The current level of Lake of the Woods is 323.00 m (1059.7 ft), an 50th percentile level, in the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level decreased by 8 cm (3 in) over the last week and is expected to decrease by 2 to 5 cm (0.5 to 2 in), over the next week.
The basin received almost no precipitation over the past week, and only moderate amounts of rainfall are expected over the next week. Therefore, additional outflow reductions are required to continue to slow the rate of level decline on Lake of the Woods. Authorized outflow will decrease to:
- 725 m3/s on Friday, August 23rd
- 675 m3/s on Monday, August 26th
- 625 m3/s on Wednesday, August 28th
- 575 m3/s on Friday, August 30th
The scheduled outflow reductions will cause levels along the Winnipeg River to decline as follows:
- Directly downstream of the Norman Dam: approximately 14 cm (5.5 in) with each outflow reduction, 43 cm (17 in) total drop by August 30th
- Above the Dalles: approximately 9 cm (3.5 in) with each outflow reduction, 27 cm (10.5 in) total drop by August 30th
- Minaki: Once Lake of the Woods outflow falls below 700 m3/s, the level at Minaki will once again be managed by the Whitedog Dam forebay elevation. The water level will drop approximately 13 cm (5 in) before stabilizing at or below 316.09 m (1037.0 ft) early next week.
The current level of Lac Seul is 356.41 m (1169.3 ft), a 35th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level declined by 0.5 cm (0.5 in) over the past week and is expected to remain stable over the next week. Lac Seul authorized outflow is 350 m3/s with no changes scheduled.