Crooked Lake
Current Conditions
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, resulting in fluctuations.
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 stop logs used to increase or decrease flows from the lake. A crane cannot be used during high winds and can be difficult to move onto the site if road conditions are saturated.
WSA is targeting a summer level around 451.41 metres above sea level, which is below the typical level of 451.65 m, but within the normal operational range of 451.4 m to 451.7 m. Maintaining levels similar to those observed in 2025 will help reduce the risk of flooding during a sudden significant rainfall event and will reduce the stress on the structure itself. Due to higher-than-normal inflow this year, operations at the dam have not been required to maintain target lake levels. WSA is prepared to operate if flows change throughout the season and will keep updates coming as they develop.
Residents and recreational users of Crooked Lake should not notice a significant impact on the lake; however, there could be larger than normal fluctuations in water levels depending on the weather, but no downstream impacts are expected as a result.
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 summer water level can be expected this year, and moving forward?
- Efforts will be made to keep lake levels within the normal operating range.
- Normal Operating Range is 451.4 to 451.7 masl (metres above sea level).
- The water level as of August 7, 2026 is 451.56 m.
Why are water levels being held near the bottom of the operating range?
- The use of a crane for operations makes it more difficult to promptly react and adjust outflows after a large rainfall event. The crane cannot be used in high wind. Access with the crane may be limited if roads are oversaturated.
- By keeping the reservoir near the bottom of its operating range, it provides some buffer to make operational adjustments as conditions allow.
- The lower water level lessens the stress on the structure.
What is the issue, and how was it caused?
- The structure was built in 1943 and has surpassed its design life.
- A structural inspection conducted earlier this spring noted further deterioration in some of the concrete piers. As a result, the monorail cannot be utilized throughout most of the structure to install/remove stoplogs.
- The deteriorated piers could cause a failure of the monorail system and/or the piers, leading to safety and structural risks.
What is being done to correct the issue?
- The structure is slated for full replacement, with some site preparation conducted and a complete detailed design.
- WSA is in ongoing discussions with local stakeholders. Replacement cannot occur until such time the stakeholder engagement process is complete and pertinent agreements are carried out.
When will the structure be replaced?
- 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.
Will you be able to react in time to mitigate the effects of a large rainfall event?
- A crane must be used for any significant operation, which must be mobilized to the site.
- Wind can strongly impact the ability to use a crane; some delays are anticipated.
- Water levels can be expected to fluctuate both higher and lower than normal throughout the season.
Will this cause any impacts to downstream users/stakeholders?
- WSA does not anticipate any significant impacts to downstream users currently.
- Further notification will be sent out if this changes.
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