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 15th 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 40th 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 40th 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 20th (Victoria Day in Canada). Daily data updates and publication will resume on Tuesday, May 21st.