2022.08.19 Level Forecast
Over the past week, large amounts of precipitation fell over many areas of the basin. Weekly totals were well above average ranging from 40 to 75 mm for most areas. This rainfall has caused tributary flows to increase temporarily and lake levels to stabilize for a day or two. This brief but intense rainfall will not stop the drawdown of Lake of the Woods and Lac Seul and precipitation conditions are forecasted to return to the normal range over the next week.
The current level of Lake of the Woods is 323.72 m (1062.1 ft), over 95th percentile level for this time of year. The average lake level declined by 10 cm (3 in) over the past week. Lake of the Woods is expected to decline at a rate of 10 to 12 cm (4 to 5 in) per week. The dams in Kenora remain fully open.
The Winnipeg River between Kenora and Minaki is expected to gradually fall between 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3 in) over the next week as the Lake of the Woods level falls.
The current level of Lac Seul is 356.62 m (1170.0 ft), an 80th percentile level for this time of year. The level of the main body of Lac Seul declined by 3 cm (1 in) over the past week and is expected to decline by 6 to 8 cm (2 to 3 in) over the next week. Lac Seul authorized outflow is 450 m³/s with no scheduled changes.