News - 2019 Flood Report

The Hydrological Forecast Centre and Water Management Branch of Manitoba Infrastructure reports the Portage Diversion will close later today, as a result of declining water levels on the Assiniboine River and the river is now ice-free.

The Hydrologic Forecasting and Water Management Branch of Manitoba Infrastructure reports that the Red River Floodway has been initially activated as of noon on April 14.

The Hydrologic Forecast Centre of Manitoba Infrastructure is monitoring a storm system in the central-northern U.S., which could bring heavy precipitation to Fargo, N.D., and water levels on the Red River in Manitoba.

Temperatures are again dropping below zero from Wednesday until Saturday, slowing the melting process. Because of these lower temperatures, levels along the Red River are expected to be equal or slightly lower than 2011 flood level.

The Hydrologic Forecast Centre of Manitoba Infrastructure reports the Portage Diversion is expected to be operated within the next several days to maintain flows below 5,000 cubic feet per second on the Lower Assiniboine River.

The province’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre forecasts a flood in the Red River Valley at or marginally above 2009 levels with normal to unfavorable weather. There also remains a moderate risk of flooding along the Assiniboine River.

The Hydrologic Forecast Centre of Manitoba Infrastructure reports the updated flood forecast suggests a Red River flood of a magnitude higher than 2009 with normal or average weather conditions.

Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler announced that their is a high risk of major spring flooding in the Red River Valley in 2019.