May 31, 2013
Flood Bulletin #18
The Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation Hydrologic Forecast Centre reports that, due to heavy rain, a flood warning and watches remain in place for portions of southern Manitoba.
A flood warning remains in place for low-lying areas near the Assiniboine River from Virden to Grand Valley.
A flood watch remains in place for:
- low-lying land near the Souris River, and
- small streams and tributaries across southern Manitoba.
Significant amounts of rainfall have been recorded ranging between 20 and 70 millimetres across southern Manitoba. Cumulative amounts of 50 to 100 mm are expected by the time the rainfall ends tonight. Heavier amounts are expected over higher grounds.
Impacts on Rivers
- Water levels in several streams have increased by up to 0.5 feet. Streams that receive extra heavy rainfall today may approach bank-full levels but will not necessarily exceed their banks depending on local rainfall intensities.
- No serious overland flooding has been reported since yesterday, apart from localized water pooling in low-lying fields around Reston, Pipestone Creek and Notre Dame de Lourdes.
- Other areas likely to be affected include the Altona, Morden and Winkler areas, where soil moisture is already high due to heavy rains that fell during the mid-May storm. Run-off from the current rainfall is expected to be similar to the mid-May storm, producing near bank-full flows.
- The public is advised to monitor weather conditions and forecasts as well as conditions on nearby drains, rivers and water bodies and to take precautions. Weather and flood warnings will be issued as required.
Red River
- Yesterday’s rainfall caused a rise of 0.15 ft. to 16.2 ft. at James Avenue due to local run-off within the city. As of this morning, the James Avenue level had declined to 15.9 ft. but it is expected to rise again as a result of the most recent rainfall.
- Red River tributaries have risen up to 0.5 ft. in the last 24 hours. The Roseau River and Elm Creek channel have experienced 0.5 and 0.4 ft. water level increases respectively. Further water level rises are expected depending on the amount of additional rainfall that occurs.
Assiniboine River
- Assiniboine River tributaries have seen minimal to moderate water level rises of up to 0.5 ft. No significant water level rises have been reported for the Souris River tributaries.
Parkland Region
- The current rainfall is expected to increase water levels and could cause localized flooding of low-lying areas adjacent to streams and tributaries. In the last 24 hours, no significant water level rises have been reported so far, although streams such as the Turtle River are beginning to increase.
Flooding can affect road conditions quickly. People are reminded to stay away from fast-running water. Do not attempt to drive or walk through fast-moving water. Before travelling, check road conditions by calling 511.
Up-to-date flood information including flood warnings, flood watches and high water advisories can be found at www.manitoba.ca/flooding, on mobile devices at www.manitoba.ca, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MBGov or at 1-866-626-4862 (toll-free).
Up-to-date highway information is available at www.mb511.ca, on mobile devices at www.manitoba.ca, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MBGovRoads or by calling 511.
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