Water levels remain high in the region's rivers and lakes

News Release
LWCB

The LWCB advises that water levels and flows are very high in the English River system.
Appropriate precautions should be taken.
As a result of the continuing very wet conditions, the outflow from Lac Seul will be increased for the fourth time this month, from 780 to 850 m3/s on Tuesday, July 22nd. A discharge of 850 m3/s will exceed by about 50 m3/s the maximum outflow from Lac Seul during the fall flood of 1992. The last time the outflow was higher than this was 1959, when outflow at Ear Falls reached 920 m3/s. A further increase may be necessary.
On Lac Seul, the level of the main lake is in its flood reserve at 357.0 m (1171.3 ft), while the level at Hudson (Lost Lake) is 357.3 m (1172.4 ft). The main lake is 8 cm (3 in) below the peak level reached during the fall flood of 1992, and has risen 8 cm over the past week.
With an increase to 850 m3/s, the level of Pakwash Lake and the English River below Ear Falls could rise 40-65 cm (16-26 in) above today’s level, while the level further down the English River at Grassy Narrows could rise 25-60 cm (10-24 in) above today’s level. These estimates are approximate and depend on a number of factors under these conditions.
Due to the high outflows from both Lake of the Woods and Lac Seul, combined with local runoff, the Winnipeg River in Manitoba is also experiencing high and rising water levels.
The estimated rise in Nutimik Lake level over the next 2 to 3 weeks is 25 to 55 cm (10 to 22 in) above today’s level.
The current level of Lake of the Woods is 323.33 m (1060.8 ft). The lake level rose 2 cm (1 in) over the past week, but is expected to change little over the next week. Outflow from Lake of the Woods is 1030 m3/s.
Up-to-date information on lake levels and river flows in the Winnipeg River drainage basin can be obtained at the Lake of the Woods Control Board (LWCB) web site (http://www.lwcb.ca). Less detailed information can be obtained by calling the Board’s recorded message service at 1-800-667-5922. Additional information can be obtained by calling the Board’s Secretariat at 1-800-661-5922.