Manitoba Infrastructure’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre reports overland flooding continues across parts of southern Manitoba, often due to ice in the drainage network or ice jamming on streams.
Flows on waterways across the province are continuing to react to the run-off from the melt and water levels remain high on many waterways. Ice has moved out on some rivers but remains in place on others including portions of the upper and lower Assiniboine River. Ice jams are still possible and are difficult to predict.
Some of the snowpack remains in the western part of the Souris River basin, the Parkland region, the Duck Mountain area, the Riding Mountain area and northern Manitoba. Much of the snow has already melted in southern Manitoba, with snow remaining in wooded areas.
The flood watch has been lifted for the lower Red River and Netley Creek as water levels are receding but open water levels on the lower Red River remain high. Most Red River tributaries are declining, with the exception of the Morris and La Salle rivers.
With the operation of the Red River Floodway, the Red River in Winnipeg crested yesterday at 19.4 feet. Without the benefit of the floodway, the water level at James Avenue yesterday would have been more than five ft. higher at 24.9 ft. With the floodway in operation, water levels at James Avenue are 18.7 ft. today and expected to remain relatively stable for the next week.
Ice is beginning to move along portions of the lower Assiniboine River from Portage la Prairie to Headingley, leading to a flood watch for that area. The Portage Diversion is being operated to limit flows on the lower Assiniboine River and minimize ice jamming, but as flows increase and the diversion approaches its capacity, additional flow may be allowed to go down the Assiniboine River.
A flood warning has been issued for the Birdtail and Pipestone creeks, middle Assiniboine River from the Shellmouth Dam to Holland, Pelican, Rock and Oak lakes, and the Morris, Pembina and Souris rivers.
A flood watch has been issued for the lower Assiniboine River from Portage la Prairie to Headingley due to ice running, the Boyne River downstream of Carman, Plum Creek and the Brokenhead, Red Deer and La Salle rivers. A high water advisory has been issued for the Overflowing and Carrot rivers.
People are reminded to be watchful of local waterways, as flood conditions can develop quickly. Ditches and culverts contain fast-moving water which could be hazardous and should be avoided.
Avoid driving through moving water as the water depth can be unpredictable and the current can push vehicles off the road. It is strongly advised that people be careful if venturing out onto what may appear to be frozen rivers and lakes, due to potential weak ice conditions.
