April 9, 2017
Flood Bulletin #12
Manitoba Infrastructure’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre reports overland flooding and tributary flows continue to subside across parts of southern Manitoba. Flows on the Assiniboine River are continuing to rise.
Ice is still in place on northern rivers and tributaries. A high water advisory is in place for the Carrot River near The Pas. Most rivers in southern Manitoba are ice free.
There was a partial closure at the Gretna dike last night as the water rose towards the centre line of the highway.
As of this morning, flow on the Portage Diversion channel is 19,281 cubic feet per second (cfs) (546 cubic metres per second [cms]) and flows on the Assiniboine River downstream of the diversion is 11,000 cfs (312 cms) but will increase today to 13,000 cfs (368 cms).
The revised Assiniboine River forecast suggests the Assiniboine and Souris rivers may peak at the same time at the Portage Reservoir. At Holland, with a weather forecast indicating no future precipitation, it is expected that flows will range from approximately 43,000 to 46,000 cfs (1,217 to 1,303 cms) between the dates of April 11 and 12. Preparations for temporary flood protection measures are being put in place along the lower Assiniboine River.
A flood watch remains in effect for the area between Portage la Prairie and Headingley. Flows are being gradually increased to about 15,000 cfs tomorrow and possibly up to 17,000 cfs by Wednesday.
Water levels at James Avenue were measured at 17.6 feet this morning. With the floodway in operation, water levels at James Avenue are expected to remain within the range of 17 to 18 ft. for the next week as flows on the Red River recede and flows on the Assiniboine River increase.
The flood watch for the Red Deer River has ended.
A flood warning remains in effect for the upper Assiniboine River from the Shellmouth Dam to Holland and Oak Lake, which is at crest, and the Souris River.
A flood warning remains in effect for all points along the Souris River. Flows on the main stem of the Souris River in Manitoba are continuing to react to the run-off from the melt while tributaries of the Souris River are beginning to decrease.
A flood warning remains in effect for Pelican Lake and it is near crest.
The Carrot River upstream in Saskatchewan has yet to peak at Turnberry. Water levels on the Carrot River within Manitoba are influenced by Carrot River flows and water levels on the Saskatchewan River where the two rivers meet. Conditions will be monitored because the ice is still intact in Manitoba, making ice jamming on both rivers a concern. The backwater effect of ice jamming will influence water levels on the Carrot River. It is difficult to estimate the timing and effects of ice jams on the two rivers.
Home owners affected by this spring’s flooding are reminded to review their home insurance. Overland flood insurance was introduced by some insurers in Manitoba in 2016.
High water levels have led to a number of road closures across the province. Avoid driving through moving water as the water depth can be unpredictable and the current can push vehicles off the road. Weak ice conditions may exist on rivers and lakes.
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/MBGovRoadsfor closures. A Manitoba 511 app is now available for download at https://residents.gov.mb.ca/apps/511.html.
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