Levels have been steadily declining on Lake of the Woods for more than a week and are expected to continue declining with decreasing flows on the Rainy River upstream. The current level of Lake of the Woods is 323.24 m (1060.5 ft), an 85th percentile level, above the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level decreased by 6 cm (2 in) over the last week and is expected to decrease by 3 to 6 cm (1 to 2 in), over the next week. Lake of the Woods authorized outflow will decrease to 975 m3/s on Thursday, August 8th. Depending on precipitation, additional outflow reductions may be required next week.
This outflow reduction will cause levels along the Winnipeg River to decline by approximately 22 cm (8.5 in) directly downstream of the Norman Dam, 17 cm (6.5 in) above the Dalles and 14 cm (5.5 in) at Minaki.
Inflows and levels at Lac Seul are expected to remain stable over the next week. No outflow changes are planned with authorized outflow remaining at 350 m3/s.