The current level of Lake of the Woods is 323.02 m (1059.8 ft), a 55th percentile level for this time of year. The average lake level decreased by 3 cm (1 in) over the past week and could increase by 2 cm (1 in) or decrease by 5 cm (2 in) over the next week depending on the rainfall forecasted for Saturday and Sunday. Lake of the Woods authorized outflow is 700 m3/s with no changes scheduled.
The current level of Lac Seul is 355.85 m (1167.5 ft), a 35th percentile level for this time of year. The lake level increased by 8 cm (3 in) over the past week and is expected to increase by 10 to 17 cm (4 to 7 in) over the next week. Lac Seul authorized outflow is 100 m3/s with no changes scheduled.
Summer/Fall Strategy
On June 15, the LWCB held its spring Regulation Meeting, attended by specific interest groups and resource agencies, and adopted its Summer/Fall Regulation Strategy. The strategy outlines regulation targets for various inflow conditions for the period of June to the end of October. The Secretariat provided a review of how inflows developed this spring and the refill status of the major lakes. Recent dry conditions and outlooks for summer precipitation and temperature were also reviewed.
For Lake of the Woods, the strategy targets a return to slightly lower summer lake levels given naturally receding inflows due to the dry conditions and an ongoing desire for lower levels to assist with property repairs following the 2022 flood.
For Lac Seul, with drought conditions developing this spring, the strategy is focused on lake refill to the preferred summer levels. The strategy also specifies avoiding outflow reductions unless necessary, to ensure adequate water downstream on the English River.