Archived News Releases

Media Bulletin - Manitoba

July 10, 2014

Summer Flood Bulletin #15



Portage Diversion

  • Flows on the first crest on the Assiniboine River at the Portage Reservoir crested at midnight last night at 52,100 cubic feet per second (cfs).  Flows on the Portage Diversion are approximately 34,100 cfs and flow on the Assiniboine River immediately downstream of the diversion is
    18,000 cfs.
  • The flow on the Assiniboine River below the diversion along the dikes was increased to 18,000 cfs at midnight, July 7.  Flows of approximately 18,000 cfs were measured at Baie St. Paul this morning.
  • Flows on the Assiniboine River between Portage la Prairie and Headingley are expected to stay at 18,000 cfs for several days.
  • Crews are monitoring the Portage Diversion channel and the dikes along Assiniboine River between Portage and Headingley.
  • Rapid reaction teams are in place to respond to any problems that may appear along the diversion or dikes.
  • It is unlikely a controlled release will take place at the Hoop and Holler Bend unless the dikes cannot safely contain the flow.  The site remains ready to use should there be an urgent situation along the dikes.
  • The Rural Municipality of Portage la Prairie has lifted its mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders for Delta Beach along the diversion.

Qu’Appelle River, Assiniboine River and St-Lazare

  • Flows on the Assiniboine River are increasing as water moves through the system.  From the Shellmouth Dam to St-Lazare, these flows will be the peak flow on the river.
  • Existing flood protection along the Assiniboine River is expected to be adequate for the forecast second crest.
  • The Assiniboine River crested at St-Lazare yesterday evening and water levels were measured at 1,290.78 feet, approximately 0.7 ft. higher than the 2011 peak water level.  Water levels are expected to remain high at St-Lazare for a day or two.
  • The Assiniboine River at Miniota is near crest this morning.  The high water levels are expected to last for a day or two.
  • The ring dike in St-Lazare provides flood protection to 2011 levels plus four feet.  Existing flood protection in St-Lazare is expected to be adequate for the crest.
  • The majority of the homes in community are protected by the dike.  However, there are approximately nine homes outside the dikes experiencing flooding or seepage. Three have been damaged by flood waters.
  • There has been regular contact between the province and the community on flood-fighting needs and forecast water levels.
  • A 35-person team of redeployed forest firefighters are on the way to St-Lazare to assist with the flood situation.
  • Inflows to theShellmouth Dam have crested and are declining.  The reservoir level and outflows are near crest.

Brandon

  • Flows on the Assiniboine River this morning in Brandon were at 33,440 cfs.  A revised forecast for the second peak in Brandon shows levels will be above first peak but below 2011 levels.  Peak flows are expected to last for a day or two between July 12 and 14.

Flood-Fighting Work

  • The province is using a number of different resources in the flood-fighting effort including:
    • three sandbag machines that have produced more than 334,100 sandbags with 24,100 produced in the last 24 hours alone; to date, 289,600 sandbags have been deployed with the remainder held for rapid deployment;
    • 929 Tiger tube dams;
    • more than 70 pieces of heavy equipment and 110 trucks;
    • 300 aqua dams; and
    • 153 HESCO barriers.
  • As of this morning, approximately 728 people are evacuated from their homes and communities due to flooding in 2014 including 160 evacuees related to spring flooding.
  • The province is working directly with municipalities to address flooding issues.  As of this morning, 56 municipalities and communities have declared a state of local emergency.
  • A mobile recovery office will be set up in communities in the southwest area of Manitoba.  Staff are available to answer questions and take applications for disaster financial assistance.
    • Melita – The office will be located at the Melita and Area Arena at 108 Townsend Dr. today and tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    • Deloraine – The office will be located in at the community hall at 111 Caver St. N on Tuesday, July 15 from noon to 6 p.m.
    • Brandon – The office will be located on the east side of the Keystone Centre grounds on Wednesday, July 16 and Thursday, July 17 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Parkland and Northern Manitoba

  • Flows on tributaries to Dauphin Lake remain high.  The water level gauge on Dauphin Lake is reporting a water level of 859.8 ft. and the lake appears to be near crest.
  • The Carrot River near The Pas is at 856.6 ft. today and is forecast to peak at 856.8 ft.

Wind Warnings

  • The wind forecast for today results in a moderate to moderate-high wind warning for the northern shorelines of Lake Manitoba.  Strong south winds will also affect Lake Winnipegosis, Lake Winnipeg and Dauphin Lake.
  • Water levels on Lake Manitoba today were 814 ft.  The forecast peak water level on Lake Manitoba is 814.6 ft. in early August. 

Stress and Anxiety Resources

  • The scale and scope of the summer flood is very challenging for affected Manitoba families.  There are resources to help deal with the stress and anxiety that result from crisis situations.
  • Resources are available at www.gov.mb.ca/flooding/managing_stress.html.

Road Information

  • Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation reports sections of many provincial roads have been affected by the heavy rainfall and some roads are either closed or marked with caution.  Municipal roads may also be affected, closed or have load limitations.  Drive with caution and obey road closed signs.
  • On all roads in southwest Manitoba, assume the bridges are also damaged.  Reduce speed and weight to 10 tonnes only.  Damage inspections are underway.
  • For current highway conditions, call 511, visit www.manitoba.ca, www.mb511.ca or follow the Twitter account at www.twitter.com/MBGovRoads.

Up-to-date flood information can be found at www.gov.mb.ca/flooding/, on mobile devices at www.manitoba.ca or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MBGov.

Manitobans can also contact Manitoba Government Inquiry from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., seven days a week at 1-866-626-4862 (toll-free). 

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Backgrounder
Provincial Flood Projects - https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/newslinks/2014/07/Provincial_Flood_Projects.bkg.final.doc