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 has started and will continue over the next couple 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 18,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) compared to average flows for this time of year of around 30,000 cfs. Last year at this time, inflows were around 23,000 cfs. The water level on Southern Indian Lake is 846.8 ft. Last year it was lower at 846.3 ft. The lake level is expected to continue to drop in November as outflows from Notigi Control Structure are increased. Outflows from Southern Indian Lake at the Missi Falls Control Structure have been low all summer in response to Churchill River drought conditions. Current Missi outflows are around 4,200 cfs.
Water levels of the downstream lakes are similar to those experienced in 2023 due to another dry year in the basin. Similar to last year, they will be rising in November due to Missi outflow increases in October.
Partridge Breast Lake is 794.6 ft. Last year it was also 794.6 ft. Northern Indian Lake is 770.7 ft. In 2023 it was 770.6 ft. Fidler Lake is 753.1 ft. Last year it was 753 ft. Billard Lake is 617 ft. In 2023 it was also 617 ft.
Water level at the CR30 Pumphouse have risen and fallen during ice formation but seem to be stabilizing at about 15.7 ft.
*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