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April 2024

2024.04.25 Conditions Update and Levels Forecast

The Winnipeg River basin received more precipitation than was expected over the last week, especially in the North and East.

There are two systems in the forecast potentially bringing more precipitation, with totals for the upcoming week between 30 and 40 mm. Much of this precipitation is expected to fall Friday April 26th through Saturday April 27th with more coming early next week.

Tributary flows, and lake inflows and levels have started rising into the normal range. The rain has helped the basin recover from the below average snowpack and lack of runoff from snowmelt. However, continued rainfall into May and June will be required to sustain normal flows and levels throughout the spring and summer.

The current level of Lake of the Woods is 322.48 m (1058.01 ft), a 40th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level increased by 2 cm (1 in) over the last week and is expected to increase 5 to 11 cm (2 to 4 in) over the next week, depending on precipitation amounts. Lake of the Woods authorized outflow is 150 m3/s with no changes scheduled.

The current level of Lac Seul is 354.74 m (1163.85 ft), a 35th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. Lake inflows and levels increased rapidly over the last week in response to higher-than-expected precipitation amounts. The lake level increased by 10 cm (4 in) over the past week and is expected to increase by 12 to 18 cm (5 to 7 in). Lac Seul authorized outflow is 150 m3/s with no changes currently scheduled.

2024.04.18

The current level of Lake of the Woods is 322.46 m (1057.94 ft), a 35th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level increased by 3 cm (1.2 in) over the last week and is expected to increase 1 to 3 cm (0.4 to 1.2 in) over the next week, depending on precipitation amounts. Lake of the Woods authorized outflow is 150 m3/s with no changes scheduled..

The current level of Lac Seul is 354.64 m (1163.52 ft), a 25th percentile level, which is at the bottom of the normal range for this time of year. The lake level increased by 5 cm (2 in) over the past week and is expected to remain relatively stable over the next week depending on precipitation amounts. Lac Seul authorized outflow is 150 m3/s with no changes currently scheduled.

2024.04.11 Level Forecast

The current level of Lake of the Woods is 322.43 m (1057.84 ft), a 30th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level increased by 1 cm (0.5 in) over the last week and is expected to remain relatively stable, increasing by up to 6 cm (2.4 in) over the next week, depending on precipitation amounts. Lake of the Woods authorized outflow was decreased to 150 m3/s on Wednesday, April 10th.

The current level of Lac Seul is 354.56 m (1163.25 ft), a 25th percentile level, which is at the bottom of the normal range for this time of year. The lake level declined by 3 cm (1.2 in) over the past week and is expected to remain relatively stable, increasing up to 3 cm (1.2 in) over the next week. Lac Seul authorized outflow is 150 m3/s with no changes currently scheduled.

2024.04.04 Level Forecast and Outflow Reductions

The current level of Lake of the Woods is 322.42 m (1057.8 ft), a 35th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level declined by 1 cm (0.5 in) over the last week and is expected to remain relatively stable, increasing by up to 1.5 cm (0.6 in) over the next week. Lake of the Woods authorized outflow will decrease to 175 m3/s on Monday, April 8th and to 150 m3/s on Wednesday, April 10th.

Each of these flow changes will cause the level of the Winnipeg River to decrease by approximately 3 cm (1 in) directly downstream of the Norman Dam and by 1 cm (0.5 in) above the Dalles. The level at Minaki will not be affected by these flow changes.

The current level of Lac Seul is 354.59 m (1163.35 ft), a 25th percentile level, which is at the bottom of the normal range for this time of year. The lake level declined by 1 cm (0.5 in) over the past week and is expected to remain relatively stable, increasing up to 1 cm (0.5 in) over the next week. Lac Seul authorized outflow is 150 m3/s with no changes currently scheduled.