An unstable weather system with the potential to produce moderate to heavy precipitation will track across the U.S., Saskatchewan and Manitoba borders this weekend.
Breaking and flowing ice on the Red River is causing high water levels in the city of Winnipeg The Red River at James Avenue rose one metre (3.3 feet) to a level of 6.2 m (20.3 ft.) at 10 a.m Flood preparedness activities are underway throughout the city.
Ice jams on the Red River in the Selkirk area are causing high water levels, but they are still much lower than in previous years.
In the U.Sportion of the basin, the Red River between Fargo and Pembina has risen by 0.15 to one m (0.5 to 3.3 ft.) since yesterday.
Weather and Effect on River Conditions
Showers are expected throughout the Red River basin later tonight and tomorrow Less than one millimetre (0.04 inches) of rain is expected Temperatures throughout much of southern Manitoba will rise after Friday with highs in Winnipeg forecasted to reach 14 C on Monday Similar weather conditions are predicted for Dauphin and The Pas, with rains expected tonight and a gradual rise in temperature until Monday.
Rain and snow is expected in the Souris River basin tonight and tomorrow, with less than one mm (0.04 in.) of rain and one centimetre (0.4 in.) of snow accumulating.
A system with rain and snow will track across the U.S., Saskatchewan and Manitoba borders this weekend This system will be intense in the Souris River basin with localized precipitation generating up to three cm (1.2 in.) of rain and snow accumulating between Friday and Sunday.
This system will also bring between one and four cm (0.4 and 1.6 in.) of localized precipitation in the Red River basin, resulting in added river flow levels However, the timing and the actual precipitation amounts are still uncertain at this time.
Red River
The main stem of the Red River has risen by between 0.15 and one m (0.5 and 3.3 ft.) since yesterday’s readings South of Morris to the floodway inlet, water levels have risen approximately 0.5 m (1.6 ft.).
Most Red River tributaries in Manitoba have risen between 0.15 and 0.5 m (0.5 ftand 1.6 ft.) since yesterday A few tributaries, such as the Roseau River, have seen minor rises and are either remaining stable or declining Water level rises are attributed mainly to the recent storm and temperature increases.
Several locations along the Red River in the U.Sare either at bank-full level or are over the riverbank In Manitoba, the Red River flow is still within banks.
Assiniboine River
Run-off has not started on the Assiniboine River and there are no major rises in river levels.
Souris River
Water levels are approaching the top of the bank on the Souris River at Melita, possibly due to ice conditions.
The Souris River at Souris has risen by three to six cm (1.2 to 2.4 in.) since yesterday Flow contributions from U.Stributaries will be significant due to the high moisture levels in the upper Souris watershed Several locations in the U.Sare at or above flood-stage (i.e., Westhope)Levels are expected to remain unchanged over the next five days.
Other Major Waterways
The Saskatchewan River has seen minimal rises of less than three cm (1.2 in.) in the last 24 hours. The Roseau River at Dominion City has seen a water level rise of 0.35 m (1.2 ft.) since yesterday. The Fisher River has risen only five cm (two in.) since yesterday.
Flood Response
A partial closure of the ring dike at Brunkild on PTH 3 will begin today.
Preparations for potential ring dike closures in other locations in the Red River Valley are already underway.
Dike repairs have been completed at Lowe Farm and are nearing completion at Letellier.
Localized overland flooding is underway in some areas of the province and is affecting some roads and bridges The bridge is closed at PTH 52 and 59 at Tourond Creek due to ice damage Provincial pumps are also working to address overland flooding in the Elm Creek area.
Travellers are encouraged to check www.gov.mb.ca/mit/roadinfo/ for the most up-to-date road information.
Rural municipalities north of the city are reinforcing and constructing dikes to protect homes and municipal infrastructure.
For more information, please see www.manitoba.ca/flooding and find the most up-to-date highway information at www.gov.mb.ca/mit/roadinfo/.
