Levels and Flows for Rivers, Lakes, Reservoirs and Aquifers

Lakes Report

September 28, 2007

A report for 35 Manitoba lakes is attached. The two attached tables contain the following information:

1. Lake levels for late September, 2007 or the most recent level available.
2. The change in level since July 20, 2007 when a previous report was issued.
3. Predicted lake levels for late October, 2007 based on average weather.
4. The summer target level and the desirable range for the lake.
5. Comparative levels for late September of 2005 and 2006.

As of late September, 2007 most lakes in Manitoba were within their desirable range of levels. Many lakes had been at unusually high levels this spring and early summer due to heavy spring rain. However below average precipitation since mid July has resulted in large declines in lake levels. For example Big Whiteshell Lake, which is not controlled, has declined nearly four feet since early July. Large declines have also occurred on Red Deer Lake and on lakes in Nopiming Provincial Park.

Lake Winnipeg, which was at the top of its operating range in July, has declined to a near normal autumn level.  

Lake Winnipegosis has declined 0.85 feet since July but remains at its highest level since the mid 1950’s.

Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin remain above average levels due to high outflows from Lake Winnipegosis. Outflows from Lake Manitoba have been near the maximum possible without downstream flooding since June, 2005. 

Lake Of The Woods has recovered from an unusually low spring level to an average autumn level due to near normal summer precipitation and regulation of outflows by the Lake Of The Woods Control Board. 

Some smaller lakes in the Whiteshell have declined to below desirable levels but controlled lakes are at suitable levels.

Most lakes in northern Manitoba are at near normal levels for this time of year. 

Most lakes are expected to decline somewhat further from now until freeze-up based on average weather conditions. Continued dry weather this autumn could result in below desirable levels on some smaller lakes this winter but no significant problems are anticipated at this time.

Manitoba Water Stewardship will continue to monitor lake levels and coordinate operation of controlled lakes and reservoirs in cooperation with Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation and Manitoba Conservation.

Click on the following links to see the data/levels:

Southern Lake Sheet

Northern Lake Sheet