April 2026

A low pressure system will impact the northern areas of the Winnipeg River basin this evening and into tomorrow. Freezing rain and snowfall are expected along the English River, around Lac Seul and up to Lake St. Joseph. With tributary flows showing minimal response to rainfall earlier this week, Lac Seul outflow is being reduced once more to ensure rising levels.

In the southern areas of the basin freshet is progressing. Inflow to Lake of the Woods increased over the last week and lake levels have started rising. Visit the USGS HIVIS (Hydrologic Imagery Visualization and Information System) for the Big Fork River at Big Falls, Minnesota to see how conditions have evolved over the last month in a time laps video at the gauge. For updates and images of ice conditions on Lake of the Woods, the Lake of the Woods Ice Patrol has started posting regular updates.

The current level of Lake of the Woods is 322.49 m (1058.0 ft), a 35^th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level increased by 5 cm (2 in) over the past week and is expected to increase by 6 to 8 cm (2.4 to 3 in) over the next week. Lake of the Woods authorized outflow is 200 m³/s, with no changes scheduled at this time.

The current level of Lac Seul is 354.60 m (1163.4 ft), a 15^th percentile level, below the normal range for this time of year. The lake level remained stable over the last week and is expected to increase by 3 to 6 cm (1 to 2.4 in) over the next week. Lac Seul authorized outflow will be reduced to 150 m³/s on Thursday, April 16^th.

The basin received above-normal precipitation over the past week, including significant snowfall across the northern and eastern areas. The English River basin, in particular, has experienced above-normal snowfall since early March. Forecasts indicate a transition to warmer temperatures and rainfall in the southern portions of the basin early next week. These conditions are expected to increase inflows to Lake of the Woods and mark the start of the refill period. Conditions at Lac Seul continue to be closely monitored, as winter conditions persist in that area.

The current level of Lake of the Woods is 322.44 m (1057.9 ft), a 35^th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level increased by 1.5 cm (0.5 in) over the past week and is expected to increase by 3 to 7 cm (1 to 2.5 in) over the next week. Lake of the Woods authorized outflow is 200 m³/s, with no changes scheduled at this time.

The current level of Lac Seul is 354.61 m (1163.4 ft), a 15^th percentile level, below the normal range for this time of year. The lake level decrease by 2 cm (0.75 in) over the last week and is expected to remain stable or decrease by up to 2 cm (0.75 in) over the next week. Lac Seul authorized outflow is 175 m³/s, with no changes scheduled at this time.

Snow is forecast for the southern portions of the basin over the weekend, followed by colder temperatures early next week. As a result, inflow to the major lakes remains stable. Minor outflow adjustments are being made to maintain stable lake levels until the spring refill period begins.

The current level of Lake of the Woods is 322.42 m (1057.8 ft), a 40^th percentile level, within the normal range for this time of year. The average lake level remained stable over the past week and is expected to remain stable or increase by up to 3 cm (1 in) over the next week. Lake of the Woods authorized outflow is 200 m³/s, with no changes scheduled at this time.

The current level of Lac Seul is 354.63 m (1163.5 ft), a 20^th percentile level, below the normal range for this time of year. The lake level decreased 4.2 cm (1.7 in) over the last week and is expected to remain stable or decrease by up to 2.5 cm (1 in) over the next week. Lac Seul authorized outflow was reduced to 175 m³/s on Thursday, April 2^nd.

The LWCB Basin Data page will not be updated on Friday, April 3^rd (Good Friday, holiday in Canada) or on Monday, April 6^th (Easter Monday). Daily data updates will resume on Tuesday, April 7^th.