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 remained stable over the last week and is expected to change little over the next week, with some rainfall in the forecast. Lake of the Woods authorized outflow is 150 m3/s with no outflow changes scheduled.
The current level of Lac Seul is 356.04 m (1168.11 ft), a 20th percentile level for this time of year. The lake level decreased 5 cm (2 in) and is expected to remain stable or decrease by approximately 4 cm (1.5 in) over the next week, depending on rainfall. Lac Seul authorized outflow is 300 m3/s with no changes currently scheduled.
Winter Regulation Strategy
On October 30, the Lake of the Woods Control Board (LWCB) held its fall Regulation Meeting in Kenora, attended by specific interest groups and resource agencies, and adopted its Regulation Strategy. The strategy outlines regulation targets for various inflow conditions for the period of November 2024 to March 2025. The Secretariat provided a review of current dry conditions and how outflows and levels on the major lakes had declined over the late summer and fall. Climate forecasts indicate La Nina conditions may occur over the winter potentially leading to colder temperatures and more snowfall. At the meeting, these outlooks were reviewed and considered when setting spring lake level targets.
With some uncertainty in the forecasted winter inflow to Lake of the Woods and Lac Seul, the strategy focuses on providing minimum flows along the English and Winnipeg Rives for hydropower production and plant heating, monitoring the drawdown of both lakes and adjusting spring target levels as winter progresses.
For Lake of the Woods, considering preferences heard from various interests, the strategy targets the low end of the spring level target range, to mitigate flood risk. For Lac Seul, the strategy recommends a spring level target that is lower than normal, but similar to last year’s target, to help supply core winter flows on the English and Winnipeg Rivers.
The LWCB Basin Data page will not be updated on Monday, November 11th (Remembrance Day, Canada). Daily data updates and publication will resume on Tuesday, November 12th.