News - Flooding

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.

Premier Brian Pallister spoke on Thursday with North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum about the current state of spring flooding in the region, including in the Red River, Pembina River and Souris River watersheds, which are shared by Manitoba and North Dakota.

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 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.

With recent flooding on the east coast of the United States, in particular the states of Florida and the Carolinas, Manitoba Public Insurance is advising anyone looking to purchase a vehicle from the United States to carefully check the status of the vehicle before they close the deal.

The Manitoba government has appointed Umendra Mital, M.A.Sc., P.Eng., as an independent advisor to review the acquisition of flood-fighting equipment and security services.