March 26, 2009
Flood Media Bulletin #3
– – –Updated Spring Flood Outlook: Boil Water Advisory Remains for Wells In Areas Affected by Flooding, Provincial Assistance Being Provided to Test Well Water
Another five to 10 centimetres of snow fell during the last 24 hours, adding up to a total of 20 cm in eastern portions of the Red River watershed and 10 cm in western portions. The additional precipitation will produce more run-off but only after the new snow melts. Indications are that a very gradual melt will begin this weekend. No significant additional precipitation is predicted for the next five days.
The Red River is rising less rapidly now due to the cold weather. Rises for the 24-hour period ending this morning range from 1.2 metres (3.8 feet) at Grand Forks to only about 0.3 metres (one ft.) from Emerson to the floodway inlet. Rises will continue to be slow until the weather warms, melting the snow and releasing water frozen on fields.
Crest predictions for the Red River are being reviewed. It is unlikely that crests for the Red River will be raised due to the recent snowfall. The cold weather is slowing run-off and will offset the effect of the additional precipitation. Updated crest forecasts will be available tomorrow.
The level at the Red River floodway inlet is over the entrance lip at about 400 cubic feet per second and is now flowing naturally into the floodway. Operation of the gates will start as soon as the ice has moved in the area.
The river level in downtown Winnipeg (James Avenue) was 5.7 metres (18.7 ft.) at 9 a.m. today. The level has declined slightly since then due to the ice jam at St. Andrews moving. The crest forecast for James Avenue remains at 5.8 metres (19 ft.) to 6.3 metres (20.5 ft.). It is possible that this crest could occur during the next few days if the river ice does not move. There is a risk of ice jams in Winnipeg during the next few days. Where feasible, the Amphibex icebreaker will be used to attempt to break up future ice jams that may develop. The crest forecast may be lowered somewhat once ice has moved out of the city area and floodway operations have started.
Levels of Red River tributaries are declining due to the cold weather. Rises will resume when warmer weather returns but it is unlikely that crests observed a few days ago will be exceeded.
Serious ice jams developed on the Red from the St. Andrews area to south of Selkirk during the past 24 hours. A large jam several kilometres south of Lockport yesterday raised levels above flood stage and caused numerous homes to flood in areas just upstream of the ice jam. The jam raised levels to near flood stage all the way south to the North Perimeter Highway. This ice jam broke at about 8 a.m. this morning, allowing river levels just south of it to decline by several feet.
Additional serious ice jams have developed at the St. Andrews Dam with the ice jam stalling five kilometres south of Selkirk against solid ice. This has caused record high levels in the area. These ice jams are being closely monitored.
The possibility of ice jams at Selkirk and north to Breezy Point cannot be ruled out despite extensive ice cutting and breaking activities which have taken place. The early run-off and the colder weather are major factors increasing the threat of ice jamming this year.
Localized overland flooding from recent precipitation and ice jams is being reported in numerous areas of the province.
Significant rises are taking place on the Assiniboine, Souris and Pembina rivers but all will remain below flood stage for the rest of this week. Run-off in these areas will subside due to the cold weather and will resume after milder temperatures develop next week or later.
Well Water Caution – Province Will Cover Costs of Testing
· Residents in areas affected by flooding who are using well water are advised to boil all well water before consuming it or to use a safe alternative such as bottled water until test results confirm the bacterial safety of the water. Well-water sampling should occur after flooding has subsided. The province normally covers 70 per cent of such bacterial water testing but, under the current circumstances, well owners’ 30 per cent share is being waived for the flooded areas for a period of up to three months after flood waters recede.
· Five rural municipalities have issued emergency prevention orders: Eriksdale, St. Andrews, St. Clements, West St. Paul and Hanover.
· Three rural municipalities have declared local states of emergency: Blanshard, Franklin and St. Laurent.
Flood Response and Preparation
· Emergency prevention orders and locally declared states of emergency give municipal officials additional authority to prevent or respond to flooding (e.g. cutting roads or acquiring heavy equipment.) In Manitoba, applying for disaster financial assistance is not related to declaring a local state of emergency.
· Two of the province’s three sandbag-making machines are now in use in the RM of St. Andrews for use in that area.
· Manitoba EMO is in frequent contact with communities and has conducted conference calls with community leaders throughout the Red River valley.
Flood information can be found at www.gov.mb.ca/waterstewardship/floodinfo/index.html?/index.html.
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