With additional rainfall from another Colorado Low this weekend, the next outflow increase from Lake of the Woods has been scheduled for Sunday, May 1. Lake of the Woods outflow will be increased from 925 m³/s to 1025 m³/s. The Winnipeg River is expected to rise as follows in response to the outflow increase, with additional temporary rise likely due to local runoff and rainfall:
Below Norman Dam: 30 cm (12 in)
Above Kimberley Rapids: 24 cm (10 in)
Winnipeg River Marina: 24 cm (10 in)
Near Locke Bay: 23 cm (9 in)
Above Myrtle Rapids: 22 cm (9 in)
Above the Dalles: 22 cm (9 in)
Above Throat Rapids: 23 cm (9 in)
Minaki: 19 cm (8 in)
With Sunday’s increase, outflow is estimated to be at 92% of maximum capacity. Maximum outflow capacity is limited by the lake level, which provides the pressure to push water out of the lake and past Norman Dam. As the lake continues to rise, outflow will also gradually rise as will the level of the Winnipeg River.
The LWCB will meet again on Monday, May 2 to review the latest conditions and forecasts and evaluate further outflow increases.