Flows in many areas of the Rainy-Lake of the Woods basin remain exceptionally high for the end of April. However, some major rivers, including the Big Fork and Little For Rivers in Minnesota and Rainy River, have crested and are declining. With dry weather, flows are expected to continue to decline but will still be very high. Wet weather could stall the drop in flows or have them climbing again. Most current weather forecasts indicate limited rainfall for the next week.
The current level of Lake of the Woods is 322.85 m (1059.2 ft), a 75th percentile level for this time of year. The average lake level rose by 25 cm (10 in) over the past week and is projected rise 15-25 cm (6-10 in) over the next week. This projection is based on current 7-day precipitation forecasts and expected outflow adjustments from Rainy Lake. Higher rainfall totals or higher outflows could see greater rise in the lake level.
The LWCB met this week to review the extreme conditions and evaluate further outflow increases from Lake of the Woods. It has directed a further outflow increase tomorrow and will reassess the need for additional increases on Monday, May 2.
Lake of the Woods outflow is scheduled to be increased on Friday, April 29 from 825 m³/s to 925 m³/s. The level of the Winnipeg River is expected to rise as follows as a result of this outflow increase:
Below Norman Dam: 30 cm (12 in)
Above Kimberley Rapids: 24 cm (10 in)
Winnipeg River Marina: 23 cm (9 in)
Near Locke Bay: 23 cm (9 in)
Above Myrtle Rapids: 22 cm (9 in)
Above the Dalles: 21 cm (8 in)
Above Throat Rapids: 22 cm (9 in)
Minaki: 20 cm (8 in)
The current level of Lac Seul is 354.91 m (1164.4 ft), a 55th percentile level for this time of year. The average lake level rose by 10 cm (4 in) over the past week and is expected to rise by 6-10 cm (2-4 in) over the next week. Lac Seul authorized outflow is scheduled to be increased from 150 to 225 m³/s on Friday, April 29.