Levels and Flows for Rivers, Lakes, Reservoirs and Aquifers

Lakes Report

May 8, 2008

This is the first lake report for Manitoba for 2008. Recent levels and forecast for 34 lakes are presented in the attached tables together with target levels and comparative data for two time periods in 2007. Note that there are two lake sheets in the attachment.

Following is a summary of lake conditions as of May 8, 2008:

• Lake Winnipeg and Lake Manitoba are at near normal levels for this time of year. Lake Winnipegosis is still well above average but is half a foot lower than at this time last year. Little further rise is likely on these lakes this spring unless significant precipitation develops. The level of Lake St. Martin is likely to be above average again this year but will be somewhat lower than last year and should not present a problem.
   
• Lakes in southwestern Manitoba experienced only small rises this spring due to minimal runoff and did not rise to their summer target levels. Pelican Lake is about one foot below its target level as flows in the upper Pembina River were insufficient to enable significant diversions into the lake via the Pelican Lake Diversion. Precipitation during the next few months will need to be well above average for the lake to reach its target level. The levels of Oak Lake, Plum Lake and Whitewater Lake are also below average. Continued dry weather could pose significant problems for these lakes this summer.
   
• Lakes in southeastern Manitoba including the Whiteshell and Nopiming Provincial Parks were quite low during much of April but have recovered to desirable levels. Operation of dams and a significant snowstorm on April 26 contributed to the recovery. Some uncontrolled lakes remain somewhat low.
   
• Lakes in western Manitoba from Riding Mountain to The Pas are generally at desirable levels. This includes Dauphin Lake, Lake Of The Prairies and most lakes on the vicinity of The Pas. Red Deer Lake is just slightly above its average spring level this year. No unusual difficulties are expected with these lakes with near normal weather conditions.
   
• Uncontrolled lakes in northern Manitoba are generally at average or somewhat above average levels. Some lakes have not yet fully recharged due to cool weather. Lakes on the Nelson River system are experiencing significant fluctuations due to flow regulation but no unusual problems are anticipated. Lakes along the Churchill River system are expected to rise significantly during May and June due to expected high runoff from the Saskatchewan portion of the watershed. Reindeer Lake is expected to rise to the top of its operation range despite increased outflows. The Saskatchewan Watershed Authority will regulate flows as best possible to prevent excessive levels. Flooding is not expected in the Manitoba portion of the Churchill River unless rainfall during the next few months is well above average in the watershed.

Hydrologic Forecast Centre
Regulatory and Operational Services,
Manitoba Water Stewardship

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

Southern Lake Sheet

Northern Lake Sheet