The current level of Lake of the Woods is 324.01 m (1063.0 ft), over 95th percentile level for this time of year. The average lake level rose by 7 cm (3 in) over the past week. The lake level has risen above the 2014 peak of 323.78 m (1062.29 ft) and is below the record peak since regulation began of 324.31 m (1064.0 ft), set in July of 1950. The dams in Kenora remain fully open and no additional actions can be taken to limit lake level rise.
The level of Lake of the Woods is expected to rise by approximately 3-7 cm (1-3 in) over the next 7 days, depending on the rainfall received across the region. Should weather be favourable, a peak may be reached by the third week of June followed by a gradual drop. However, a return to normal summer levels will likely take many weeks and will be delayed should there be a return to wet weather.
As the lake continues to rise, the outflow from the lake will very gradually rise. This should result in the level of the Winnipeg River between Kenora and Minaki also gradually rising, with any local precipitation adding temporarily to levels in this stretch of the river. The level rise over the next 7 days below Norman Dam and down to Minaki is expected to be 1-2 cm (1 in). Outflow from the Whitedog dam is expected to increase very gradually as it passes the water coming from the Norman dam, plus any local inflows.
The current level of Lac Seul is 356.80 m (1170.6 ft), over 95th percentile level for this time of year. Lac Seul inflow remains very high, resulting in a rise of 8 cm (3 in) over the past week. Lac Seul authorized outflow is 800 m³/s with no changes currently scheduled.
The main body of Lac Seul is expected to either drop by 1 cm (1/2 in) or rise by 2.5 cm (1 in) over the next 7 days depending on the amount of rainfall received.
Flows and levels on the English River downstream of Lac Seul, including the level at Grassy Narrows, are expected to continue declining as local tributary flows continue to fall. The level of the Winnipeg River at Boundary Falls is expected to continue dropping over the coming week.
The rate of level decline on the lakes and rivers could slow if the region experiences higher than expected rainfall over the coming week. However, the overall declining trends are not expected to change over the next week.