Conditions in the Winnipeg River basin have remained stable over the past week, and this trend is expected to continue based on current forecasts. No major precipitation events are expected in the near future. Forecasted temperatures indicate that daytime highs will rise above freezing in early March.
The current level of Lake of the Woods is 322.44 m (1057.84 ft), a 15th percentile level, below the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level declined by 1 cm (0.4 in) over the last week and is expected to decrease by 0.5 to 1 cm (0.2 to 0.4 in) over the next week. Lake of the Woods inflow is expected to return to below the 10th percentile by next week. To continue slowing the rate of level decline, Lake of the Woods authorized outflow will be reduced to 200 m3/s on Friday, February 27th. This outflow reduction will cause levels on the Winnipeg River to decline by:
- 5 cm (2 in) below the Norman Dam
- 1.5 cm (0.6 in) at the Dalles
- no change at Minaki
The current level of Lac Seul is 354.93 m (1164.4 ft), a 15th percentile level, below the normal range for this time of year. The lake level decreased 5.8 cm (2.3 in) over the last week, and is expected to decrease by 5 to 6 cm (2 to 2.4 in) over the next week. Lac Seul authorized outflow is 275 m3/s with no changes scheduled at this time.