2025.05.15 Conditions Update and Level Forecast
May 15, 2025 01:20 pm
The extremely hot and dry conditions across the Winnipeg River basin this week have allowed for tributary flows to peak and lake level rise to slow on both Lake of the Woods and Lac Seul.
Forest fires have developed near several hydropower dams along the Winnipeg and English Rivers in Ontario and Manitoba, resulting in evacuation of these facilities. Manitoba Hydro has issued a media release related to its facilities at Pointe du Bois and Slave Falls. Ontario Power Generation’s Whitedog and Caribou generating stations have also been evacuated, but remote management of gates at these two facilities is available to adjust flow through the dams.
To provide for stable flows along the Winnipeg and English Rivers while these facilities are evacuated, the LWCB has temporarily paused changes in outflow from Lake of the Woods and Lac Seul dams for the next several days. The Secretariat is in regular contact with OPG and Manitoba Hydro and will reassess conditions over the weekend.
The current level of Lake of the Woods is 322.89 m (1059.3 ft), a 70th percentile level, in the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level increased by 6.7 cm (2.6 in) over the last week and is expected to increase by 2.5 to 6.5 cm (1 to 2.5 in) over the next week. Lake of the Woods authorized outflow is 650 m3/s, with no changes scheduled.
The current level of Lac Seul is 355.23 m (1165.4 ft), a 60th percentile level, in the normal range for this time of year. The lake level increased by 15.7 cm (6.2 in) over the last week and is expected to increase by 15 to 18 cm (6 to 7 in) over the next week. Lac Seul authorized outflow is 200 m3/s, with no changes scheduled.