April 12, 2014
Flood Bulletin #2
Summary
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A high water advisory is issued for the Assiniboine River, from St-Lazare to Portage la Prairie due to the potential for ice jams and associated flooding.
- A high water advisory is issued for small streams, drains and tributaries across portions of southern Manitoba where melt is actively occurring.
- During spring run-off with rapid temperature rises, a combination of rapid melt, ice jamming or blocked culverts may lead to a rapid rise in water levels on tributaries and drains. This may cause localized overland flooding.
- People are reminded to be watchful of local waterways as flood conditions can develop quickly.
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An ice jam has been reported on the Assiniboine River in the vicinity of the Spruce Woods Provincial Park.
- Water levels have risen by approximately seven feet overnight and water is on the road. A section of PTH 5 is closed. Crews have posted signs in the area and are investigating possible ice jam mitigation.
- Snow is falling in western Manitoba from Wawanesa to Brandon.
- Environment Canada has issued snowfall warnings for most of the Parkland Region of western Manitoba. Up to 10 centimetres of snow is expected by late Saturday afternoon with up to 15 cm possible in areas of higher terrain.
- The Portage Diversion may be operated for management of ice on the lower Assiniboine River within the next 24 hours. Portage Reservoir inflows and upstream conditions are being monitored to inform operating decisions.
- Temperatures are expected to remain cooler than normal throughout most of Manitoba into early next week. Most locations will see daytime temperatures near 0 C and overnight lows well below freezing. These temperatures are expected to slow melting and run-off.
Snowpack and Run-off
- The majority of the snowpack still remains in the Interlake region, eastern, northern and northwest Manitoba. Melting and run-off is expected to increase next week.
Red River and Tributaries
- Flows along the Red River and its tributaries, including the Pembina River, are increasing gradually. As of this morning, all flows are well within the banks. Flows at Fargo, N.D., appear to have peaked.
- The Red River Floodway is not in operation.
Souris and Assiniboine Rivers
- Flows on the Souris River near Melita and Souris are dropping slightly.
- Ice is reported to be intact on most stretches of the Assiniboine River.
Ice Conditions
- The provincial ice jam mitigation program has been completed, breaking a 29-km long channel on the Red River. Cutting and/or breaking ice has also taken place on the Icelandic, Whitemud, Fisher and Brokenhead rivers, Netley Creek and at the outlet of the Portage Diversion channel.
- Amphibexes are ready for deployment to break ice in case of ice jams on major rivers where feasible.
Spring Safety
- People are reminded to be watchful of local waterways as flood conditions can develop quickly and ice conditions may be unsafe.
- Stay away from ice and water, and not to drive or walk through fast‑moving water.
- Call 511 to check road conditions before travelling.
Questions or concerns about flooding or water management should be directed first to the municipal authority. Anyone with questions about water levels, provincial waterways or provincial water control infrastructure can call 204-945-8373 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., seven days a week.
Up-to-date flood information can be found at www.gov.mb.ca/flooding/, on mobile devices at www.manitoba.ca or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MBGov.
Up-to-date road 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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