September 2023

The current level of Lake of the Woods is 322.66 m (1058.6 ft), a 15^th percentile level for this time of year. The average lake level increased by 2 cm (0.5 in) over the past week and is expected to increase by up to 5 cm (2 in) over the next week. Lake of the Woods authorized outflow is 100 m³/s with no changes scheduled.

The current level of Lac Seul is 356.07 m (1168.2 ft), a 15^th percentile level for this time of year. The lake level decreased by 2 cm (0.5 in) over the past week and is expected to increase by up to 7 cm (3 in) over the next week. Lac Seul authorized outflow is 100 m³/s with no changes scheduled.

The Basin Data page will not be updated on Monday, October 2 due to the federal observance of the National Truth and Reconciliation Day.

The current level of Lake of the Woods is 322.65 m (1058.5 ft), a 15^th percentile level for this time of year. The average lake level decreased by 2 cm (0.5 in) over the past week and is expected to decline by 1 to 2 cm (0.5 in) over the next week. Lake of the Woods authorized outflow is 100 m³/s with no changes scheduled.

The current level of Lac Seul is 356.09 m (1168.3 ft), a 15^th percentile level for this time of year. The lake level increased by 2 cm (0.5 in) over the past week and is expected to remain stable over the next week.

Work to replace the Ear Falls Dam safety boom will begin on September 26 and crews will be in the water downstream of the dam. Lac Seul outflow will remain at 100 m³/s for the duration of the work.

The current level of Lake of the Woods is 322.66 m (1058.6 ft), a 15^th percentile level for this time of year. The average lake level decreased by 3 cm (1 in) over the past week and is expected to decline by 1 to 3 cm (1 in) over the next week. Lake of the Woods authorized outflow will decrease to 100 m³/s on Friday, September 15.

This outflow reduction will cause levels on the Winnipeg River to decrease by approximately 8 cm (2 in) downstream of the Norman Dam, 3 cm (1 in) at the Dalles and will cause very little level change at Minaki.

The current level of Lac Seul is 356.07 m (1168.2 ft), a 15^th percentile level for this time of year. The lake level declined by 2 cm (0.5 in) over the past week and is expected to remain stable over the next week.

The work to replace the Ear Falls Dam safety boom has been delayed and will now occur from September 26 to October 10. Lac Seul outflow will remain at 100 m³/s until then and for the duration of the work.

As drought conditions persist across the Winnipeg River basin, the Lake of the Woods Control Board (LWCB) is planning ahead for its upcoming October Regulation Meeting and setting targets for winter flows and end-of-winter levels. The LWCB has been reviewing long term forecasts and metrological indicators. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued an El Niño advisory, indicating it is very likely El Niño conditions will persist through the winter and that they may develop into a strong event.

You may have heard the term El Niño before. El Niño and La Niña describe the warming and cooling trends of climate patterns that develop over the Pacific Ocean. When ocean temperatures warm (El Niño) or cool (La Niña) they impact wind and rainfall patterns all over the globe, including North America. Generally, El Nino conditions cause warm and dry conditions in the Winnipeg River basin, and La Nina conditions cause cool and wet conditions. Studies have shown that El Niño and La Niña conditions can increase the risk of droughts and floods, respectively.

This winter, under El Niño conditions, the Winnipeg River basin can expect the predominant storm track to be further south, resulting in a milder winter with potentially lower than normal snowfall. With less snowfall over the winter, there in an increased chance for lower than normal spring flows. Thus, if El Niño conditions persist or strengthen over the winter and into next year, there is a chance drought conditions in the Winnipeg River basin may also persist.

Typical El Niño Winters, Graphic produced by NOAA, Published July 2021

In light of these developing conditions, the LWCB will temporarily decrease Lake of the Woods outflow to 100 m³/s on Friday, September 15. This outflow reduction is expected to last until mid-October.

By reducing outflow now, while inflow to the lake is at its lowest, some additional water will be stored in the lake. This extra storage will help maintain slightly higher lake levels over the course of the winter and ensure March lake levels are higher than those experienced under extreme drought conditions. To be clear, March lake levels are still expected to be lower than normal, however in case of extended drought conditions next year, having that little bit of extra storage may help provide sustained flows on the Winnipeg River.

This outflow reduction will cause levels on the Winnipeg River to decrease by approximately 8 cm (2 in) downstream of the Norman Dam, 3 cm (1 in) at the Dalles and will cause very little level change at Minaki.

If you have any concerns or questions about this outflow reduction, or drought conditions in the basin, please contact Secretariat staff by emailing us at secretariat@lwcb.ca or calling our toll free number at 1-800-661-5922.

The current level of Lake of the Woods is 322.69 m (1058.7 ft), a 15^th percentile level for this time of year. The average lake level decreased by 3 cm (1 in) over the past week and is expected to decline by 2 to 3 cm (1 in) over the next week. Lake of the Woods authorized outflow is 150 m³/s with no changes scheduled.

The current level of Lac Seul is 356.09 m (1168.3 ft), a 15^th percentile level for this time of year. The lake level remained stable over the past week and is expected to change little over the next week. Lac Seul authorized outflow is 100 m³/s with no changes scheduled.

From September 11 to 22, workers will be in the water downstream of the Ear Falls Dam to replace the safety boom. Therefore, Lac Seul outflow will remain at 100 m³/s for the duration of this work.