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 15th 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 30th. 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 15th 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 30th to slow the rate of level decline on the lake.