Archived News Releases

Media Bulletin - Manitoba

April 19, 2014

Flood Bulletin #8



Summary

  • Precipitation amounts reported in the last 24-hour period were less than forecast.  The Interlake received approximately five to 12 millimetres,  the Parkland and western Manitoba regions five to 10 mm, eastern Manitoba two to 10 mm and the Red River Valley in Manitoba under five mm.
  • The run-off potential on the Fisher River in the northern Interlake has increased slightly due to the recent precipitation in the area.
    • Flows are expected to be in the order of 2,500 cubic feet per second (cfs) to 2,700 cfs, which would be above the bank-full capacity at Dallas.
    • f a slower melt occurs, flows are expected to be near 2,200 cfs, which would be within the banks.
    • Officials in potentially impacted communities along the Fisher River have been advised of the of the potential for high water
    • The melt is not expected to start until April 21.
  • In the Parkland/Dauphin area, recent precipitation and mountain run-off have yet to occur, so it is expected that the crest along tributaries will be lower than the previous local run-off crest.

Red River

  • A substantial ice jam on the Red River was reported south of Selkirk, but it is not causing any flooding issues.
  • Warmer temperatures expected in the next few days will expedite ice breakup.
  • The Red River is nearing its crest at Emerson and flows are in the order of 35,000 cfs.
  • The Red River upstream of the floodway inlet is expected to crest between April 22 and 24 at a flow of 40,000 to 41,000 cfs.  
  • The James Avenue level in Winnipeg this morning was 15.2 feet, an increase of 0.9 ft. in the last 24 hours.  The flow at James Avenue was recorded at 36,700 cfs.  The forecast levels for James Avenue are 18 to 18.75 feet with river ice in place and 16 to 16.75 feet with open water conditions.
  • It is expected the Red River will begin to spill into the floodway inlet today as the crest moves northward.  The floodway is not activated at this time.
  • The province will activate an Amphibex icebreaking machine to assist the City of Winnipeg if it can be effective in breaking up inner-city ice jams.

Assiniboine River  

  • The ice along the Assiniboine River from the Saskatchewan boundary east to Winnipeg is mostly intact.
  • The ice jam has released at Spruce Woods Provincial Park.
  • Minor over-bank flooding is occurring in the Brandon Valley area flooding agricultural lands upstream of Brandon.
  • A high water advisory continues for the Assiniboine River from Griswold to Portage la Prairie due to the potential for ice jams and associated flooding.
  • The Portage Diversion is operating for management of ice on the lower Assiniboine River.  Diversion flows are near 3,880 cfs.  Portage Reservoir inflows and upstream conditions are being monitored to inform operating decisions.

Spring Safety

People are reminded:

  • to be watchful of local waterways as flood conditions can develop quickly and ice conditions may be unsafe;
  • to avoid crossing areas with broken ice and surface water;
  • not to drive or walk through fast-moving water; and
  • to 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.caor 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/MBGovRoadsor by calling 511. 

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