On June 11th, the LWCB visited Lac Seul First Nation, where they met with Chief Clifford Bull and Councillors in Frenchman’s Head. Led by the Chief and other members of the First Nation, the LWCB were treated to an amazing boat tour of Lac Seul, and the opportunity to see many of the historical and significant areas of the First Nation. The boat tour ended on the shores of Manitou Miniss, one of Lac Seul First Nation’s sacred sites, where Mona Gordon, member of Grand Council Treaty #3 Women’s Council, honoured the LWCB by inviting them to participate in the Spring Offering for the Northern Direction.
On June 12th, the LWCB also visited the Wabigoon River hydrometric gauge with members of the Water Survey of Canada Winnipeg Operations Team, who provided a demonstration of a discharge measurement using a remote operated boat. That afternoon, the LWCB held its Regulation Meeting in Dryden, attended by specific interest groups and resource agencies, and adopted its Regulation Strategy for the next few months.
With less rain over the weekend we have seen inflows to Lake of the Woods and Lac Seul stabilize and begin to decline. At this time inflows are still in the high normal range for this time of year. There is still significant precipitation in the forecast this week and as such additional outflow increases from Lake of the Woods will be required.
The current level of Lake of the Woods is 323.15 m (1060.2 ft) , a 60th 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 3 to 11 cm (1 to 4 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 planned for Tuesday June 18th and an additional increase to 900 m3/s is tentatively scheduled for Thursday June 20th.
Each of these flow changes will cause a levels along the Winnipeg River to increase by approximately 15 cm, (6 in) directly downstream of the Norman Dam, by 10 cm (4 in) above the Dalles, and by 10 cm (4 in) at Minaki.
The current level of Lac Seul is 355.97 m (1167.9 ft), a 45th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level increased by 15 cm (6 in) over the past week and is expected to increase by 12 to 20 cm (5 to 8 in) over the next week. Lac Seul authorized outflow is 300 m3/s with no changes currently scheduled.