Early indications show that lake levels have continued to rise this week with the recent rainfall the region continues to receive, and levels are expected to remain high for several more weeks.
The Lake of the Woods Control Board says Lake of the Woods has now reached 323.85 metres or about 1062.5 ft, and it’s expected to rise by another 6” to 8” over the coming days.
The lake has seen an increase of about 6” since last Friday and remains above highs seen in 2014, where levels peaked at about 323.78m or 1062 ft. Levels still sit below Lake of the Woods’ all-time record of 324.31m or 1064 ft set back in 1950.
The Lake of the Woods Control Board adds that the level of the Winnipeg River between Kenora and Minaki is also expected to rise by another 1” to 2”.
As well, water levels on Lac Seul have risen by over 8” this week, which is nearing the Flood Reserve level for the Ear Falls Dam. The board adds another 6 to 9 inches can be expected over the next week.
The board notes the International Lake of the Woods Control Board has been activated to work with the Canadian control board to approve any actions on Lake of the Woods. This is required under the Canada-US Treaty when the lake reaches 323.39 m or about 1061 ft.
But since dams in the Kenora area have been fully opened since the lake was at a level of 323.24 m, or about 1060 ft, the board says no additional actions can be taken to limit the rate of the lake rising, and it will all depend on the amount of rainfall we see in the coming weeks.