Although the basin received less precipitation over the last week, inflow to Lake of the Woods remains high, between 1,400 and 1,600 m³/s, at 85^th percentile for this time of year. As a result, the lake level has increased sharply, coming up 17 cm (7 in) over the last week. The current lake level of 322.95 m (1059.55 ft) is 5 cm ( 2 in) below the normal summer level of 323.0 m (1059.7 ft) and 117 cm (46 in) below the peak level in 2022 of 324.12 m (1063.39 ft).

The basins upstream of Lake of the Woods are slow to drain and outflow from Rainy Lake has been increased over the last few days. There is a significant rainfall event forecasted for June 3^rd which could deliver up to 40 mm (1.5 in) of rainfall across a large portion of the Winnipeg River basin and directly over parts of Lake of the Woods. This rainfall, in addition to the high outflows from Rainy Lake, will sustain high inflows to Lake of the Woods over the next week. To manage lake level rise and avoid having the lake fill up too quickly, additional outflow increases are required as outlined below.

The current level of Lake of the Woods is 322.95 m (1059.55 ft), a 55^th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level increased by 17 cm (7 in) over the last week and is expected to increase by 10 to 18 cm (4 to 7 in) over the next week, depending on precipitation amounts and upstream flow changes. Lake of the Woods authorized outflow will increase to:

• 650 m³/s today, Friday May 31^st
• 750 m³/s on Monday June 3^rd
• 800 m³/s on Wednesday June 5^th.

These flow changes will cause significant level increases downstream on the Winnipeg River. By Thursday June 6^th, water levels will have increased by approximately 58 cm (23 in) directly downstream of the Norman Dam and by 38 cm (15 in) above the Dalles. Because Lake of the Woods outflow will surpass 700 m³/s, the water level at Minaki will start to rise and will increase by 18 cm (7 in) over the next week.

The current level of Lac Seul is 355.58 m (1166.6 ft), a 45^th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level increased by 28 cm (11 in) over the past week and is expected to increase by 14 to 20 cm (5.5 to 8 in) over the next week. Lac Seul authorized outflow is 300 m³/s with no additional outflow increases currently planned.

If you have any questions, comments or observations, please contact the Secretariat at secretariat@lwcb.ca or by calling 1-800-661-5922. This Noticeboard will be updated regularly as conditions develop.

For more information on Namakan and Rainy Lakes, visit the Water Level Notices page of the International Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Board.

Over the weekend, moderate precipitation amounts that have kept inflows rising across the basin. Most areas saw at least 15 mm since Friday with some areas seeing closer to 30 mm. As the level of Lake of the Woods continues to increase, additional outflow increases are planned to manage the rate of climb.

The current level of Lake of the Woods is 322.91 m (1059.41 ft), a 55^th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level increased by 18 cm (7 in) over the last week and is expected to increase by 9 to 16 cm (3.5 to 6 in) over the next week, depending on precipitation amounts and upstream flow changes. Lake of the Woods authorized outflow is 550 m³/s and will increase to 600 m³/s today Wednesday May 29^th and to 650 m³/s Friday May 31^st. There is a tentative outflow increase planned to 700 m³/s Monday June 3^rd.

Each of these flow changes will cause a levels along the Winnipeg River to increase by approximately 14 cm, (5.5 in) directly downstream of the Norman Dam and by 8.5 cm (3 in) above the Dalles. The level at Minaki will not be affected by these flow changes, but could increase due to local inflow.

The current level of Lac Seul is 355.51 m (1166.4 ft), a 45^th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level increased by 29 cm (11 in) over the past week and is expected to increase by 20 to 27 cm (8 to 10.5 in) over the next week. Lac Seul authorized outflow is 240 m³/s with a planned increase to 300 m³/s today, Wednesday May 27^th.

If you have any questions, comments or observations, please contact the Secretariat at secretariat@lwcb.ca or by calling 1-800-661-5922. This Noticeboard will be updated regularly as conditions develop.

For more information on Namakan and Rainy Lakes, visit the Water Level Notices page of the International Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Board.

Although the basin received high rainfall over the last few days, so far inflows have been manageable and lake level are rising within their normal ranges.  Most of the basin received 50 to 60 mm on Tuesday evening and Wednesday.  This resulted in very rapidly increasing flows in the tributaries and a sudden jump in lake levels (8 cm at Lac Seul and 5 cm at Lake of the Woods).  Forecasts are predicting a chance for some moderate rainfall this Friday and Saturday, followed by much drier conditions next week.  This means high tributary flows and lake inflows will be temporary.

The current level of Lake of the Woods is 322.74 m (1058.86 ft), a 40^th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level increased by 7 cm (3 in) over the last week and is expected to increase by 5 to 12 cm (2 to 5 in) over the next week, depending on precipitation amounts and upstream flow changes. Lake of the Woods authorized outflow is 400 m³/s with planned outflow increases to 480 m³/s tomorrow May 24^th and 550 m³/s Monday May 27^th. More outflow increases may be required depending on the amount of the rainfall over the next week.  

These flow changes will cause a large and rapid increase in levels along the Winnipeg River. By Tuesday, water levels will have increased by approximately 35 cm, (14 in) directly downstream of the Norman Dam and by 20 cm (8 in) above the Dalles. The level at Minaki will not be affected by these flow changes, but could increase due to local inflow.

The current level of Lac Seul is 355.25 m (1165.5 ft), a 40^th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level increased by 14 cm (5.5 in) over the past week and is expected to increase by 17 to 22 cm (6.5 to 8.5 in) over the next week. Lac Seul authorized outflow is 200 m³/s with a planned increase to 240 m³/s Friday May 24^th.

If you have any questions, comments or observations, please contact the Secretariat at secretariat@lwcb.ca or by calling 1-800-661-5922. This Noticeboard will be updated regularly as conditions develop.

For more information on Namakan and Rainy Lakes, visit the Water Level Notices page of the International Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Board.

Conditions in the Winnipeg River basin are beginning to change quickly. The basin has received larger amounts of precipitation over the past week and over the weekend. Most of the basin received a 7-day total of 25 mm with some areas totaling up to 40 mm.

A low pressure system is forecast to impact the Winnipeg River basin starting this evening, bringing heavy rainfall over the next couple of days. Environment Canada has issued a Rainfall Warning covering the entire basin. This system could bring up to 80 mm (3 in) of rainfall tonight through tomorrow. Forecasts indicate weekly totals could exceed 150 mm (6 in).

This large amount of rainfall will cause flows in tributaries and inflows to the major lakes to rise quickly. Although outflow increases are being made in advance of the upcoming precipitation at Namakan Lake, Rainy Lake and Lake of the Woods, outflows are lower than the expected inflows. Therefore, lake levels will rise and additional, larger outflow increases will be required at Lake of the Woods and may be required at Lac Seul. These outflow increase will be made in consideration of downstream impacts, but levels along the English and Winnipeg Rivers are expected to rise considerably over the next week. 

The current level of Lake of the Woods is 322.72 m (1058.79 ft), a 40^th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level increased by 6 cm (2.5 in) over the last week and is expected to increase by 15 to 35 cm (6 to 14 in) over the next week, depending on precipitation amounts. Lake of the Woods authorized outflow is 200 m³/s with planned outflow increases to 225 m³/s today May 21^st, 300 m³/s Wednesday May 22^nd, and 400 m³/s Thursday May 23^rd. More outflow increases may be required depending on the severity of the rainfall over the next couple of days.  

Flow changes this week will cause a large and rapid increase in levels along the Winnipeg River. By Friday, water levels will have increased by approximately 40 cm, (16 in) directly downstream of the Norman Dam and by 16 cm (6 in) above the Dalles. The level at Minaki will not be affected by these flow changes, but could increase due to local inflow.

The current level of Lac Seul is 355.2 m (1165.4 ft), a 40^th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level increased by 13 cm (5 in) over the past week and is expected to increase by 30 to 46 cm (12 to 18 in) over the next week. Lac Seul authorized outflow is 150 m³/s with a planned increase to 200 m³/s Wednesday May 22^nd.

If you have any questions, comments or observations, please contact the Secretariat at secretariat@lwcb.ca or by calling 1-800-661-5922. This Noticeboard will be updated regularly as conditions develop.

For more information on Namakan and Rainy Lakes, visit the Water Level Notices page of the International Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Board.

Spring conditions in the Winnipeg River basin have so far been favourable, with an early freshet followed by moderate amounts of rainfall. Water levels on both Lake of the Woods and Lac Seul have been rising steadily within the normal range. Some Regulation Strategy targets that have been, or are on track to be achieved include the May 15^th preferred water level of 355.1 m on Lac Seul for fisheries, and the end-of-May water level target of 322.7 m (1058.7 ft) for Lake of the Woods under moderate inflow conditions. Flows on the English and Winnipeg Rivers are also slowly rising with steady precipitation and small outflow increases from Lake of the Woods.

The current level of Lake of the Woods is 322.67 m (1058.61 ft), a 40^th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level increased by 5 cm (2 in) over the last week and is expected to increase by 2 to 5 cm (1 to 2 in) over the next week, depending on precipitation amounts. Lake of the Woods authorized outflow is 200 m³/s with no changes scheduled at this time.

The current level of Lac Seul is 355.10 m (1165.0 ft), a 40^th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level increased by 10 cm (4 in) over the past week and is expected to increase by 8 to 12 cm (3 to 5 in) over the next week. Lac Seul authorized outflow is 150 m³/s with no changes scheduled.

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The LWCB Basin Data page will not be updated on Monday, May 20^th (Victoria Day in Canada). Daily data updates and publication will resume on Tuesday, May 21^st.

The current level of Lake of the Woods is 322.62 m (1058.45 ft), a 40^th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level increased by 10 cm (3 in) over the last week and is expected to increase by 1 to 4 cm (1 to 2 in) over the next week. Lake of the Woods authorized outflow was increased to 175 m³/s today, May 9^th, and is scheduled to increase to 200 m³/s on Monday, May 13^th.

Each of these flow changes will cause the level of the Winnipeg River to increase by approximately 4 cm (2 in) directly downstream of the Norman Dam and by 1 cm (0.5 in) above the Dalles. The level at Minaki will not be affected by these flow changes.

The current level of Lac Seul is 355.00 m (1164.70 ft), a 40^th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. The lake level increased by 14 cm (5 in) over the past week and is expected to increase by 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3 in) over the next week. Lac Seul authorized outflow is 150 m³/s with no changes scheduled.

If you have any questions about the survey or need assistance, please contact the Secretariat at secretariat@lwcb.ca or by calling 1-800-661-5922.

With the precipitation observed early in the week, tributaries in the southern part of the basin have started rising. Inflows to the major lakes are also increasing as a result. There is some rain forecast across the basin over the next few days before the forecast becomes dryer and inflows could potentially decrease.

The current level of Lake of the Woods is 322.54 m (1058.20 ft), a 35th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level increased by 5 cm (2 in) over the last week and is expected to increase 3 to 5 cm (1.2 to 2 in) over the next week, depending on precipitation amounts. Lake of the Woods authorized outflow is 150 m³/s with no changes scheduled.

The current level of Lac Seul is 354.88 m (1164.30 ft), a 35th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. Lake inflows and levels continue to increase. The lake level increased by 13 cm (5 in) over the past week and is expected to increase by 7 to 11 cm (2.8 to 4.3 in). Lac Seul authorized outflow is 150 m³/s with no changes currently scheduled.

The Winnipeg River basin received more precipitation than was expected over the last week, especially in the North and East.

There are two systems in the forecast potentially bringing more precipitation, with totals for the upcoming week between 30 and 40 mm. Much of this precipitation is expected to fall Friday April 26th through Saturday April 27th with more coming early next week.

Tributary flows, and lake inflows and levels have started rising into the normal range. The rain has helped the basin recover from the below average snowpack and lack of runoff from snowmelt. However, continued rainfall into May and June will be required to sustain normal flows and levels throughout the spring and summer.

The current level of Lake of the Woods is 322.48 m (1058.01 ft), a 40^th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level increased by 2 cm (1 in) over the last week and is expected to increase 5 to 11 cm (2 to 4 in) over the next week, depending on precipitation amounts. Lake of the Woods authorized outflow is 150 m³/s with no changes scheduled.

The current level of Lac Seul is 354.74 m (1163.85 ft), a 35^th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. Lake inflows and levels increased rapidly over the last week in response to higher-than-expected precipitation amounts. The lake level increased by 10 cm (4 in) over the past week and is expected to increase by 12 to 18 cm (5 to 7 in). Lac Seul authorized outflow is 150 m³/s with no changes currently scheduled.

The current level of Lake of the Woods is 322.46 m (1057.94 ft), a 35^th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level increased by 3 cm (1.2 in) over the last week and is expected to increase 1 to 3 cm (0.4 to 1.2 in) over the next week, depending on precipitation amounts. Lake of the Woods authorized outflow is 150 m³/s with no changes scheduled..

The current level of Lac Seul is 354.64 m (1163.52 ft), a 25^th percentile level, which is at the bottom of the normal range for this time of year. The lake level increased by 5 cm (2 in) over the past week and is expected to remain relatively stable over the next week depending on precipitation amounts. Lac Seul authorized outflow is 150 m³/s with no changes currently scheduled.