Over the last few weeks, the Winnipeg River basin experienced a swing in conditions, with a warm-up accompanied by moderate amounts of precipitation at the end of December, followed by much drier and colder conditions in the first week of January. Forecasts indicate a return to seasonal temperatures and a chance for flurries over the next week. Snow depth measurements across the basin indicate slightly below normal snow accumulation for this time of year.
The current level of Lake of the Woods is 322.56 m (1058.25 ft), a 20th percentile level, below the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level declined by 2.5 cm (1 in) over the last week and is expected to decrease by 1.5 to 2.5 cm ( 0.5 to 1 in) over the next week. Lake of the Woods authorized outflow remains at 300 m3/s, with no changes scheduled.
The current level of Lac Seul is 355.56 m (1166.53 ft), a 20th percentile level, below the normal range for this time of year. The lake level declined by 7.5 cm (3 in) over the last week and is expected to decrease by 6 cm to 7.5 cm (2.5 to 3 in) over the next week. Due to the declining lake level providing less head at the Ear Falls dam, Lac Seul outflow has dropped to 368 m3/s. To maintain river flows and consistent lake level decline, an outflow increase to 380 m3/s is scheduled for Wednesday, January 15th.