The current level of Lake of the Woods is 323.96 m (1062.9 ft), over 95th percentile level for this time of year. The average lake level declined by 6 cm (2 in) over the past week. The lake level is 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. Over the next week the lake level is expected to decline by 12 to 14 cm (4.5 to 5.5 in).
Upstream, the level of Rainy Lake entered its Rule Curves on August 3rd. The first outflow reduction from Rainy Lake occurred on August 2nd and the second was completed August 5th. These flow reductions will have a direct effect on the level of Lake of the Woods, increasing its rate of decline.
With decreasing inflows to Lake of the Woods, the outflow from the lake will also gradually drop. Levels along the Winnipeg River will see moderate decreases of up to 10 cm (4 in) directly below the Norman Dam and 6 cm (2 in) at Minaki.
The current level of Lac Seul is 356.73 m (1170.4 ft), 90th percentile level for this time of year. The level of the main body of Lac Seul increased 2 cm (1 in) over the past week and is expected to decline by up to 5 cm (2 in) over the next week depending on rainfall. Lac Seul authorized outflow increased to 450 m³/s on Friday, August 5th.
Manitoba Hydro has provided the following forecast for the Winnipeg River through the Whiteshell.