Dry conditions are expected to persist across the Winnipeg River basin. Recent pockets of local precipitation have had little to no impact on the inflow to the major lakes. The Board continues to follow the guidelines in its Regulation Strategy to 1) store water in Lac Seul in case of ongoing dry conditions in the fall, and 2) achieve a balance between interests on Lake of the Woods and the Winnipeg River as water supply remains well below normal.
The current level of Lake of the Woods is 322.87 m (1059.3 ft), a 15th percentile level, below the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level declined by 2.5 cm (1 in) over the past week and is expected to decline by 1 to 3 cm (0.5 to 1.5 in) over the next week. Lake of the Woods authorized outflow will decrease to 225 m3/s on Friday, July 24.
These outflow reductions will cause the level of the Winnipeg River to decline by approximately 5 cm (2 in) directly downstream of the Norman Dam and 2 cm (1 in) above the Dalles. The level at Minaki will not be affected by this flow change.
The current level of Lac Seul is 356.14 m (1168.3 ft), a 25th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. The lake level increased by 4.5 cm (1.8 in) over the last week and is expected to increase by 4 to 7 cm (1.5 to 2.5 in) over the next week. Lac Seul authorized outflow will decrease to 150 m3/s on Friday, July 24.