May 15, 2009
Flooding Media Bulletin #42
– – –High Water Advisory Issued for Winnipeg River
Weather Conditions
· The current weather system has produced 20 to 30 centimetres (7.8 to 11.8 inches) of wet snow from Roblin through the Dauphin and Fisher Branch areas. Locations near the Trans-Canada Highway in western Manitoba received about five millimetres (0.2 in.) of rain and precipitation was even less further south.
· The snow in the Interlake and Westman regions is expected to melt over the weekend, although some additional showers or snow may occur Sunday night to Monday in association with a cold front.
Winnipeg River
· A high water advisory has been issued for the Winnipeg River.
· Levels on the Winnipeg River have risen in recent weeks after significant rains. The level at Nutimik has risen to 1.4 metres (4.6 feet) above the normal summer level. Additional water released from Lake of the Woods will cause levels in the Manitoba portion to rise at least 0.3 m (one ft.) during the next few weeks.
· Low-lying areas along the Winnipeg River will experience some flooding for the next three to four weeks. Cottagers are advised to check their properties and take appropriate actions.
· Most lakes in the Whiteshell are still above summer levels. Lakes had begun to decline but may rise somewhat due to recent rains. Dams controlling the lakes are being operated to achieve desirable levels as best is possible.
Interlake Area
· The heavy snow will increase overland flooding, especially in areas that received rain recently. Most of the snow is expected to melt by Sunday but additional showers or snow could develop Sunday or Monday.
· Many inland lakes, such as Fish and the Shoal lakes, are already high and will rise further and flood more land. Streams are expected to rise significantly but should remain within their banks.
· Lake Manitoba’s level is near 247.6 m (812.6 ft.) and is likely to rise to 247.7 m (812.75 ft.) by the end of May or early June. Outflows are the highest possible without causing flooding on
Lake St. Martin.
Lake St. Martin.
· Lake Winnipeg has risen to 217.9 m (715 ft.), the top of its operating range. It is expected to rise to 217.99 m (715.2 ft.), based on normal precipitation. High flows from the Red and Winnipeg rivers are responsible for the high levels. Maximum outflows from the lake have been occurring since December 2008.
City of Winnipeg
· The Red River level in downtown Winnipeg has changed little since yesterday and stood at 5.19 m (17.04 ft.) this morning. The level is expected to remain close to 5.18 m (17 ft.) until Monday and will be near 5.03 m (16.5 ft.) for most of next week, based on favourable weather.
· The Red River floodway continues to be used to provide maximum benefit to Winnipeg, while maintaining below-natural levels just south of the city.
Assiniboine River
· The Portage Diversion continues to be extensively used to reduce Assiniboine River flows coming toward Winnipeg and is reducing Red River levels in downtown Winnipeg by 0.58 m (1.9 ft.).
· Levels on the Shellmouth Reservoir were unchanged since yesterday morning and stood at
427.9 m (1,404 ft.) this morning. The reservoir inflow is expected to rise during the next few weeks following melt of the 25 cm (9.8 in.) of snow. The outflow is being adjusted to prevent levels from rising significantly further, but a rise to 428.1 m (1,404.5 ft.) by late May is likely. The spillway level is 429.3 m (1,408.5 ft.).
427.9 m (1,404 ft.) this morning. The reservoir inflow is expected to rise during the next few weeks following melt of the 25 cm (9.8 in.) of snow. The outflow is being adjusted to prevent levels from rising significantly further, but a rise to 428.1 m (1,404.5 ft.) by late May is likely. The spillway level is 429.3 m (1,408.5 ft.).
Further flood information is available at www.manitoba.ca.
- 30 -