The Lake of the Woods Control Board met on May 2 to review current conditions and water level projections for Lake of the Woods. Inflow to Lake of the Woods is expected to continue to be well above the maximum outflow rate from the lake for the 7-day forecast period. Based on this projection, the lake is expected to rise towards the top of the legislated operating range by mid-May. The Board is directing the full opening of the Norman Dam by May 7 in response.
The current level of Lake of the Woods is 323.09 m (1060.0 ft), over 95th percentile for the first week of May. The average lake level rose by 30 cm over the past week and is expected to rise by 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) over the next week.
Lake of the Woods outflow is scheduled to be increased from 1025 to 1125 m³/s on Thursday, May 5. 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: 24 cm (10 in)
Near Locke Bay: 24 cm (10 in)
Above Myrtle Rapids: 24 cm (10 in)
Above the Dalles: 24 cm (10 in)
Above Throat Rapids: 24 cm (10 in)
Minaki: 18 cm (7 in)
Outflow will be increased again on Saturday, May 7, with the full opening of the Norman Dam. Details of the expected flow change and river level rise will be provided later in the week.
Flows in the English River and Lac Seul are expected to rise quickly over the next week with rapid melting of the heavy snowpack. Tributaries will likely see very rapid rise in level and flows.
The current level of Lac Seul is 355.0 m (1165.7 ft), a 55th percentile level for this time of year. The lake level rose by 10 cm (4 in) over the past week, and is expected to rise by 10-15 cm (4-6 in) over the next week.
Lac Seul authorized outflow is scheduled to be increased from 225 to 330 m³/s on Wednesday, May 4. A further increase is planned for later in the week, details for which will be provided on this Notice Board.