April 25, 2014
Flood Bulletin #14
Summary
Weather
- Temperatures across Manitoba are expected to remain cool today with precipitation ending in the late afternoon and early evening. Precipitation amounts are likely to be minimal.
- The effects of the current weather system can be seen in the western and Interlake areas in the province.
- A major rainfall warning has been issued by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for the Souris River area, covering southeast Saskatchewan and North Dakota. The upper reaches of the Souris River could see 35 to 50 millimetres of rainfall on the weekend.
- Western Manitoba may see 10 to 20 mm of rain Saturday and Sunday with an additional five to 15 mm forecast for Monday.
- Eastern Manitoba is expected to see minimal precipitation over the weekend, but could see five to 10 mm on Monday.
- Temperatures are expected to rise across Manitoba for the weekend and into next week.
A flood warning is in place for:
- all points along the Little Saskatchewan River, and Silver Birdtail creeks due to recent precipitation and rapid snowmelt; and
- Fisher River due to high water levels and the potential for ice jams.
Flood watches continue for:
- the Assiniboine River, from Shellmouth Dam to Brandon;
- all points along the Arrow River, and Conjuring and Smith creeks due to recent precipitation and rapid snowmelt; and
- the Icelandic River due to potential for ice jams.
High water advisories continue for:
- the Whitemud River from Gladstone to Lake Manitoba due to increasing tributary flows and the potential for ice effects; and
- streams in the Interlake region due to the existing snowpack, an expected rapid rate of melt and the potential for ice jams.
Rainfall has caused a rise in the western and upper Assiniboine River and its northern tributaries.
- Higher levels are forecast from Russell through to Portage la Prairie.
- Existing flows and rainfall will result in over-bank flooding of low-lying areas and agricultural lands downstream of Russell to Brandon.
- The Grand Valley area has seen a three-foot rise in the Assiniboine River water level in the last 24 hours.
The Manitoba Emergency Coordination Centre is open to support communities with flood fighting.
The Rural Municipality of Fisher reports two homes have been protected with water tube barriers and is monitoring locations where water is over the roads.
The Town of Arborg has delivered sandbags to approximately two houses facing potential flooding.
Peguis First Nation is monitoring homes in the community that are threatened by flooding. Five homes are being flood protected using water tube barriers. The community is preparing to protect additional homes as required. The Manitoba government has delivered 100 water tubes to Peguis.
Fisher River Cree First Nation has protected approximately seven houses that are impacted by local run-off. The Manitoba government is delivering 80 water tube barriers to Fisher River today.
The Town of Minnedosa is monitoring flooding in low-lying areas within town and has added additional flood protection to its existing dikes.
The Town of Roblin declared a state of local emergency in order to deal with overland flooding caused by spring run-off.
Red River
- Water levels at all points on the Red River are declining as the crest has passed. Red River tributaries in Manitoba are generally declining.
- The precipitation that has fallen to date was insufficient to slow the decline of the Red River or its tributaries. Water was naturally spilling into the Red River Floodway at a rate of approximately 2,580 cubic feet per second (cfs) this morning, a decrease of close to 700 cfs from yesterday.
- The Red River at James Avenue in Winnipeg is 18.1 ft., down three-tenths of a foot.
Assiniboine River
- The flow on the Portage Diversion is now 6,250 cfs, up about 1,600 cfs in the last 24 hours.
- The Portage Diversion is being operated to reduce the risk of ice jams on the lower Assiniboine River as per established protocols.
- Flows and water levels are high on a number of the Assiniboine River northern tributaries with their headwaters in the Riding Mountain. Current forecasts indicate that some additional rises will occur on some of these streams.
- On the Little Saskatchewan River, the province is closely monitoring the Minnedosa, Rapid City and Rivers dams given the high flows and the flows over the dam weirs.
- Water levels on Pelican Lake are approaching the spring target level and some water will be released through the outlet structure to maintain that level.
Interlake
- Water levels are rising on the Icelandic and Fisher rivers. Ice conditions are being monitored for the potential onset of ice jams in the next few days. Over-bank flooding is occurring on the Fisher River.
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.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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