Conditions have remained very dry over the past week and as a result inflows have continued to decline. The figure below shows the total precipitation over the last 3 days. This dry pattern has persisted since September 6th.
Although there is some potential for rainfall in the forecast, with outflow reductions from Rainy Lake, inflows to Lake of the Woods are expected to continue decreasing, requiring further outflow reductions.
The current level of Lake of the Woods is 322.82 m (1059.1 ft), a 30th percentile level, in the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level decreased by 4 cm (1.5 in) over the last week and is expected to remain relatively stable over the next week, increasing or decreasing by 2 cm (1 in) depending on rainfall. Outflow reductions at Lake of the Woods will continue to slow the rate of level decline. Lake of the Woods authorized outflow will decrease to:
- 350 m3/s on Thursday, September 12th
- 325 m3/s on Monday, September 16th
- 300 m3/s on Wednesday, September 18th
The scheduled outflow reductions will cause levels along the Winnipeg River to decline as follows:
- Directly downstream of the Norman Dam: approximately 5 cm (2 in) September 12th, 5 cm (2 in) September 16th, and 5 cm (2 in) September 18th for a total drop of 15 cm (6in) total drop by September 18th
- Above the Dalles: approximately 3 cm (1 in) September 12th, 2 cm (1 in) September 16th and 2 cm (1 in) September 18th for a total drop of 7 cm (3 in) total drop by September 18th
- The water level at Minaki will not be affected by these flow changes.
The current level of Lac Seul is 356.31 m (1168.99 ft), a 30th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level declined by 3 cm (1 in) over the past week and is expected to decrease 1 to 5 cm (0.5 to 2 in) over the next week. Lac Seul authorized outflow is 300 m3/s with no changes scheduled.