After recent rainfall across the Winnipeg River basin last week, lake levels have increased slightly. The forecast indicates dry conditions for the next week which is expected to lead to decreasing inflows in the southern portion of the basin. In the northern portion of the basin inflows remain higher.
The current level of Lake of the Woods is 322.81 m (1059.1 ft), a 35th percentile level, in the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level remained stable over the last week and over the last week and is expected to remain relatively stable over the next week, increasing or decreasing by 1 cm (less than 0.5 in).
Outages are planned for the Norman Dam and Kenora Powerhouse as indicated in last week’s noticeboard post. Estimated changes in level downstream as a result of the outages can be found at the link above. After the work is completed at the Norman Dam on September 25th, outflow will be restored to 300 m3/s, a 25 m3/s decrease from flows before the outage.
This outflow decrease will mean that levels after the outage will be:
- 5 cm (2 in) less than before the outage below the Norman Dam
- 2 cm (1 in) less than before the outage below the Dalles
- The water level at Minaki will not be impacted by this outflow reduction.
The current level of Lac Seul is 356.37 m (1169.19 ft), a 45th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level increased by 7 cm (3 in) over the past week and is expected to decrease 2 to 4 cm (1 to 1.5 in). Lac Seul authorized outflow is 300 m3/s. An increase to 350 m3/s is scheduled for Thursday September 26th.
The LWCB Basin Data page will not be updated on Monday, September 30th (Truth and Reconciliation Day, Canada). Daily data updates and publication will resume on Tuesday, October 1st.