Moderate amounts of precipitation fell over the basin last week. Despite the rain, inflows to all major lakes have continued to decrease. Namakan Lake levels continue to decline and this week Rainy Lake level has stabilized. Lake of the Woods levels have also stabilized and are currently declining. With minimal precipitation in the forecast this trend is expected to continue.
The current level of Lake of the Woods is 323.33 m (1060.79 ft), an 80th percentile level for this time of year. The average lake level decreased by 2 cm (1 in) over the last week and is expected to continue decreasing by 2 to 4 cm, over the next week, depending on precipitation amounts . Lake of the Woods outflow is 1099 m3/s with all sluices fully open at the Norman Dam in Kenora. The dams cannot be opened any more and outflow will rise and fall with the lake level.
With lake levels expected to slowly decline, outflows and levels along the Winnipeg River are expected to decline in a similar manner.
The current level of Lac Seul is 356.34 m (1169.09 ft), a 35th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level increased by 2 cm (1 in) over the past week and is expected to increase by 1 to 3 cm (0.5 to 1 in) over the next week. Lac Seul authorized outflow is 350 m3/s with no additional changes currently scheduled.