Archived News Releases

Flood Bulletin #8

• A flood warning has been issued for the Swan River which is expected to reach flood stage in the next 12 to 24 hours at the town of Swan River.  A flood warning is issued when river levels are exceeding the banks and a flood is expected.
• The Town of Swan River is prepared for potential floodingand is closelymonitoring the river.  The community has sandbags and flood tubes provided by the province if required.
• There is a moderate risk of ice pileup on Swan Lake near Swan River and on the south shores of Lake Winnipeg, where there may be shifting ice, due to strong north winds forecast for this evening and tomorrow.

Red River

• Water levels on the Red River are rising in Manitoba from the U.S. border up to the town of Morris.  North of Morris, levels on the river are generally dropping following a crest yesterday.  A secondary crest, similar in size, is moving north from the U.S. portion of the Red River basin.  This secondary crest is now at Drayton, N.D., and is expected to arrive in Manitoba May 10 to 12 based on an updated U.S. National Weather Service forecast.
• Flows on nearly all Red River tributaries are declining.
• Forecasts indicate that even under unfavourable weather conditions, PTH 75 at Morris is not expected to close.        

Assiniboine River

• Flows on the upstream portion of the Assiniboine River basin in Saskatchewan appear to be near crest.
• Discharge in the Assiniboine River tributaries fed from the south side of the Riding Mountains generally increased due to run-off from snowmelt in the mountains.  Flows were stable or decreasing on tributaries downstream from Portage la Prairie.
• The Portage Diversion continues to operate as per established protocols.  Flows on the Portage Diversion are 3,100 cubic feet per second (cfs), while flows on the Assiniboine River downstream of Portage la Prairie are at 7,900 cfs. 

Flooding can affect road conditions quickly.  People are reminded to stay away from ice and fast-running water.  Do not attempt to drive or walk through fast-moving water.  Before travelling, check road conditions by calling 511.