1. A method for reducing a number of entries in a forwarding table of a first-stage distribution device, the device having a plurality of ports linked to a plurality of second stage devices, the method comprising: identifying one or more weighted cost multipath (WCMP) groups, each WCMP group comprising weights assigned to a corresponding set of the plurality of ports of the first-stage device for a distribution of data to the plurality of second-stage devices, wherein each WCMP group defines a weighted distribution for forwarding packets associated with a common flow across the corresponding set of the plurality of ports according to weights assigned to the respective ports, and wherein a weight assigned to at least one of the corresponding set of the plurality of ports is different from the weights assigned to at least one other port of the corresponding set of the plurality of ports; determining, using a processor, a percentage of data throughput corresponding to the assigned weights; determining a threshold value for throughput degradation of the first-stage distribution device; and for each WCMP group, iteratively scaling the weights assigned to the plurality of ports down, using the processor, by decrementing the weight assigned to a selected port by a first amount and decrementing the weights assigned to non-selected ports in relative proportion to the first amount, until the occurrence of a predetermined event.