High flows are continuing into the Portage diversion reservoir due to flows from tributaries and the large amount of water released from ice jams.
Due to these very high inflows, the diversion channel is now being operated at maximum capacity and high flows continue downstream of the diversion on the Assiniboine River.
Flooding continues in the Pembina Valley watershed. Damage to roads and crossings have caused loss of access in many areas upstream of Pelican Lake.
The Souris River continues to be over its banks at several locations. Significant flows from the U.S., local tributaries and the Turtle Mountains are expected to result in a prolonged crest and continued high flows on the Souris River.
A flood warning has been issued for Qu’Appelle River in the St-Lazare area. A flood warning has been issued on the Pembina River for Pelican Lake and downstream. A flood watch has been issued for the Assiniboine River downstream of Russell is extended to Portage la Prairie. A high water advisory issued for the Assiniboine River downstream of Portage la Prairie. The high water advisory issued for Sturgeon Creek has been cancelled.
Flood Response
Overnight and this morning, there has been significant activity along the Assiniboine River.
There are 11 metering crews out on the Assiniboine and Red rivers and other areas of southern Manitoba assessing the flood situation and gathering data. This year’s flooding covers an unprecedented area of the province from the Saskatchewan border to eastern Manitoba, and from The Pas, south to the U.S. border.
Portage Diversion/Assiniboine River Activity
An ice jam moved out of Spruce Woods Provincial Park. This sent a significant amount of water towards the Portage Diversion, which is channeling a maximum amount of water through the diversion into Lake Manitoba.
An ice jam on the Assiniboine River near Poplar Point is in place and is being assessed. No properties are currently at risk. Equipment is being moved into the area to manage conditions near Poplar Point Colony and use of the Amphibex is being assessed.
Flows in the Portage Diversion channel this morning are at 25,000 cfs and flows on the Assiniboine River downstream of the diversion are 15,000 cfs. Inflows upstream of Portage la Prairie are very high, impeding gauge measurements.
Floodway Operations
Floodway operations will be adjusted today to accommodate increased flows from the Assiniboine River. Throughout today there will be gradual increases in river levels in the city of Winnipeg. Levels will be maintained at 20 feet at James Avenue by tomorrow. Water levels south of the city will continue to be maintained at natural levels.
Other Activities
In Brandon, a dike is being constructed across PR 459 near 18th Street and PR 459 will be closed west of the city. The Assiniboine River dikes in the Brandon area will now be patrolled on a 24-hour basis.
Flood preparedness activities in St-Lazare will be completed in the next few days to ensure the community is protected from expected high flows on the Qu`Appelle and Assiniboine rivers.
A provincial sandbagging machine has been delivered to the Peguis First Nation. This is in addition to provincial flood barrier tubes, trailers and pumps that are also in the community to support flood-fighting efforts. There are currently 576 people evacuated from the community. The provincial government has also made a $1.5-million commitment to the community for flood-fighting equipment.
Although overland flooding continues in the Ashern area, pumping has stabilized the situation in the town.
PTH 75 remains open and continues to be monitored on a day-by-day basis.
The bridge at St. Jean Baptiste has been closed and is weighed down to ensure debris does not damage the structure.
While Manitoba tributaries have crested, there is more water coming from the U.S., a second crest along the Roseau River and the arrival of Pembina River water.
Recent snowfall in the southern part of Manitoba and northern U.S. is not expected to affect crest predictions but may result in a longer period of flooding. The impact of the storm will be fully assessed by Monday.
To date, 25 rural municipalities have declared a state of local emergency and there have been 693 evacuations.
There are approximately 67 full or partial closures/restrictions on provincial roads and approximately 700 closures of municipal roads. Road closures can occur quickly. Motorists are advised to be cautious and avoid driving on water-covered roads.
Red River
The upper level of the forecast range for the Red River remains somewhat above 2009 levels for most points on the river.
Water levels on the main stem of the Red River at Emerson increased 0.76 ft. since yesterday’s readings. Flows at Emerson this morning are 50,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). Flows at Emerson are expected to crest April 25 to 28.
Water levels at the floodway inlet have declined slightly since yesterday. Flows in the Red River above the floodway are approximately 60,000 cfs with an upstream elevation of 759.58 ft. Flows in the floodway are approximately 19,000 cfs. As noted, the floodway gates will be raised today.
Water levels at James Avenue in Winnipeg have increased 0.05 ft. since yesterday to 19 ft. Flows at James Avenue this morning are approximately 54,500 cfs.
The Red River Floodway will be operated to reduce the rise in river levels within Winnipeg due to the increases in the Assiniboine River flows. Water levels south of the floodway inlet will rise to 760 ft. today. Levels will be 760.5 to 761 ft. tomorrow, approximately 0.3 ft. below natural conditions.
Assiniboine River Watershed
The flood watch issued for the Qu’Appelle River in St-Lazare area has been upgraded to a flood warning. The Saskatchewan Watershed Authority issued an ‘Urgent Flood Risk Advisory’ for the Qu’Appelle River in Saskatchewan. Flows could reach record flood levels.
Water levels in the Shellmouth Reservoir have increased 1.06 ft. since yesterday to 1,387.99. The Shellmouth inflow is 5,450 cfs and outflow from the reservoir is 455 cfs.
Flows into the Minnedosa Dam have resulted in a water level increase of 0.7 ft. since yesterday.
Pembina River
The flood warning for the Pembina River has been extended to include Pelican Lake and downstream.
Water levels on Pelican Lake on the Pembina River system have increased significantly since yesterday. The lake is receiving significant flows from the Orthez Creek. High water levels on the Orthez Creek have damaged municipal and provincial roadways and crossings, restricting access to private residences.
Pelican Lake levels have reached 1,352.7 ft. and, as required in the operating rules in the Environment Act licence, the outlet is in operation to allow maximum outflow from the lake.
Levels on Rock Lake will increase from current levels, but will not exceed the previous peak of 1,339.2 ft.
High flows will be sustained in the La Rivière area and downstream due to significant inflow from tributaries and lakes throughout the watershed.
Souris River
The flood warning for the Souris River between Melita and Wawanesa remains in effect.
The water level on the Souris River near Melita has decreased 0.31 ft. since yesterday to 1,410.05 ft. Flows continue to decline on the Souris River near Wawanesa, declining another 0.49 ft. since yesterday.
The final crest may not have been reached yet on the Souris River.
Interlake Region
Flows on the Icelandic River crested earlier this week and flows continue to recede.
Water levels have decreased up to 0.5 ft. since yesterday at most locations along both branches of the Fisher River.
The flood warning for the Fisher River area remains in effect.
A further operation of the Fairford River dam will be implemented due to the high level of Lake Manitoba. Outflows from Lake Manitoba will be increased from 9,900 cfs to approximately 10,500 cfs after appropriate notifications have been provided.
Other Major Waterways
The Saskatchewan and Carrot rivers at The Pas have seen small rises in the last 24 hours.
The Whitemud River has experienced its first crest and is receding at some locations. However, a second crest is forecast in the next few days. See the Riding Mountain flood sheet for detailed flows and elevations.
Rivers and creeks in the Parkland region, including around the town of Dauphin, are forecast to receive a second crest. However, it is forecast to be lower than the crest earlier this week.
Flows on the Swan River have decreased slightly since yesterday.
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 or toll-free at 1-877-MBRoads (1-877-627-6237) and on Twitter by following @MBGov.
