Map of Churchill and Nelson rivers with control structures and generating stations.
Enlarge image: Map of Churchill and Nelson rivers with control structures and generating stations.
Churchill River (Southern Indian Lake to Hudson Bay)
Fall freeze-up on the Lower Churchill River is expected to start over the next few weeks.
This summer brought low precipitation throughout the province including the Churchill River Basin.
Inflow to Southern Indian Lake (SIL) from Saskatchewan is extremely low at about 13,100 cubic feet per second (cfs) compared to average flows for this time of year of around 35,000 cfs. Last year at this time, inflows were around 15,700 cfs. The water level on Southern Indian Lake is 847 ft, which is similar to last year at this time. The lake level is expected to begin dropping in November as outflows from the Notigi and Missi Falls Control Structures are increased Outflows from SIL at the Missi Falls Control Structure have been low all summer in response to the Churchill River drought conditions. Current Missi outflows are around 2,200 cfs with a planned increase to 4,250 cfs by the end of October as required by licence.
Water levels of the downstream lakes are similar to those experienced in 2023 due to another dry year in the Churchill River Basin. Like last year, water levels of downstream lakes will be rising in November due to Missi outflow increases in October.
Partridge Breast Lake is 793.9 ft. Last year it was 793.9 ft. Northern Indian Lake is 770.1 ft. In 2023 it was 770 ft. Fidler Lake is 752.2 ft. Last year it was 751.9 ft. Billard Lake is 616.3 ft. In 2023 it was 616.1 ft.
Water level at the CR30 Pumphouse is 15.8 ft and can be expected to remain fairly constant for the next several weeks.
*Flows on the Lower Churchill River are influenced by upstream inflows, control structure operations, precipitation, temperatures, and inflows from local tributaries. Conditions can change rapidly if a large rainfall or snowfall event occurs or ice jamming. Outlook information will be updated as conditions change.
The Outlook is based on a combination of current and forecasted weather data from Environment and Climate Change Canada; recent and historic streamflow conditions based on both federal and Manitoba Hydro data; and Manitoba Hydro regulation models for Reindeer Lake and SIL.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact:
Waterway Community Engagement
204-360-3505
WCE@hydro.mb.ca