October 2, 2009
Lake Winnipeg Flood Risk For Autumn 2009
The water level on Lake Winnipeg is 217.9 metres (714.8 feet) above sea level and Manitoba Water Stewardship projects the level will decline slightly throughout the months of October and November.
The department forecasts a 10 per cent chance of a storm event similar to 2005 when water levels were slightly higher.
Following is a summary of levels that could occur for a storm event with a 10-year return period (one with a 10 per cent chance of occurring):
· Shoreline with steep slope (vertical wall or dike)
- Gimli – 219.9 m (721.5 ft.)
- Winnipeg Beach – 220 m (722 ft.)
- Dunnottar – 220.2 m (722.5 ft.)
· Shoreline with gentle slope (1:10 slope)
- Gimli – 219.5 m (720 ft.)
- Winnipeg Beach – 219.6 m (720.5 ft.)
- Dunnottar – 219.8 m (721 ft.)
The levels would be about 0.3 m (one foot) lower for a five-year storm (a storm with a 20 per cent chance of occurring), 0.15 m (half a foot) higher for a 20-year storm (a storm with a five per cent chance of occurring), and 0.3 m (one foot) higher for a 50-year storm (a storm with a two per cent chance of occurring).
Anyone with shoreline property is encouraged to install appropriate protection from potential wind-driven waves.
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