DR SCOTT FORBES – LAKE UPDATE

Thanks Scott for the most recent update that follows.

Lake Manitoba update: April 27, 2024

The spring freshet is underway and lake levels and river flows are average to below average for this time of year. Recent heavy rains resulted in the Portage Diversion being opened for a short period of time, reaching a peak flow of about 11,000 cfs that was diverted into Lake Manitoba from the Assiniboine River. The effect on the lake level, however, was minor, raising the lake level less than an inch. The opening of the Diversion is almost certainly unrelated to the recent ice damage near Twin Beaches: that is the result of melting lake ice and strong winds from the wrong direction at the wrong time. The level of Lake Manitoba is currently ~811.35 feet, slightly higher (~0.1 feet) than the level at the beginning of winter, and is still in the lower half of its desired operating range (today’s readings are affected by strong winds and overestimating the current lake level). Outflow at Fairford is modest at 2,250 cfs, which is still low for this time of year. The level of Lake St. Martin is has risen slightly from November to 798.89 feet, still well inside its desired operating range. Flow on the Dauphin River is 3637 cfs. Flow on the Waterhen River is 2,295 cfs, very close to the average flow for this time of year. The level of Lake Winnipegosis is currently 830.58 feet, right at its average level for the end of April. Flow on the Whitemud River is currently 399 cfs and falling. Flow on the Assiniboine is 9,924 cfs at Holland and 9,535 cfs at Headingly. The province is raising the level of the Shellmouth Reservoir: the current level of the reservoir is 1398.33 feet.

Lake update

Time: April 27, 2024

Steep Rock: 811.37 ft

Westbourne: 811.84 ft

Mean level Lake Manitoba: 811.60 ft (wind affected)

Lake Manitoba desired operating range: 810.5 to 812.5 ft

Lake St. Martin: 798.89 ft

Lake St. Martin desired operating range: 797.0 to 800.0 ft

Lake Winnipegosis: 830.58 ft

Shellmouth Reservoir: 1,398.33 ft

River update

Time: April 27 2024

Portage Diversion: closed

Assiniboine at Holland: 9,924 cfs

Assiniboine at Headingly: 9,535 cfs

Waterhen: 2,295 cfs

Whitemud: 399 cfs

Fairford: 2,250 cfs

Dauphin: 3,637 cfs

Extracted from the Environment and Climate Change Canada Real-time Hydrometric Data web site (https://wateroffice.ec.gc.ca/map/index_e.html) on April 27, 2024.

DR SCOTT FORBES – LAKE UPDATE

Thanks Scott for the most recent update that follows. Lake Manitoba update: January 2, 2024

The New Year brings a relatively uneventful update. Precipitation has been light, and water levels / river flows do not show any big changes from the last update in November. The level of Lake Manitoba is currently 811.25 feet, slightly higher (0.06 feet) than the level on Nov. 1 and is still in the lower half of its desired operating range. Outflow at Fairford has increased to 2,151 cfs, which is still low for this time of year. The level of Lake St. Martin is has risen slightly from November to 798.29 feet, still near the midpoint of its operating range. Flow on the Dauphin River is up to 4,556 cfs. Flow on the Waterhen River has fallen to 1,462 cfs, very close to the average flow for this time of year. The level of Lake Winnipegosis is down slightly to 830.05 feet, about 3-inches below its average level for January. The gauge on the Whitemud River is currently offline. Flow on the Assiniboine is currently 1,999 cfs at Holland and 1,275 cfs (and rising) at Headingly. The province is dropping the level of the Shellmouth Reservoir, which has increased Assiniboine flows since November. The current level of the reservoir is 1399.50 feet, about 1.4 feet lower than early November.

Lake update

Time: Jan. 2, 2024

Steep Rock: 811.21 ft

Westbourne: 811.29 ft

Mean level Lake Manitoba: 811.25 ft

Lake Manitoba desired operating range: 810.5 to 812.5 ft

Lake St. Martin: 798.29 ft

Lake St. Martin desired operating range: 797.0 to 800.0 ft

Lake Winnipegosis: 830.05 ft

Shellmouth Reservoir: 1,399.50 ft

River update

Time: Jan. 2, 2024

Portage Diversion: closed

Assiniboine at Holland: 1,999 cfs

Assiniboine at Headingly: 1,275 cfs

Waterhen: 1,462 cfs

Whitemud: gauge offline

Fairford: 2,151 cfs

Dauphin: 4,556 cfs

Extracted from the Environment and Climate Change Canada Real-time Hydrometric Data web site (https://wateroffice.ec.gc.ca/…/real_time_data_index_e.html) on Jan. 2, 2024.

Lake Manitoba update: November 1, 2023 (Dr. Scott Forbes)

The phrase which applies as we head into winter is ‘holding steady.’ Lake levels are holding steady and river flows hover around their average levels for this time of year. The level of Lake Manitoba is currently 811.18 feet, in the lower half of its desired operating range. It appears that the province reduced outflow at Fairford on October 30th, with the flow falling by about half to just 1127 cfs. The level of Lake St. Martin is holding steady at 798.04 feet, at the midpoint of its operating range. Flow on the Dauphin River is down to 2,295 cfs but should fall further with the reduced outflow upstream at Fairford. Flow on the Waterhen River is down to 2,479 cfs, right on the average flow for this time of year. The level of Lake Winnipegosis is holding steady at 830.39 feet, roughly its average level for this time of year. Flow on the Whitemud is 142 cfs. Flow on the Assiniboine is currently reading 904 cfs at Holland and 699 cfs at Headingly. The level of the Shellmouth Reservoir is also holding steady slightly to 1401.90 feet.

The fall has been uneventful and there is still nothing on the horizon that looks worrisome.

Lake update

Time: Nov. 1, 2023

Steep Rock: 810.86 ft

Westbourne: 811.50 ft

Mean level Lake Manitoba: 811.18 ft

Lake Manitoba desired operating range: 810.5 to 812.5 ft

Lake St. Martin: 798.04 ft

Lake St. Martin desired operating range: 797.0 to 800.0 ft

Lake Winnipegosis: 830.39 ft

Shellmouth Reservoir: 1,401.90 ft

River update

Time: Nov. 1, 2023

Portage Diversion: closed

Assiniboine at Holland: 904 cfs

Assiniboine at Headingly: 699 cfs

Waterhen: 2,479 cfs

Whitemud: 142 cfs

Fairford: 1,127 cfs

Dauphin: 2,295 cfs

Extracted from the Environment and Climate Change Canada Real-time Hydrometric Data web site (https://wateroffice.ec.gc.ca/mainmenu/real_time_data_index_e.html) on Nov. 1, 2023

Prelude to the Election: Meet and Greet

****ALMS presents election information as a public service to our members!. An informed electorate makes informed decisions.

A New Executive, An AGM and Channel Update

A new executive was voted in at the Annual General Meeting on May 16. Our new president is Jeannie Gurr, vice – Alice Dent, secretary – Chris Classen, treasurer – Rob Dent and member-at-large – David Domke. We wish them well and thank them for volunteering their time and energy on our behalf.

One of the highlights of the meeting was a Q and A with the claims manager and adjustor for the distribution of funds awarded in the Class Action lawsuit re flood of 2011 and 2014. The information as presented was that news of settlements are expected in September. Their file is presented to court, which does not meet July and August. We appreciated the Exchange Group’s continued willingness to meet with property owners and their professionalism.

Less appreciated was a news item on CTV, airing Thursday, noon. The past-president sent an email to the station manager, Jeff Bollenbach, in reaction to the narrative that this was a project to protect Lake St Martin with no mention of southern property ownera along Lake Manitoba. What follows is the letter sent on your behalf:

I was disappointed with the news item carried on the noon hour ‘show’ from Winnipeg. The news was that the Federal Government may finally complete the licensing necessary for this project to be operational. It is wrong to describe this as a response to the Lake St Martin community affected by the flooding in 2011 and 2014 without acknowledging the devastation and displacement of community along the shores of Lake Manitoba south of Lake St Martin. Recently a class action lawsuit was settled acknowledging the complicity of the Province in the flood by diverting water from the Assiniboine River into our lake.

Home owners, ranchers, farmers and businesses were evacuated from their properties, with many suffering catastrophic loss of their family homes and family business. Farmers still combat the after-effects of contaminated soil that reduces arable land. We certainly acknowledge and support the Lake St Marin community – just as we hope they support their southern neighbors.

The project has been a long time coming and will offer peace of mind against future flooding events to the whole of the Lake Manitoba and Northern communities. I salute the families who showed great resolve and resilience rebuilding their communities. 

As past-president of the Association of Lake Manitoba Stakeholders, I urge you to be more accurate in your reporting. Surely there is room in the current narrative for truth.

Sincerely,

Jack King

St. Laurent, MB

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING REVISED!

IMPORTANT CHANGES FOR THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. We have been unable to overcome technical issues and as a result will proceed with with our Annual General Meeting as in-person only! We apologize for any inconvenience that this causes.

The previous post details are unchanged. The doors open at the Westdale Community Club, 550 Dale Blvd at 6:30 with the meeting proper starting at 7:00pm on May 16.

To maximize participation in the election of a new executive, we will accept nominations via email: jrking1@xplortnet.ca from now until May 15 midnight. The nominee name, contact information and position: president, vice-president, secretary or treasurer should be included in the correspondence. Any statement of support will be accepted and announced at the meeting prior to voting. The elections chairperson will verify acceptance of those nominated.

We emphasize the importance of this annual meeting. New leadership will continue to advocate for completion of the Lake Manitoba-Lake St. Martin channel project, currently stalled in an environmental assessment.

Within the current executive there are varying views on the future of the organization. Some view the mission accomplished contending that ALMS disband. They favor a new path a broader range of allies that would continue to make representation to governments on the operation of the channels and environmental concerns.

An equally valid point of view was voiced that until the channels are a reality that ALMS has a continuing role to play on behalf of its members. They contend that too much effort has been expended to stop before we reach the finish line.

By all means weigh in with your opinions. No matter which voice prevails we need the leadership of a new executive to chart our course. Your vote has never been more important.

Lake Manitoba update: May 1, 2023 by Dr. Scott Forbes

Lake Manitoba update: May 1, 2023 

The spring freshet is well underway and we are seeing rising river flows and lake levels, but nothing alarming. The level of Lake Manitoba is currently 811.77 feet, up a quarter foot from a month ago. Outflow at Fairford is up to 4,280 cfs cfs, up about 200 cfs from last month. The level of Lake St. Martin is down to 800.00 feet, down nearly 0.6 feet from last month, and now at exactly the top end of its operating range. Flow on the Dauphin River is has risen modestly to 5,580 cfs. Flow on the Waterhen River is now springing back to life, hitting 3,673 cfs today, up from 720 cfs last month. The level of Lake Winnipegosis is up about a quarter foot from last month, sitting at 831.18 feet. Flow on the Whitemud is rising and is currently 48 cfs. Flow on the Assiniboine is 8864 cfs at Holland and 7981 cfs at Headingly. Assiniboine flow appears to have peaked and is now falling. The Portage Diversion is currently open, but the flow level (2457 cfs) is low and will have little effect on the lake level – that flow level will increase the lake level about 1.5 inches over a month. The level of the Shellmouth Reservoir is up about 3 feet from last month to 1401.03 feet, as the province is storing some of the spring runoff right now.  

All in all, it has been a fairly uneventful spring so far with nothing on the horizon that looks worrisome. 

Lake update 

Time: May 1, 2023 

Steep Rock: 811.68 ft 

Westbourne: 811.86 ft 

Mean level Lake Manitoba: 811.77 ft 

Lake Manitoba desired operating range: 810.5 to 812.5 ft 

Lake St. Martin: 800.00 ft 

Lake St. Martin desired operating range: 797.0 to 800.0 ft 

Lake Winnipegosis: 831.18 ft 

Shellmouth Reservoir: 1,401.03 ft 

River update 

Time: May 1 2023 

Portage Diversion: 2,497 cfs 

Assiniboine at Holland: 8,864 cfs 

Assiniboine at Headingly: 7,981 cfs 

Waterhen: 3,673 cfs 

Whitemud: 48 cfs 

Fairford: 4,280 cfs 

Dauphin: 5,580 cfs

Extracted from the Environment and Climate Change Canada Real-time Hydrometric Data web site (https://wateroffice.ec.gc.ca/mainmenu/real_time_data_index_e.html) on May 1, 2023. 

ANNOUNCING!

Annual General Meeting

May 16, 2023

Westdale Community Centre

550 Dale Boulevard, Winnipeg

7:00 -8:30pm

Doors open at 6:30pm

• Your participation may be ‘in person’ or virtually. Look for a follow up post with instructions to enable virtual participation as well as copies of reports.
• Election of Executive:  Secretary, Jeannie Gurr and treasurer, Alice Dent are willing to stand for re-election. Jack King, president and Scott Forbes, vice-president will retire from the executive. Harry Frederick retiring as director. Nominations will be accepted at the meeting. Nominees must be in attendance (virtual or in person)
• There will be opportunities to hear reports, question the executive and give comments and suggestions.
• A claims administrator from the Exchange Group will make a brief presentation on the class action lawsuit and answer questions.

Lake Manitoba update: April 1, 2023 by Dr. Scott Forbes

It has been an uneventful winter in the Lake Manitoba basin. Snowfall has been light, and lake and river levels are either stable or falling modestly. The level of Lake Manitoba is currently 811.50 feet, the midpoint of the desired operating range. That level is down about a quarter foot from the end of February. Outflow at Fairford is currently reading 4,061 cfs, down about 600 cfs from a month ago. The level of Lake St. Martin is sitting at 800.58 feet, down 0.3 feet from last month, but still above flood level. Flow on the Dauphin River is reading 5,015 cfs, as it looks like the gauge problems have been fixed. Flow on the Waterhen River is now down to just 720 cfs, about half the flow of a month ago. The level of Lake Winnipegosis is almost unchanged from last month, sitting at 830.92 feet. Flow on the Whitemud is now a trickle at 34 cfs. Flow on the Assiniboine is 844 cfs at Holland and 1222 cfs at Headingly. The level of the Shellmouth Reservoir is down about 4 feet from last month to 1393.65 feet, as the province was creating room for the spring runoff. 

Lake update 

Time: April 1, 2023 

Steep Rock: 811.44 ft 

Westbourne: 811.55 ft 

Mean level Lake Manitoba: 811.50 ft 

Lake Manitoba desired operating range: 810.5 to 812.5 ft 

Lake St. Martin: 800.58 ft 

Lake St. Martin desired operating range: 797.0 to 800.0 ft 

Lake Winnipegosis: 830.92 ft 

Shellmouth Reservoir: 1,397.65 ft 

River update 

Time: April 1 2023 

Portage Diversion: closed 

Assiniboine at Holland: 844 cfs 

Assiniboine at Headingly: 1,222 cfs 

Waterhen: 720 cfs 

Whitemud: 34 cfs 

Fairford: 4,061 cfs 

Dauphin: 5,015 cfs

Extracted from the Environment and Climate Change Canada Real-time Hydrometric Data web site (https://wateroffice.ec.gc.ca/mainmenu/real_time_data_index_e.html) on April 1, 2023. 

Lake Manitoba update: February 27, 2023 by Dr. Scott Forbes

It has been a relatively quiet winter in and around Lake Manitoba and the Assiniboine Basin. Snowfall has been light, and lake and river levels are either stable or falling modestly. The level of Lake Manitoba is currently 811.73 feet, down about 0.15 feet from Feb. 1. Outflow at Fairford is currently reading 4,626 cfs, down about 400 cfs from a month ago. The level of Lake St. Martin is sitting at 800.86 feet, little changed from last month, and still above flood level. Flow on the Dauphin River is reading 9,358 cfs, which (again) is likely a gauge error – the real flow is probably half that. Flow on the Waterhen River is down again to just 1,444 cfs, about 100 cfs lower than early February. The level of Lake Winnipegosis is unchanged from last month, currently sitting at 830.94 feet, the same level it was on February 1^st. Flow on the Whitemud is now a trickle at 41 cfs. Flow on the Assiniboine is 992 cfs at Holland and 1063 cfs at Headingly, and that flow is rising, as the province announced it was increasing the outflow from the Shellmouth Reservoir to create room for the spring freshet. The level of the Shellmouth Reservoir is down about 2 feet to 1395.71 feet. 

Lake update 

Time: February 27, 2023 

Steep Rock: 811.71 ft 

Westbourne: 811.75 ft 

Mean level Lake Manitoba: 811.73 ft 

Lake Manitoba desired operating range: 810.5 to 812.5 ft 

Lake St. Martin: 800.86 ft 

Lake St. Martin desired operating range: 797.0 to 800.0 ft 

Lake Winnipegosis: 830.94 ft 

Shellmouth Reservoir: 1,397.52 ft 

River update 

Time: February 27 2023 

Portage Diversion: closed 

Assiniboine at Holland: 992 cfs 

Assiniboine at Headingly: 1,063 cfs 

Waterhen: 1,444 cfs 

Whitemud: 41 cfs 

Fairford: 4,626 cfs 

Dauphin: 9,358 cfs (probably ice affected)

Extracted from the Environment and Climate Change Canada Real-time Hydrometric Data web site (https://wateroffice.ec.gc.ca/mainmenu/real_time_data_index_e.html) on February 27, 2023.