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 20^th 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 25^th 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!

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 30^th and 31^st. 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 20^th 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 25^th 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.

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 22^nd and 23^rd. 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 25^th 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 15^th to 18^th 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 17^th 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 17^th an increase of 12 cm (5 in) followed by a similar decrease after the outage is completed that day.
• On October 18^th 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 35^th 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 17^th.

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 20^th 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 11^th.

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 15^th to 18^th 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 15^th to 17^th 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 15^th to 17^th a daily increase of 12 cm (5 in) followed by a similar decrease after the outage is completed that day.
• On October 18^th 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 40^th 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.

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

The Lake of the Woods Control Board is hosting a public open house in Winnipeg on October 30^th 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.

Dry weather has persisted over the past week and continues through the forecast period with the exception of potential rainfall on October 6^th. 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 30^th 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 4^th
• 200 m³/s Monday October 7^th
• 175 m³/s Wednesday October 9^th

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

• 5 cm (2 in) below the Norman Dam October 4^th and 7^th, and 4 cm (1.5 in) October 9^th
• 2 cm (1 in) below the Dalles October 4^th and 7^th, and 1 cm (<0.5 in) October 9^th
• 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 45^th 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.

Conditions in the South of the basin are forecast to remain dry over the next week. This will lead to decreasing levels on Lake of the Woods without further outflow reductions.

The current level of Lake of the Woods is 322.79 m (1059 ft), a 35^th percentile level, in the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level decreased 3 cm (1 in) over the last week and is expected to remain stable or decrease by 1 cm (less than 0.5 in). To reduce the rate of level decline, two outflow reductions are planned for next week:

• 275 m³/s Tuesday October 1^st
• 250 m³/s Thursday October 3^rd

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

• 5 cm (2 in) below the Norman Dam
• 2 cm (1 in) below the Dalles
• The water level at Minaki will not be impacted by this outflow reduction.

The current level of Lac Seul is 356.36 m (1169.16 ft), a 45^th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level increased by 3 cm (1 in) over the past week and is expected to decrease 1 to 3 cm (less than 0.5 in to 1 in). Lac Seul authorized outflow is 300 m³/s. An increase to 350 m³/s is scheduled for Monday September 30^th.

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The LWCB Basin Data page will not be updated on Monday, September 30^th (Truth and Reconciliation Day, Canada). Daily data updates and publication will resume on Tuesday, October 1^st.

After recent rainfall across the Winnipeg River basin last week, lake levels have increased slightly. The forecast indicates dry conditions for the next week which is expected to lead to decreasing inflows in the southern portion of the basin. In the northern portion of the basin inflows remain higher.

The current level of Lake of the Woods is 322.81 m (1059.1 ft), a 35^th percentile level, in the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level remained stable over the last week and over the last week and is expected to remain relatively stable over the next week, increasing or decreasing by 1 cm (less than 0.5 in).

Outages are planned for the Norman Dam and Kenora Powerhouse as indicated in last week’s noticeboard post. Estimated changes in level downstream as a result of the outages can be found at the link above. After the work is completed at the Norman Dam on September 25^th, outflow will be restored to 300 m³/s, a 25 m³/s decrease from flows before the outage.

This outflow decrease will mean that levels after the outage will be:

• 5 cm (2 in) less than before the outage below the Norman Dam
• 2 cm (1 in) less than before the outage below the Dalles
• The water level at Minaki will not be impacted by this outflow reduction.

The current level of Lac Seul is 356.37 m (1169.19 ft), a 45^th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level increased by 7 cm (3 in) over the past week and is expected to decrease 2 to 4 cm (1 to 1.5 in). Lac Seul authorized outflow is 300 m³/s. An increase to 350 m³/s is scheduled for Thursday September 26^th.

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The LWCB Basin Data page will not be updated on Monday, September 30^th (Truth and Reconciliation Day, Canada). Daily data updates and publication will resume on Tuesday, October 1^st.

The Winnipeg River Basin has received a significant amount of rain over the past 3 days, following several weeks of relatively dry weather. This rainfall has caused flows in tributaries to increase along with inflow to the main lakes. While some rain is expected today and tomorrow the following week is expected to return to dry weather.

As outflow from most lakes in the basin was low due to the dry weather, this rapid increase in flow has caused levels to climb. This increase will be temporary as dry weather is expected to cause flows to decrease over the coming week.

The current level of Lake of the Woods is 322.83 m (1059.2 ft), a 35^th percentile level, in the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level increased by 1 cm (less than 0.5 in) over the last week and is expected to remain relatively stable over the next week, increasing or decreasing by 1 cm (less than 0.5 in) depending on rainfall.

The dam operator is planning work around the Norman Dam and Kenora Powerhouse for September 25^th and 26^th. This will require no flow through the structures for the duration of the work. The work at the Norman Powerhouse will be completed September 25^th from 12:00 to 19:00 CDT. During this outage, outflow from Lake of the Woods will be reduced to 127 m³/s through the Kenora Powerhouse only. The work at the Kenora Powerhouse will be completed September 26^th from 9:30 to 12:30 CDT. During this outage, outflow from Lake of the Woods will be 325 m³/s through the Norman Powerhouse only. Once both outages are complete, outflow from Lake of the Woods will be restored to the authorized 325 m³/s with flow through both the Norman Dam and Kenora Powerhouse.

These outages will cause temporary level fluctuations along the Winnipeg River as follows:

Directly downstream of the Norman Dam:

• On September 25^th a large decrease of up to 50 cm (20 in) followed by a similar increase after the outage is completed that day.
• On September 26^th an increase of 15 cm (6 in) followed by a similar decrease after the outage is completed that day.

Directly downstream of the Kenora Powerhouse:

• On September 25^th an increase of 8 cm (4.5 in) followed by a similar decrease after the outage is completed that day.
• On September 26^th a decrease of 8 cm (4.5 in) followed by a similar increase after the outage is completed that day.

Above the Dalles:

• On September 25^th a decrease of 12 cm (5 in) followed by a similar increase after the outage is completed that day.
• On September 26^th no significant level changes are anticipated.

The water level at Minaki will not be affected by these flow changes.

These level changes are estimates based on flow through the structures and actual level changes may vary. For any questions related to these outages, please contact the Secretariat by emailing secretariat@lwcb.ca or calling 1-800-661-5922.

The current level of Lac Seul is 356.34 m (1169.09 ft), a 40^th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level increased by 3 cm (1 in) over the past week and is expected to increase 1 cm (less than 0.5 in) before decreasing by 1 to 3 cm (less than 0.5 to 1 in) over the next week. Lac Seul authorized outflow is 300 m³/s with no changes scheduled.

Conditions have remained very dry over the past week and as a result inflows have continued to decline. The figure below shows the total precipitation over the last 3 days. This dry pattern has persisted since September 6th.

Although there is some potential for rainfall in the forecast, with outflow reductions from Rainy Lake, inflows to Lake of the Woods are expected to continue decreasing, requiring further outflow reductions.

The current level of Lake of the Woods is 322.82 m (1059.1 ft), a 30^th percentile level, in the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level decreased by 4 cm (1.5 in) over the last week and is expected to remain relatively stable over the next week, increasing or decreasing by 2 cm (1 in) depending on rainfall. Outflow reductions at Lake of the Woods will continue to slow the rate of level decline. Lake of the Woods authorized outflow will decrease to:

• 350 m³/s on Thursday, September 12^th
• 325 m³/s on Monday, September 16^th
• 300 m³/s on Wednesday, September 18^th

The scheduled outflow reductions will cause levels along the Winnipeg River to decline as follows:

• Directly downstream of the Norman Dam: approximately 5 cm (2 in) September 12^th, 5 cm (2 in) September 16^th, and 5 cm (2 in) September 18^th for a total drop of 15 cm (6in) total drop by September 18^th
• Above the Dalles: approximately 3 cm (1 in) September 12^th, 2 cm (1 in) September 16^th and 2 cm (1 in) September 18^th for a total drop of 7 cm (3 in) total drop by September 18^th
• The water level at Minaki will not be affected by these flow changes.

The current level of Lac Seul is 356.31 m (1168.99 ft), a 30^th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level declined by 3 cm (1 in) over the past week and is expected to decrease 1 to 5 cm (0.5 to 2 in) over the next week. Lac Seul authorized outflow is 300 m³/s with no changes scheduled.