Lake & Reservoir Forecasts

Lake Manitoba, Lake Winnipegosis and Lake St. Martin Forecast

April 26, 2006

A forecast for Lake Manitoba from now through August, 2006 is attached in the form of a table and a chart.

The forecast for Lake St. Martin is at the bottom of the table.

• Lake Winnipegosis is experiencing a very high inflow this spring due to the record flood on the Red Deer River, the Overflowing River and due to high inflows from the Swan River, Woody River, Mossy River, Whitemud River and other streams.
• Lake Winnipegosis is likely to rise to 833 feet, which is among the highest on record. This will produce high inflows to Lake Manitoba via the Waterhen River for the next few months.
• The attached forecast for Lake Manitoba is based on no change in gate settings at Fairford Dam. The level rises above the top of the range of regulation (812.5 feet) for the median condition and to somewhat above 813 feet for the upper decile. The peak level of 813.35 in August 2005, created significant flooding.
• The present gate settings at Fairford Dam will be maintained. Releasing more water at Fairford Dam would pose a risk of flooding on Lake St. Martin in the event of wet weather developing.

LAKE MANITOBA TABLE - April 26, 2006

LAKE MANITOBA CHART - April 26, 2006

Hydrologic Forecast Centre
Water Branch,
Manitoba Water Stewardship