The current level of Lake of the Woods is 322.41 m (1057.8 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 is expected to increase by up to 2 cm (1 in) over the next week. Lake of the Woods authorized outflow is 250 m3/s, with no changes scheduled.
The current level of Lac Seul is 354.78 m (1164.0 ft), a 20th percentile level, below the normal range for this time of year. The lake level declined by 6 cm (2.5 in) over the last week and is expected to decrease by 6 to 7 cm (2.5 in) over the next week. Lac Seul authorized outflow is 300 m3/s, with no changes scheduled.
Spring Regulation Strategy
On March 19, the LWCB held its spring Regulation Meeting in Kenora and adopted its Spring Regulation Strategy. The strategy outlines regulation targets for various inflow conditions for the period of March to the end of June, and was developed considering basin conditions, hydrological and meteorological forecasts and the input from various interests concerned with basin management.
Winter 2024-2025 was characterized by differences in snowpack and winter severity between the southern and northern portions of the basin, which is reflected in the lake level targets and outlooks for Lake of the Woods and Lac Seul. There is uncertainty in longterm precipitation forecasts, which indicate equal chances of above or below normal precipitation in early spring, requiring close monitoring of conditions.
Lake of the Woods
Winter baseflows in tributaries of the Lake of the Woods and Rainy-Namakan basins were low due to underlying drought conditions. Snowpack was also below average around Lake of the Woods and along the Rainy River. These factors point towards the potential for average to below normal spring inflow driven by baseflow and snow melt. While balancing the risk of above normal spring rainfall, the regulation strategy targets a normal lake level for the end of March. Conditions will be monitored throughout the spring so that outflow can be adjusted to ensure refill and rising lake levels, while considering downstream impacts.
Lac Seul
In the English River basin, snowpack was close to normal and tributary baseflows were also in the normal range. These factors point towards spring inflows that will be sufficient to support refill if normal spring precipitation develops. The regulation strategy targets a normal and slightly broader range of lake levels for mid-April, taking into consideration uncertainty in longterm precipitation forecasts. Adjustments to outflow will be made to first target a level that is suitable for the start of the refill period and then to ensure gradual refill, while considering downstream impacts.