April 2, 2017
Flood Bulletin #5
Manitoba Infrastructure’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre reports overland flooding continues across much of southern Manitoba, often due to ice in the drainage network. Ice jam related flooding continues on some major rivers and smaller tributaries.
Swan River has declared a state of local emergency as the river level increased due to an ice jam.
Carman is challenged by ice jamming on the Boyne River and surface run-off impacting some homes.
Netley Creek is running very high as ice jamming on the Red River slows the creek from draining into the river.
To date, five states of local emergency have been registered with Manitoba EMO; the municipalities of Dufferin, Grey, La Broquerie, Two Borders and the Town of Swan River.
High water advisories are in effect for the Overflowing, Valley and Vermillion rivers.
Flood watches are in effect for the Turtle, Woody, Whitemud, Red Deer, and Whitemouth rivers, along with Birdtail Creek.
Flood warnings are in effect for Swan River at the community, Fisher River near Dallas, Red River and Netley Creek near Petersfield due to ice jamming, the Morris River and Pipestone Creek.
The Red River Floodway began operation Friday morning. Flow in the floodway channel is 16,663 cubic feet per second (cfs) (471 cubic metres per second [cms]), an increase of almost 5,000 cfs in the past 24 hours.
The water level at James Avenue in Winnipeg decreased 0.3 feet overnight to 19.1 feet, very close to the predicted level. Water levels at James Avenue are expected to stay around 19.0 feet for the next few days. At this time, the Red River in Winnipeg is expected to crest April 4 to 5.
Depending when the ice runs on the Assiniboine River, a minor increase in water levels may occur at James Avenue. It is expected that ice will move later tonight or early tomorrow.
Water levels and flows on the Pembina River, which flows into the Red River south of Manitoba, are stabilizing as ice jamming is subsiding. The Pembina River is nearing its crest and is expected to peak between April 4 to 7.
Plans continue for the possible use of a ramp on PTH 75 in Morris. Activity will be based on conditions over the next few days. At this time, it is expected PTH 75 will remain open.
The Portage Diversion began operation on Friday morning. It is being operated to limit flows on the lower Assiniboine River to minimize ice jamming. The flow of the Assiniboine river at Portage has increased to about 10,400 cfs. The flow is split between the river and the diversion channel, each taking about 5,200 cfs.
The risk of ice jamming in drains and small tributaries is present as flows start to rise.
Flood Information
People are reminded to be watchful of local waterways, as flood conditions can develop quickly.
Avoid driving through moving water as the water depth can be unpredictable and current can push vehicles off the road.
People are reminded that ditches and culverts contain fast moving water which could be hazardous and should be avoided.
It is strongly advised that people be careful if venturing out onto what may appear to be frozen rivers and lakes, due to potential weak ice conditions.
Since run-off may occur quickly, landowners who normally store a portion of run-off in dugouts for irrigation or other water retention structures are encouraged to retain water.
Homeowners should check their sump pumps and hoses to ensure they are fully functional.
Up-to-date flood information can be found at www.gov.mb.ca/flooding/ or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MBGov.
For current highway conditions, call 511, visit www.manitoba511.ca or follow the Twitter account at www.twitter.com/MBGovRoads for closures. A Manitoba 511 app is now available for download at https://residents.gov.mb.ca/apps/511.html.
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