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2022.06.15 Level Forecast

The current level of Lake of the Woods is 324.05 m (1063.1 ft), over 95th percentile level for this time of year. The average lake level rose by 6.5 cm (2 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 remain quite stable over the next 7 days with a decrease of less than 1 cm (0.5 in) or an increase of up to 2 cm (1 in), depending on the rainfall received across the region. Should weather be favourable, the lake level may be near a peak. However, a return to normal summer levels will likely take many weeks. A return to wet weather could result in a second, higher peak.

As the lake gradually stabilizes, the outflow from the lake will change little. This should result in the level of the Winnipeg River between Kenora and Minaki to also stabilize, with any local precipitation adding temporarily to levels in this stretch of the river. The Winnipeg River level rise over the next 7 days below Norman Dam is expected to be no more than 1-2 cm (0.5 in) with less rise further downstream from Kenora, reaching less than 1 cm (0.5 in) at Minaki. 

The current level of Lac Seul is 356.83 m (1170.7 ft), over 95th percentile level for this time of year. Lac Seul inflow remains very high, resulting in a rise of 6 cm (2.5 in) over the past week. Lac Seul authorized outflow is 800 m³/s with no changes currently scheduled.