affected by these flow changes, but could increase due to local inflow.
The current level of Lac Seul is 355.51 m (1166.4 ft), a 45th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level increased by 29 cm (11 in) over the past week and is expected to increase by 20 to 27 cm (8 to 10.5 in) over the next week. Lac Seul authorized outflow is 240 m3/s with a planned increase to 300 m3/s today, Wednesday May 27th.
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.
Lake of the Woods Secretariat Notice Board Updates for 05/29/2024 (campaign-archive.com)