Crooked Lake
The Water Security Agency (WSA) continues to actively plan and respond to fluctuating water levels on Crooked Lake. Ongoing limitations of the current infrastructure will affect lake levels for the foreseeable future.
Recent inspections have shown that the dam structure that helps manage lake levels has deteriorated further, limiting the ability to respond quickly to changing conditions. The current condition of the concrete piers is preventing the use of the built-in monorail system that would normally be used to help manage lake levels. A mobile crane is needed to install or remove the stop logs used to increase or decrease outflows from the lake. A crane cannot be used during high winds and mobile crane operations carry considerable safety risks.
Higher-than-normal inflows this summer have allowed lake levels to be maintained within the summer Normal Operating Range of 451.41 to 451.71 metres above sea level without the need for stoplog installation. In past years with lower inflows, stoplogs were needed to achieve similar results. Any stoplogs installed during late summer or fall would need to be removed again before freeze-up, limiting the duration of the benefit provided. WSA will not be installing stop logs in the Crooked Lake structure this year, which will also help to preserve the condition of the structure until its replacement.
As of August 27, the Crooked Lake water level is 451.39 m, which is 2 cm below the bottom of the summer Normal Operating Range. The lower limit of the approved Normal Operating Range decreases to 451.26 m on September 1 as part of the normal seasonal operating schedule. Water levels are expected to continue declining gradually through September, with forecasts indicating levels could temporarily fall below the September Normal Operating Range before increasing again in October due to normal upstream fall operations.
Some recreational users may notice reduced water depths near shorelines, boat launches and boat lifts as lake levels decline. Boat owners may wish to monitor local conditions and plan removal of boats and lifts accordingly. WSA will continue monitoring conditions and communicating any significant changes to expected lake levels.
Built in 1943, the Crooked Lake Dam has surpassed its original design life and is slated for a full replacement. A new design is already complete, with some site preparations already completed. Efforts to secure land around the proposed site have been ongoing since 2015.
For the project to proceed, WSA requires both sufficient land control for the project footprint and completion of consultation with Cowessess First Nation and Zagimē Anishinabēk. The proposed structure footprint is largely located on federal surplus land. Under federal surplus lands processes, First Nations with eligible land interests are provided an opportunity to acquire these lands before they can be transferred to other governments or stakeholders. Cowessess First Nation and Zagimē Anishinabēk have expressed an interest in the federal parcel; therefore, WSA must work with the Nations to reach an agreement that would allow Canada to transfer the lands required for the project footprint to WSA.
Once land control and consultation requirements are resolved, the replacement structure is fully designed and ready to proceed to construction.
Crooked Lake – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What water level can be expected this fall?
- The Crooked Lake water level on August 27, 2026, is approximately 451.39 m above sea level, approximately 2 cm below the August lower operating target of 451.41 m.
- Forecasts indicate the water level may decline to approximately 451.35 m by August 31, which is approximately 6 cm below the August lower operating target.
- The lower limit of the approved Normal Operating Range decreases to 451.26 m on September 1 as part of the normal seasonal operating schedule.
- Water levels are expected to continue declining gradually during September and could reach approximately 10 cm below the September operating range by the end of September.
- Water levels are expected to increase again during October as a result of normal fall operations at structures upstream of Crooked Lake.
- Current forecasts indicate Crooked Lake water levels are expected to return to within the Normal Operating Range during October and remain within the operating range through freeze-up.
Why is WSA not installing stoplogs this fall?
- Current forecasts indicate lake levels will remain near seasonal operating targets and are expected to recover during October due to normal upstream operations.
- Any stoplogs installed during late summer or fall would need to be removed again before freeze-up, limiting the duration of the benefit provided.
- Recent inspections have identified deterioration of the structure and all stoplog operations now require a mobile crane.
- Avoiding unnecessary stoplog operations reduces operational risk and avoids placing additional stress on the aging structure.
Why is the water level declining?
- Water levels naturally decline during late summer and fall as runoff decreases and evaporation continues.
- Although inflows to Crooked Lake have remained higher than normal throughout much of 2026, inflows are gradually decreasing from the elevated levels experienced earlier in the season.
- The recent decline in lake level is consistent with seasonal conditions and is expected to continue through September before normal fall operations upstream cause water levels to increase again.
Will lower water levels affect boating and recreation?
- Some recreational users may notice reduced water depths near shorelines, boat launches, and boat lifts as lake levels decline.
- Boat owners may wish to monitor local conditions and plan removal of boats and lifts accordingly.
- While some recreational impacts may occur, Crooked Lake has operated at similar elevations in previous years.
- WSA will continue monitoring conditions and communicating any significant changes to expected lake levels.
Why isn’t WSA trying to maintain the lake near the middle of the operating range?
- The approved operating plan establishes a Normal Operating Range rather than a single target water level.
- Water levels naturally fluctuate within and around the operating range due to changing inflows, weather conditions, and operational constraints.
- Current forecasts indicate that any departures from the operating range during September are expected to be temporary, with water levels anticipated to recover during October.
What is the issue with the Crooked Lake control structure?
- The Crooked Lake control structure was constructed in 1943 and has exceeded its original design life.
- Recent inspections identified further deterioration in portions of the concrete structure.
- As a result, the integrated monorail system used historically to install and remove stoplogs can no longer be safely utilized.
- All stoplog operations now require the use of a mobile crane.
What is being done to address the aging structure?
- WSA has completed planning and design work associated with replacement of the Crooked Lake control structure.
- Replacement of the structure remains dependent on completion of stakeholder engagement activities and required land agreements.
- The proposed dam is partially located on federal land. Negotiations between WSA, Cowessess First Nation and Zagimē Anishinabēk First Nation date back to 2015 and remain ongoing.
- Replacing the structure is on hold until an agreement can be reached.
- WSA continues to monitor the condition of the existing structure and evaluate operational decisions accordingly.
Will WSA reconsider if conditions change?
- WSA will continue monitoring lake levels, inflows, weather conditions, and forecasts.
- The current operating plan does not include installation of stoplogs during fall 2026.
- Significant unforeseen changes in conditions would be evaluated if they occur.
- WSA continues to monitor the condition of the existing structure and evaluate operational decisions accordingly.
Will this affect downstream users?
- WSA does not currently anticipate significant impacts to downstream users because of the approved fall 2026 operating plan.
- WSA will continue monitoring conditions throughout the fall and will communicate any significant changes if necessary.
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