Over the last week, southern portions of the Winnipeg River basin received some rain and daytime temperatures were above freezing. This caused the snowpack to compact and become wetter. Conditions are however expected to change with an Alberta clipper forecast to cross the basin this evening and into Friday. Environment Canada has issued snowfall warnings, predicting rapid snow accumulation in the range of 15 to 25 cm (6 to 10 in). The return of colder temperatures is also forecast for this weekend.
The current level of Lake of the Woods is 322.45 m (1057.9 ft), a 20th percentile level, below the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level declined by 1.5 cm (1 in) over the last week and is expected to change little over the next week. Lake of the Woods authorized outflow remains 250 m3/s, with no changes scheduled.
The current level of Lac Seul is 354.94 m (1164.6 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 5.5 cm to 7 cm (2 to 2.5 in) over the next week. Lac Seul authorized outflow is 300 m3/s, with no changes scheduled.