September 3, 2014
Rainfall Flood Watch Issued for Southwest Assiniboine River Area
Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation’s Hydrologic Forecast and Water Management Centre advises water levels on the Assiniboine and Souris rivers in the southwest area of the province are rising due to heavy rainfall.
- The Assiniboine River and Souris River watershed has received 280 to 300 per cent above the normal precipitation from Aug. 19 to Sept. 1 or up to 120 millimetres (mm).
- As a result, flows and levels have been rising on the Assiniboine River.
-
Peak flows of 12,000 to 12,500 cubic feet per second (cfs) are expected to reach Portage
la Prairie sometime between today and tomorrow. - At this time, the Portage Diversion will only be operated if further heavy rains make it necessary. The diversion needs to be as water-free as possible to allow for critical repairs and maintenance.
- The forecast flows downstream of the diversion could cause some overland flooding and officials are working with local governments on flood protection measures.
- Significant precipitation is forecast for southern Manitoba tomorrow. Up to 50 mm of rainfall is expected, which could raise Assiniboine River flows up to 14,000 to 15,000 cfs.
- 30 -