Water levels remain high on Rainy Lake and LoW

June 21, 2002–The impacts of the recent heavy rains continue to be felt in Northwest Ontario. Flows remain high throughout the Winnipeg River drainage basin and the levels of Lake of the Woods and Lac Seul continue to rise. In addition, the forecast of further rainfall adds to the risk that levels could continue to rise for an extended period. With high outflows from the main lakes, water levels along both the Winnipeg and English Rivers continue to rise as well.
The level of Lake of the Woods is 323.38 m (1061.0 ft), 40 cm (16 inches) above median for this time of year. While the rate of rise has slowed significantly since a week ago, the level hasstill risen 7 cm (3 inches) over the past 3 days and will continue to rise 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8 inches) over the next week. The Norman Dam at Kenora is discharging at its maximumcapability, and the outflow will continue to increase as the lake level rises.
The level of the Winnipeg River below the Norman Dam is 319.08 m (1046.9 ft), 2.4 m (8 ft) above normal. It is expected to rise an additional 42 cm (17 inches), to approximately the peak level reached in 2001. At Minaki the current level is 316.91 m (1039.7 ft), 82 cm (32 inches) above normal, and is expected to rise to about the same level as in 2001, a further rise of 59 cm (23 inches).
The level of Rainy Lake, upstream of Lake of the Woods, is presently 72 cm (28 inches) above its operating range specified by the International Joint Commission and is still rising. Its dam at International Falls/Fort Frances is wide open. The resulting high outflows from Rainy Lake, plus local runoff, will keep Lake of the Woods rising.
The level of Lac Seul has also been rising quickly. Its current level is 356.70 m (1170.3 ft), 80 cm (31 inches) above median for this time of year. Lac Seul is expected to rise 20 to 35 cm (8 to 14 inches) before reaching its peak. Recent actions taken by the Lake of the Woods Control Board have included directing Ontario Power Generation to close the Lake St. Joseph Diversion into Lac Seul on June 17 and increasing the outflow from Lac Seul at Ear Falls from 350 to 450 m 3 /s on June 18. In addition, at its meetings in Kenora on June 20, the Board decided that Ear Falls outflow should be increased further to 500 m 3 /s effective June 24. This additional water will lead to higher flows and levels in the English River downstream to the Manitoba/Ontario border.
Water levels in the Whiteshell region in Manitoba will continue to rise due to the high flows in both the English and Winnipeg Rivers. The current level of Nutimik Lake is 275.88 m (904.8 ft) and is expected to rise above last year’s high of 276.4 m (906.8 ft) and possibly to 276.74 m (907.9 ft), the level reached in 1992.
The amount of rainfall received over the next few weeks will have a significant impact on peak levels reached and on the length of time that flows and water levels remain high. Anyone concerned with water levels, especially on the Winnipeg River, should ensure that they stay informed by frequently accessing one of the information services listed below. Property owners should take any precautions necessary to minimize problems caused by the high water
levels. All users should exercise caution due to higher water levels and river currents.
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).