Nibi Metrics
Real-time water levels, forecasts, and alerts for lakes and rivers across Canada and the US. Built on official government data.
Nibi Metrics turns raw gauge readings from official hydrometric networks into something a person standing on a dock can actually use: is the water high or low for today, which way is it moving, and how unusual is this? This page explains where every number on the platform comes from and what we do to it along the way.
Water Stories
For five years, spring 2019 was the mark every Lake Muskoka decision answered to. In April 2026 the lake went two centimeters higher - and the official books have not caught up yet.
Inside the freshet cycle that puts Manitoba shorelines at risk each year - and why 2026 broke the script.
The science of snow water equivalent and why it drives the season ahead.
What the numbers on the measuring stick actually tell you.
Why Central and South Texas rivers go from gravel beds to fifty-year records in an afternoon - including July 2026 on the Nueces.
One percent, every year, forever - unwrapping hydrology's most misunderstood phrase, and how it differs from our own percentiles.
Lake Manitoba Water Level
Live lake level, flow, historical records and forecast for Lake Manitoba in Canada, MB, Canada, built from official government gauge data.
- Location Canada, MB, Canada
- Watershed northern lake manitoba
- Primary gauge 05LK002 (Water Survey of Canada)
About Lake Manitoba
Lake Manitoba - A vast prairie waterbody shaped by seasonal rhythms.
Lake Manitoba, located in Manitoba, Canada, encompasses an expansive area that plays a significant role in the region's hydrology and ecology. This lake is part of the Northern Lake Manitoba watershed and drains a considerable catchment area of approximately 79,800 square kilometres. Known for its historical significance and environmental importance, Lake Manitoba remains a crucial waterbody for local ecosystems and communities.
The watershed context
The lake's hydrology is intricately linked to the broader patterns of prairie hydrology. In this region, spring snowmelt floods are a defining event, shaping the water levels and flow patterns as the winter thaw begins. The summer months typically see a recession in water levels due to evaporation and reduced inflow. Although there are no direct peer lakes documented in the metadata, Lake Manitoba stands alone in its characteristic responses to these seasonal changes, reflecting the dynamic nature of prairie water systems.
Why the data matters here
Today's reading from the gauge "Lake Manitoba at Steep Rock" provides essential insights into the current state of water levels in relation to historical records. When considering the median for this calendar day across more than 50 years of data, this reading aids in understanding the unique patterns and variability of Lake Manitoba's hydrology. The Water Survey of Canada operates this station, which monitors the lake's absolute water levels but does not measure discharge. Comparing today's measurement against the historical median not only indicates how today's conditions align with historical norms, but also informs local residents and stakeholders about potential impacts on the environment and any necessary preparations for the changing seasons.
How this page is built
Readings come from official government gauges and are rolled into daily records: the daily mean, high and low for every day on record. Each calendar day gets its own baseline from the full history, so the level you see is compared against what this specific date usually looks like rather than an annual average.
How Nibi Metrics works · Water stories
