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2023.10.04 Level Forecast and Lake of the Woods Outflow Increase

Over the past few days, severe thunderstorms have been impacting parts of the Winnipeg River basin, bringing some much needed rainfall. Although some areas have received locally high rainfall amounts, the basin remains in a moderate drought and tributary flows are low. A return to drier and cooler weather is expected as of this weekend.

The current level of Lake of the Woods is 322.68 m (1058.6 ft), a 15th 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 remain stable over the next week. With inflows slowly increasing due to rain and additional outflow from Rainy Lake upstream, Lake of the Woods authorized outflow will increase to 150 m3/s tomorrow, Thursday October 4.

This flow increase will cause levels on the Winnipeg River to rise 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 356.11 m (1168.3 ft), a 15th percentile level for this time of year. The lake level increased by 3 cm (1 in) over the past week and is expected to remain stable 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 9 which is Thanksgiving in Canada.