Archived News Releases

Flood Bulletin #1

Summary

• There are no flood warnings, watches or high water advisories in effect in Manitoba at this time.
• A storm predicting moderate to heavy snowfall levels is expected across southern Manitoba on Saturday.  Snowfall levels will be monitored and factored into future forecasts.
• The Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation Hydraulic Forecast Centre is actively tracking the melt and issuing daily flood updates.
• Levels and flows are beginning to rise on creeks and major rivers in the southwest, south-central and Parkland regions of Manitoba.
• Routine preparations are now underway for minor operation of the Portage Diversion to clear ice.  River flows into the Portage Reservoir and upstream conditions are being monitored on an ongoing basis. 
• Some minor overland flooding is taking place in the Swan River/Dauphin area.  Water gathering in fields is not able to drain as some culverts and ditches remain snow-packed and frozen.
• Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation is working to clear provincial drains and culverts as needed.
• Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation has positioned flood-fighting equipment gear such as pumps, steamers and backhoes around southern Manitoba.

Snowpack and Run-off

• Much of the snow has already melted in the southwest, south-central and Parkland regions of Manitoba including the Red, Pembina and Souris river basins.
• Levels and flows have been rising on all creeks and major rivers in these regions, but at this time no additional areas of serious concern have been identified.
• The majority of the snowpack still remains in the Interlake region, eastern, northern and northwest Manitoba.  Melting and run-off is expected to increase next week.
• Since run-off may occur quickly, landowners who normally store a portion of run-off in dugouts or other water retention structures are encouraged to retain water if they live in an area that experienced dry fall conditions or lower-than-normal soil moisture levels.

Red River and Tributaries

• Flows along the Red River and its tributaries, including the Pembina River, are increasing gradually.  As of this morning, all flows are well within the banks.

Souris and Assiniboine Rivers

• Flows on the Souris River near Melita and Souris appear to be near crest.  However, some readings could be affected by ice cover and levels will continue to be monitored.
• Water levels along the Assiniboine River are rising.
• Routine preparations are now underway for minor operation of the Portage Diversion to clear ice.  River flows into the Portage Reservoir and upstream conditions are being monitored on an ongoing basis. 
• Based on the most recent Shellmouth Reservoir forecasts, outflows are being reduced to 50 cubic feet per second to ensure enough capacity for summer operations.

Dauphin/Swan River

• Some minor overland flooding is taking place in the Swan River/Dauphin area.  Melted water gathering in fields is not able to drain as some culverts and ditches remain snow-packed and frozen.
• Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation is working to clear provincial drains and culverts as needed.

Ice Conditions

• The provincial ice jam mitigation program has been completed, breaking a 29-kilometre long channel on the Red River.  Cutting and/or breaking ice has also taken place on the Icelandic, Whitemud, Fisher and Brokenhead rivers, Netley Creek and at the outlet of the Portage Diversion channel.
• Amphibexes are ready for deployment to break ice in case of ice jams on major rivers.

Spring Safety

• A combination of rapid melt, ice jamming and/or blocked culverts may lead to a rapid rise in water levels on tributaries and may cause localized overland flooding.
• People are reminded to be watchful of local waterways as flood conditions can develop quickly.
• Call 511 to check road conditions before travelling.
• As the spring melt begins, ice conditions are unsafe and high flows may be encountered.
• People are reminded to stay away from ice and water, and not to drive or walk through fast‑moving water.

Anyone with questions about water levels, provincial waterways or provincial water control infrastructure can call 204-945-8373 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., seven days a week.