MB Hydro Water Levels Forecast for November 2025

Overall precipitation across the Lake Winnipeg and Churchill River basins has been well below normal for over two years. System inflows remain among the lowest recorded in the past 40 years for this time of year. Manitoba Hydro understands that community members may have concerns about low water levels. Manitoba Hydro advises community members to use caution on the waterways during these times of low water levels.

For water level and flow information, including near real-time water levels and 14-day forecast estimates, please visit Manitoba Hydro’s website at https://www.hydro.mb.ca/waterlevels.

The anticipated schedule of monthly average releases from the Notigi Control Structure for the seasonal period from November 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026 is as follows.

November 2025 – 17,925 cfs
December 2025 – 21,742 cfs
January 2026 – 24,869 cfs
February 2026 – 23,141 cfs
March 2026 – 19,892 cfs

The anticipated monthly average water levels at the Nelson House Gauge for the seasonal period from November 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026 are as follows.

November 2025 – 792.2 feet
December 2025 – 793.8 feet
January 2026 – 795.6 feet
February 2026 – 795.4 feet
March 2026 – 793.4 feet

These projections are based on the information available as of October 30, 2025. Actual releases at the Notigi Control Structure and water levels at the Nelson House Gauge may vary with changes in energy system requirements and/or hydrologic/hydraulic conditions.

The water level of Footprint Lake rose to 790.8 ft in response to local precipitation and is forecast to remain fairly constant through mid-November, then gradually increase to 792.8 ft by the end of November following the stepped increases to Notigi outflows. The water level continues to be well below average and record low for this time of year due to the ongoing provincial drought conditions.

During the month of December the level of the lake is expected to rise 1 foot 9 inches to elevation 794.8 feet by the end of the month.

Notigi outflow is low for this time of year at 15,000 cfs, and is forecast to increase in steps to 19,800 cfs by the end of November.

During the month of December the outflow is expected to gradually increase to 24,000 cfs by the end of the month.

Southern Indian Lake inflow is significantly below average at 21,500 cfs. The lake inflow is expected to gradually decrease to 15,100 cfs by the end of November. These inflows are near record low for this time of year.

During the month of December the inflow is expected to gradually increase to 17,700 cfs by the end of the month.

On November 1, 2025 the Odei River flow is forecasted to be 2,500 cubic feet per second (cfs). The flow is expected to gradually decrease to 1,200 cfs by the end of November.

During the month of December the flow is expected to gradually decrease to 600 cfs by the end of the month.

Missi outflow is 4,250 cfs and is expected to remain constant through November as required by licence.