November 13, 2012
High Water Advisory Issued for Communities Along Waterhen River
– – –Frazil Ice Jams May Cause Flooding
The Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation Hydrologic Forecast Centre has issued a high water advisory for the Waterhen River in the Interlake, due to the possibility of frazil ice jams forming in the next few days and weeks.
Frazil ice, which has already begun to form due to colder weather, is a result of slush and ice crystals that do not totally freeze but have the potential to cause a jam and sudden river rises of a metre or more.
In the last two days, temperatures have fallen significantly below freezing and water level rises of up to one metre (3.3 ft.) have been recorded at a water survey gauge at Waterhen.
It is difficult to predict accurately where and when frazil ice will develop, however, communities along the Waterhen River are advised to be vigilant as levels on the river could rise quickly.
The river is lower than it was last year in mid-November by about 0.46 m (1.5 ft.), but still above normal for this time of the year. Level fluctuations with possible further rises of 0.6 to 0.9 m (two to three ft.) may occur during the next two to three weeks prior to a complete freeze-up.
Community officials continue to monitor the situation and provincial officials will assist when and if requested.
This high water advisory will be updated if river conditions and forecasts change significantly.
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