Potential operation of the Red River Floodway gate is currently being assessed and it is possible the gates may be raised early this evening. A news release will be issued if the gates are operated. The gradual raising of the gates is designed to protect the city of Winnipeg while holding water levels south of the floodway inlet to natural levels.
As a precautionary measure, the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer has issued a boil water advisory for those using private, untreated water sources, such as well water or surface water for drinking water in flood-prone areas. The Manitoba government will once again cover the costs of testing drinking water supplies once flooding has ended. More details on free testing will be available later at www.manitoba.ca/flooding.
The ice jam on the Red River at the Redwood Bridge in Winnipeg has broken up causing a drop in water levels. Observations at 11 a.m. this morning indicate that ice on the Red River in Winnipeg is flowing. Late yesterday, a minor ice jam formed at the St. Mary’s Road Bridge on the floodway channel and will be closely monitored over the next 24 hours. An ice jam on the Red River in the McIvor Road area north of Selkirk has developed, resulting in a significant water level rise immediately upstream, and will be monitored closely as conditions progress.
An unstable weather system moving in from the U.S. will bring approximately 10 to 20 millimetres of precipitation in the Red River basin and up to 30 mm in localized areas within the Souris River basin.
Weather and Effect on River Conditions
Showers are expected throughout southern Manitoba later this afternoon. Up to 10 mm of rain is expected in Winnipeg and 15 mm in Brandon. Less than one mm of rain and one centimetre of snow is forecast for both the Dauphin and Fisher Branch areas, and clear conditions are predicted in The Pas. Temperatures throughout much of southern Manitoba will continue to rise until Monday with an average temperature of 7 C and high of 14 C in Winnipeg and average temperatures of 5 C and high of 10 C in Dauphin and an average of 6 C and high of 13 C in Fisher Branch. After Monday, highs will decrease slightly with mainly sunny conditions. The warm temperatures are expected to increase snowmelt run-off.
A weather system is moving in a northeast direction and will track across the U.S./Manitoba border this weekend. This system will be intense in parts of the Souris River basin with localized precipitation generating up to 30 mm of rain or snow accumulating between Friday and Sunday. This system will also bring between 10 and 20 mm of localized precipitation in the Red River basin, resulting in added river flow levels.
Red River
Upstream of Morris, the main stem of the Red River has risen by approximately one foot since yesterday’s readings. Downstream of Morris to the floodway inlet water levels have risen less than 0.5 feet. Flows on the Red River at Emerson are 30,000 cubic feet per second (cfs).
Flow rates in the Red River above the floodway are approximately 55,000 cfs with an upstream elevation of 755.01 ft. The floodway is not in operation; however, natural flows are 6,100 cfs. Operation of the floodway is being assessed and will likely happen within the next 24 hours.
Several locations along the Red River in the U.S. are either at bank-full levels or have exceeded riverbanks. The Red River in Manitoba is close to bank-full conditions in Emerson, Letellier and Morris, and exceeding bank-full level in St. Jean Baptiste. These levels are well below dike-top elevations.
Assiniboine River
There has been a minor increase in flows on the Assiniboine River since yesterday. The Assiniboine River remains within banks at all locations at this time.
Shellmouth Reservoir inflow is at 570 cfs and outflow is 404 cfs with a reservoir elevation of 1,383.89 ft.
Flows in the Portage Diversion channel are 1,130 cfs and flows on the river downstream of the diversion are 3,040 cfs.
Pembina River
Pembina River has resulted in increases on the river by approximately one ft. since yesterday.
Souris River
Water levels are above bank-full on the Souris River at Melita due to ice conditions. The Souris River at Souris has risen less than 0.5 ft. in the last two days.
Other Major Waterways
Run-off on the Brokenhead and La Salle rivers is well underway and flows are increasing, resulting in localized ice jams. Run-off has begun on the Seine River. The Saskatchewan River has seen minimal rises of less than 0.1 ft. in the last 24 hours. Water levels on the Roseau River have increased by approximately 0.5 ft. since yesterday. Surface run-off has not started on the Fisher and Icelandic rivers. Surface run-off has not started on all other tributaries in the western portion of the province.
Flood Response
PTH 75 is being closely monitored and may partially close in the Morris area in the next two to four days. The northbound lanes near Morris would be affected first. The most up-to-date information about road conditions can be found at www.gov.mb.ca/mit/roadinfo.
Municipal and provincial roads north and south of the city of Winnipeg are affected by flooding and are many are closed and barricaded. Motorists are reminded to find an alternative route and respect barriers. Driving on closed and water-covered roads can be hazardous. Before travelling in potentially flooded areas, motorists are advised to check www.gov.mb.ca/mit/roadinfo.
Partial ring dike closures in the valley communities will also begin in the next few days. A partial closure at the Brunkild ring dike is complete.
The RMs of Armstrong, St. Laurent, Cartier, Dufferin, Portage la Prairie, St. Andrews, St. Clements, St. Francois Xavier and West St. Paul have issued a prevention orders to support flood-prevention efforts.
Steamer units are working in the area of Lorette, Fisher Branch and Gimli.
Four flood liaison offices will open today and will be able to provide information to local residents and municipalities from 7 a.m to 7 p.m., seven days a week. The offices are at Arborg: 1-204-376-3360, Brandon: 1-204-729-1220, Morris: 1-204-712-6219 and Winnipeg: 1-204-945-8373.
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.
