radical water level shift for LOTW opener

June 12, 2002

LAKE OF THE WOODS and WINNIPEG RIVER LEVELS

INCREASE DRAMATICALLY

The extreme rainfall event of the past few days over northwestern Ontario has led to a rapid and dramatic rise in inflows to Lake of the Woods. Parts of the Lake of the Woods basin have received 300 mm (12 inches) of rain in the past several days.

The level of Lake of the Woods is 323.09 m (1060 ft) and has risen 50 cm (20 inches). The current rate of rise is estimated at 15 cm (6 inches) per day but this should slow as the local inflows decline and outflows are increased. Lake of the Woods outflow was increased from 200 to 300 m3/s on Tuesday, June 11 and is being increased to 450 m3/s on Wednesday, June 12. Outflow is currently scheduled to be increased further to 600 m3/s on Thursday, June 13 and to 800 m3 /s on Friday, June 14. Conditions are constantly being monitored and adjustments may need to be made to these plans. 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. Further outflow increases, beyond those already scheduled, are likely.

http://www.lwcb.ca/noticeboard.html