May 2024

Spring conditions in the Winnipeg River basin have so far been favourable, with an early freshet followed by moderate amounts of rainfall. Water levels on both Lake of the Woods and Lac Seul have been rising steadily within the normal range. Some Regulation Strategy targets that have been, or are on track to be achieved include the May 15^th preferred water level of 355.1 m on Lac Seul for fisheries, and the end-of-May water level target of 322.7 m (1058.7 ft) for Lake of the Woods under moderate inflow conditions. Flows on the English and Winnipeg Rivers are also slowly rising with steady precipitation and small outflow increases from Lake of the Woods.

The current level of Lake of the Woods is 322.67 m (1058.61 ft), a 40^th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level increased by 5 cm (2 in) over the last week and is expected to increase by 2 to 5 cm (1 to 2 in) over the next week, depending on precipitation amounts. Lake of the Woods authorized outflow is 200 m³/s with no changes scheduled at this time.

The current level of Lac Seul is 355.10 m (1165.0 ft), a 40^th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level increased by 10 cm (4 in) over the past week and is expected to increase by 8 to 12 cm (3 to 5 in) over the next week. Lac Seul authorized outflow is 150 m³/s with no changes scheduled.

The LWCB Basin Data page will not be updated on Monday, May 20^th (Victoria Day in Canada). Daily data updates and publication will resume on Tuesday, May 21^st.

The current level of Lake of the Woods is 322.62 m (1058.45 ft), a 40^th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level increased by 10 cm (3 in) over the last week and is expected to increase by 1 to 4 cm (1 to 2 in) over the next week. Lake of the Woods authorized outflow was increased to 175 m³/s today, May 9^th, and is scheduled to increase to 200 m³/s on Monday, May 13^th.

Each of these flow changes will cause the level of the Winnipeg River to increase by approximately 4 cm (2 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 355.00 m (1164.70 ft), a 40^th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. The lake level increased by 14 cm (5 in) over the past week and is expected to increase by 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3 in) over the next week. Lac Seul authorized outflow is 150 m³/s with no changes scheduled.

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If you have any questions about the survey or need assistance, please contact the Secretariat at secretariat@lwcb.ca or by calling 1-800-661-5922.

With the precipitation observed early in the week, tributaries in the southern part of the basin have started rising. Inflows to the major lakes are also increasing as a result. There is some rain forecast across the basin over the next few days before the forecast becomes dryer and inflows could potentially decrease.

The current level of Lake of the Woods is 322.54 m (1058.20 ft), a 35th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level increased by 5 cm (2 in) over the last week and is expected to increase 3 to 5 cm (1.2 to 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 354.88 m (1164.30 ft), a 35th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. Lake inflows and levels continue to increase. The lake level increased by 13 cm (5 in) over the past week and is expected to increase by 7 to 11 cm (2.8 to 4.3 in). Lac Seul authorized outflow is 150 m³/s with no changes currently scheduled.