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October 2024

2024.10.31 Conditions Update

Portions of the basin along the international border received some rainfall over the last 24 hours. Forecasts indicate that generally dry conditions will persist over the next few days, with a chance of additional precipitation early next week. This rain will help maintain flows and lake levels as cooler temperatures set in.

The current level of Lake of the Woods is 322.65 m (1058.6 ft), a 20th percentile level, just below the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level decreased 2 cm (0.5 in) over the last week and is expected to remain stable or decrease by 2.5 cm (1 in) over the next week. Authorized outflow is 150 m3/s with no changes scheduled.

The current level of Lac Seul is 356.09 m (1168.3 ft), a 25th percentile level, within the low-normal range for this time of year. The average lake level decreased by 5 cm (2 in) over the last week and is expected to remain stable or decrease by 3 cm (1 in) over the next week. Lac Seul authorized outflow is 300 m3/s with no changes scheduled.

Happy Halloween! Pumpkin

2024.10.24 Conditions Update

Rainfall over the past few days has provided some relief to dry conditions but flows across the basin remain low. The forecast remains generally dry with some potential for a larger rainfall event on October 30th and 31st. There is some uncertainty around this rainfall event but it is not expected to increase inflows significantly.

The current level of Lake of the Woods is 322.67 m (1058.63 ft), a 20th percentile level, just below the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level decreased 2 cm (1 in) over the last week and is expected to remain stable or decrease by 1 cm (<0.5 in). Authorized outflow is 150 m3/s with no changes scheduled.

The current level of Lac Seul is 356.15 m (1168.47 ft), a 25th percentile level, within the low-normal range for this time of year. The average lake level decreased by 5 cm (2 in) over the past week and is expected to decrease 3 to 5 cm (1 to 2 in). Lac Seul authorized outflow 300 m3/s with no changes scheduled.

2024.10.17 Conditions Update and Lac Seul Outflow Changes

Moderate rainfall earlier this week provided some relief to dry conditions but flows across the basin remain low. The forecast remains generally dry with the exception of a rainfall event October 22nd and 23rd. Weekly totals from the forecast could reach up to 75 mm around Lac Seul and 20-40 mm around Lake of the Woods. This is expected to temporarily increase inflows before dry conditions return.

The current level of Lake of the Woods is 322.69 m (1058.69 ft), a 25th percentile level, in the low-normal range for this time of year. The average lake level decreased 1 cm (<0.5 in) over the last week and is expected to remain stable or decrease by 1 cm (<0.5 in). Authorized outflow is 150 m3/s with no changes scheduled.

There are full station outages planned next week from October 15th to 18th at the Norman Dam and Kenora Powerhouse, again for work being completed by the dam operators. These outages will cause temporary level fluctuations along the Winnipeg River. Because Lake of the Woods outflow is lower than it was back in September when similar outages were conducted, the expected change in Winnipeg River levels is less, as follows:

Directly downstream of the Norman Dam:

  • On October 17th a decrease of up to 30 cm (12 in) followed by a similar increase after the outage is completed that day. Levels are expected to drop between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm daily.

Directly downstream of the Kenora Powerhouse:

  • On October 17th an increase of 12 cm (5 in) followed by a similar decrease after the outage is completed that day.
  • On October 18th a decrease of 5 cm (2 in) followed by a similar increase after the outage is completed that day.

Water levels further downstream at the Dalles are expected to fluctuate very little (not noticeable) and water levels at Minaki will not be affected by these outages.

The current level of Lac Seul is 356.20 m (1168.64 ft), a 35th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level decreased by 5 cm (2 in) over the past week and is expected to decrease 1 to 3 cm (>0.5 to 1 in). Lac Seul authorized outflow is will decrease to 300 m3/s Thursday October 17th.

2024.10.10 Conditions Update and Lake of the Woods Outflow Changes

Dry weather has continued over the past week with the brief rainfall providing minor relief. The forecast indicates minimal rainfall over the week and as such inflows will continue to be low.

The current level of Lake of the Woods is 322.70 m (1058.7 ft), a 20th percentile level, in the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level decreased 4 cm (2 in) over the last week and is expected to remain stable or decrease by 2 cm (1 in). To continue to balance outflows and inflows, Lake of the Woods outflow will be reduced to 150 m3/s Friday October 11th.

As a result, levels along the Winnipeg River will decrease as follows:

  • 3 cm (1 in) below the Norman Dam
  • 1 cm (less than 0.5 in) below the Dalles
  • The water level at Minaki will not be impacted by this outflow reduction.

There are full station outages planned next week from October 15th to 18th at the Norman Dam and Kenora Powerhouse, again for work being completed by the dam operators. These outages will cause temporary level fluctuations along the Winnipeg River. Because Lake of the Woods outflow is lower than it was back in September when similar outages were conducted, the expected change in Winnipeg River levels is less, as follows:

Directly downstream of the Norman Dam:

  • From October 15th to 17th a daily decrease of up to 30 cm (12 in) followed by a similar increase after the outage is completed that day. Levels are expected to drop between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm daily.

Directly downstream of the Kenora Powerhouse:

  • From October 15th to 17th a daily increase of 12 cm (5 in) followed by a similar decrease after the outage is completed that day.
  • On October 18th a decrease of 5 cm (2 in) followed by a similar increase after the outage is completed that day.

Water levels further downstream at the Dalles are expected to fluctuate very little (not noticeable) and water levels at Minaki will not be affected by these outages.

The current level of Lac Seul is 356.26 m (1168.83 ft), a 40th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level decreased by 5 cm (2 in) over the past week and is expected to decrease 5 to 6 cm (2 to 2.5 in). Lac Seul authorized outflow is 350 m3/s, but has dropped slightly because of declining lake levels. There will be no outflow adjustments due to the dry conditions.


The LWCB Basin Data page will not be updated on Monday, October 14th (Thanksgiving, Canada). Daily data updates and publication will resume on Tuesday, October 15th.

Lake of the Woods Control Board Public Open House

The Lake of the Woods Control Board is hosting a public open house in Winnipeg on October 30th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Hampton Inn (Airport/Polo Park). See details below.

Board members and Secretariat staff will be available to review and discuss water level and flow conditions across the Winnipeg River basin, as well as answer any questions.

2024.10.03 Conditions Update and Outflow Changes

Dry weather has persisted over the past week and continues through the forecast period with the exception of potential rainfall on October 6th. These dry conditions along with upstream flow reductions from Rainy Lake are leading to continually decreasing inflows to Lake of the Woods. To balance outflows with inflows additional outflow reductions will be required.

The current level of Lake of the Woods is 322.74 m (1058.85 ft), a 30th percentile level, in the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level decreased 5 cm (2 in) over the last week and is expected to remain stable or decrease by 2 cm (1 in). To continue to balance outflows and inflows, 3 outflow reductions are planned:

  • 225 m3/s Friday October 4th
  • 200 m3/s Monday October 7th
  • 175 m3/s Wednesday October 9th

These outflow changes will cause levels along the Winnipeg River to decrease as follows:

  • 5 cm (2 in) below the Norman Dam October 4th and 7th, and 4 cm (1.5 in) October 9th
  • 2 cm (1 in) below the Dalles October 4th and 7th, and 1 cm (<0.5 in) October 9th
  • The water level at Minaki will not be impacted by this outflow reduction.

The current level of Lac Seul is 356.31 m (1168.99 ft), a 45th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level decreased by 6 cm (2.5 in) over the past week and is expected to decrease 5 to 6 cm (2 to 2.5 in). Lac Seul authorized outflow is 350 m3/s with no changes scheduled.