The current level of Lake of the Woods is 323.11 m (1060.1 ft), a 55th percentile level, in the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level decreased by 13 cm (4 in) over the last week and is expected to decrease by 6 to 10 cm (2 to 4 in), over the next week.
Over the last week, dam operators did no accurately estimate outflow at the outlet of Lake of the Woods. As a result, additional outflow reductions are required to achieved an authorized outflow of 875 m3/s by Saturday, August 17th as planned. Lake of the Woods outflow will decrease by approximately:
- 100 m3/s on Wednesday, August 14th
- 93 m3/s on Friday, August 16th
If conditions remain dry, similar outflow reductions will be required the following week to slow the rate of lake level decline. The scheduled outflow reductions will cause levels along the Winnipeg River to decline as follows:
- Directly downstream of the Norman Dam: 30 cm (12 in) with each outflow reduction, 53 cm (21 in) total drop by August 17th
- Above the Dalles: 23 cm (9 in) with each outflow reduction, 40 cm (16 in) total drop by August 17th
- Minaki: 20 cm (8 in) with each outflow reduction, 34 cm (13 in) total drop by August 17th