Hydrology: River discharge and level

The lower Winnipeg River basin (LWRB) is characterized by a mean annual discharge of 1,008 ± 294 m3/s at the Pine Falls Generating system, with peaks typically occurring in June and July. The river is a critical contributor to Lake Winnipeg, accounting for 49% of the mean monthly discharge of all rivers and streams entering the lake and providing the largest volume of water to it. Six run-of-river hydroelectric stations in the LWRB generate 583 MW of electrical capacity, representing approximately 10% of Manitoba's energy needs. Climate projections for the 2050s suggest a 6.9% increase in mean annual precipitation and a 3.3% increase in runoff, which may impact downstream nutrient loading. While water levels at most hydrometric stations remain relatively constant, Nutimik Lake shows seasonal trends.

• The mean annual discharge at the Pine Falls Generating system between 1987 and 2016 was 1,008 ± 294 m3/s, with peak flows generally occurring in June and July.
• The Winnipeg River is the primary water source for Lake Winnipeg, providing the greatest volume of water and 49% of the mean monthly discharge from all entering rivers and streams.
• Six run-of-river hydroelectric generating stations (Pointe du Bois, Slave Falls, Seven Sisters, McArthur Falls, Great Falls, and Pine Falls) provide 583 MW of capacity, which is about 10% of Manitoba's energy requirements.
• Climate simulations for the 2050s project a 6.9% increase in mean annual precipitation and a 3.3% increase in runoff for the Winnipeg River basin, potentially affecting downstream nutrient loading.

APA

International Institute for Sustainable Development (2021). Hydrology: River discharge and level. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2021-06/winnipeg-river-basin-sheet-3-hydrology.pdf

Chicago

International Institute for Sustainable Development. Hydrology: River discharge and level. 2021. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2021-06/winnipeg-river-basin-sheet-3-hydrology.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=International Institute for Sustainable Development |title=Hydrology: River discharge and level |date=May 2021 |url=https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2021-06/winnipeg-river-basin-sheet-3-hydrology.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{internationalinstituteforsustainabledevelopment2021hydrology, author = {{International Institute for Sustainable Development}}, title = {{Hydrology: River discharge and level}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2021}, month = may, url = {https://www.iisd.org/system/files/2021-06/winnipeg-river-basin-sheet-3-hydrology.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }