January 2026

Conditions across the Winnipeg River basin were dry over the past week, and this pattern is expected to continue into next week.

Maps of modelled Snow Water Equivalent (SWE), the amount of water in the snow, indicate there are approximately 20 to 60 mm (0.8 to 2.4 in) of SWE in the snowpack around Lake of the Woods, Rainy River and Rainy and Namakan Lakes, which is below normal for this time of year.

The current level of Lake of the Woods is 322.51 m (1058.08 ft), a 15^th percentile level, below the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level declined by 2.3 cm (0.9 in) over the last week and with a scheduled outflow decrease, is expected to decrease by 0.5 to 1.5 cm (0.2 to 0.6 in) over the next week.

With low inflow to Lake of the Woods for this time of year, a small outflow reduction is scheduled for tomorrow to help slow the rate of level decline on the lake. Lake of the Woods authorized outflow will be reduced to 250 m³/s, on Friday, January 30^th. This outflow reduction will cause levels on the Winnipeg River to decline by:

• 5 cm (2 in) below the Norman Dam
• 2 cm (0.8 in) at the Dalles
• no change at Minaki

The current level of Lac Seul is 355.25 m (1165.5 ft), a 15^th percentile level, below the normal range for this time of year. The lake level declined by 10 cm (4 in) over the last week and is expected to decrease by 7 cm to 9 cm (2.7 to 3.5 in) over the next week. Lac Seul authorized outflow will be reduced to 325 m³/s, on Friday, January 30^th to slow the rate of level decline on the lake.

The current level of the Lake of the Woods is 322.53 m (1058.16 ft) a 20^th percentile level, below the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level decreased 1.9 cm (0.8 in) and is expected to decrease from 1.8 to 2.5 cm (0.7 to 1 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 355.35 m (1165.8 ft), a 15^th percentile level, below the normal range for this time of year. The lake level decreased 9.2 cm (3.6 in) over the last week and is expected to decrease from 8.5 to 10 cm (3.3 to 4 in) over the next week. Lac Seul authorized outflow is 360 m³/s, and continues to gradually decline with the falling lake level. No outflow changes are scheduled.

The current level of the Lake of the Woods is 322.55 m (1058.2 ft) a 20^th percentile level, below the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level decreased 1.9 cm (0.8 in) and is expected to decrease from 0.5 to 1.5 cm (0.2 to 0.6 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 355.44 m (1166.1 ft), a 15^th percentile level, below the normal range for this time of year. The lake level decreased 10.1 cm (4 in) over the last week and is expected to decrease from 8.5 to 10 cm (3.3 to 4 in) over the next week. Outflow from Lac Seul has been slowly decreasing as the lake level declines, and this trend is expected to continue in the coming weeks. Current river flows and lake drawdown remain within the expected range. Lac Seul authorized outflow has been adjusted to 360 m³/s. No outflow changes are scheduled.

Conditions across the Winnipeg River basin remained stable over the past two weeks. A few systems moved through the region, resulting in additional snow accumulation, particularly on the northern portion of the basin. Forecasts for the upcoming week indicate mainly dry conditions, with scattered precipitation in some areas.

The current level of the Lake of the Woods is 322.57 m (1058.3 ft) a 20^th percentile level, below the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level decreased 2.4 cm (1 in) and is expected to decrease from 1.5 to 2.5 cm (0.6 to 1 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 355.54 m (1166.5 ft), a 15^th percentile level, below the normal range for this time of year. The lake level decreased 9.8 cm (3.8 in) over the last week and is expected to decrease from 8.5 to 10 cm (3.3 to 4 in) over the next week. Lac Seul authorized outflow is 370 m³/s with no changes scheduled at this time.