Conditions across the basin remain dry. The precipitation forecast indicates the possibility of an event on December 18, with up to 15 mm expected over most of the basin. The temperature forecast shows a warm-up period from December 16 to 18; therefore, precipitation during this period could fall as rain. If this is the case, inflows to the lakes would temporarily increase, leading to a slightly slower rate of decline on Lake of the Woods and Lac Seul over the upcoming week.
The current level of the Lake of the Woods is 322.65 m (1058.5 ft) a 20th percentile level, below the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level decreased 2.1 cm (0.8 in) and is expected to decrease from 1 to 2 cm (0.4 to 0.8 in) over the next week. Lake of the Woods authorized outflow is 275 m3/s with no changes scheduled at this time.
The current level of Lac Seul is 355.91 m (1167.7 ft), a 20th percentile level, below the normal range for this time of year. The lake level decreased 9.9 cm (3.9 in) over the last week and is expected to decrease from 7.5 to 9.5 cm (3 to 4 in) over the next week. Lac Seul authorized outflow is 370 m3/s with no changes scheduled at this time.