A major storm with heavy rains and extreme winds went through southwestern Manitoba and the Lake Manitoba area, causing extensive flooding, wind damage, and extremely high waves and water levels on the lakes. These heavy rains have saturated or nearly saturated soil. Any further rainfall within the next two days will result in run-off, storage or pooling in low-lying areas.
Around Lake Manitoba, evacuations have occurred around the southern portion of the lake from the RM of Alonsa to Delta Beach and up to the RM of St. Laurent. High winds and waves caused extensive flooding and washed out sandbag dikes, roads and access in the area. Most of these areas are closed and roads are blocked or washed out.
The Office of the Fire Commissioner and nine fire departments undertook water rescues of approximately 16 people including one by helicopter from the RM of St. Laurent area.
Over 700 seasonal and permanent properties were on mandatory evacuation notices around Lake Manitoba and damage estimates are being assessed. A number of roads were washed out or overtopped with water and will require assessment before evacuees can return. So far, 238 people who evacuated from the area last night have registered with the Red Cross.
There were also evacuations around the Shoal Lakes area.
The Manitoba Association of Native Firefighters (MANFF) also co-ordinated additional evacuations from the Pinaymootang (Fairford) First Nation and the Little Saskatchewan First Nation.
Around Dauphin Lake and the Ochre River area, sandbag dikes were washed away and residences were evacuated.
MANFF also co-ordinated the evacuation of 15 people from the Skowan First Nation on Waterhen Lake.
Evacuees should register with the Red Cross at 1-888-662-3211 and will qualify for evacuation allowances while they are out of their homes.
In western Manitoba, overland flooding and rapidly rising tributaries washed out roads and flooding has affected numerous communities in the area including Souris, Minto and Deloraine.
The Sioux Valley First Nation also experienced flooding and evacuations related to overland flooding from the storm.
In Ste. Rose du Lac, river levels are being closely monitored in case the community dike needs to close due to rising Turtle River levels.
Rain levels are listed in the chart below. Preliminary readings showed accumulations in millimetres over the two-day rain event rain from 50 mm to over 100 mm in a number of communities.
Wind and Weather Forecast
There is a strong wind warning in effect for Lake Manitoba, Lake Winnipeg and Lake Winnipegosis. Wind direction will generally veer southeast this afternoon for most of southern Manitoba and is forecast to be southeast between 27 and 40 km/h tomorrow. Municipalities and residents are advised to prepare for wind-affected lake levels and significant wave uprush along the shoreline of the lake.
Compensation
A specific Lake Manitoba Financial Assistance Program has already been announced. Financial assistance will be available for principle residents and secondary residences to cover actual costs of up to $10,000 for short-term emergency protection of property. Up to $2,000 will also be available to cover the costs of engineering services for advice on flood-mitigation works.
Up to $200,000 will be available to restore homes to their original condition. Cottages will qualify for repairs for structural damage, up to $90,000. A copayment of 10 per cent will apply to both of these program pieces. The copayment is waived for property owners taking part in the permanent flood-protection program.
Residents undertaking permanent flood protection such as moving or raising their homes and cottages will receive up to 100 per cent of the cost or up to $20,000 in provincial support per property.
Residents outside of the Lake Manitoba area can qualify for disaster financial assistance.
Residents are advised to keep receipts and take photos of flood-protection measures, damages and efforts to clean up.
There are also two programs to assist Lake Manitoba producers with livestock feed and movement.
These programs complement other programs announced under the $175-million Building and Recovery Action Plan. The flood situation is being closely monitored and assessed on an ongoing basis.
Flood Forecast
A strong wind warning is in effect for Lake Winnipeg, Lake Manitoba and Lake Winnipegosis.
A flood warning has been issued for the Souris River; the Assiniboine River at all points downstream of the Shellmouth Dam; Pipestone Creek, all reaches; Oak Lake and Plum Lakes; Plum Creek to the Souris River (including the town of Souris); and the QuAppelle River in the St-Lazare area.
A high water advisory is in place for all major lakes in Manitoba.
As a result of the storm, water levels along the Souris River increased on the downstream end of the Souris River by the towns of Souris and Wawanesa. Water levels at Wawanesa increased 3.03 ft. since yesterday to 1,158.79 ft. This peak is 0.82 ft. higher than the previous peak.
Due to heavy rains, water levels are increasing on the main stem and smaller tributaries of the Assiniboine River. The Little Souris River increased 5.5 ft. since yesterday as a result of the storm. Preliminary forecasts estimate that water levels on the Assiniboine River at the First Street Bridge in Brandon could increase to between 1,180 and 1,180.5 ft. during the second week of June.
Water levels on tributaries into Dauphin Lake increased significantly due to the storm event. The Ochre River increased 9.8 ft. as a result of the storm.
Flows are expected to increase significantly on the Saskatchewan River at The Pas over the next two weeks. Manitoba forecasters are evaluating new flows and the forecast will be updated tomorrow.
Lakes
Manitoba Water Stewardship’s flood forecasting website includes information on forecast peak water levels for Lake Pineimuta, Lake Manitoba, Lake St. Martin and Dauphin Lake, as well as wave uprush illustrations and other flood information.
The estimated outflow from the Fairford River water control structure is 17,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) today. The structure continues to operate at full capacity due to the high level of Lake Manitoba.
Assiniboine River
Water levels on the Qu’Appelle River at Welby are 16.99 ft. today, increasing 0.53 ft. since yesterday.
Water levels on the Shellmouth Reservoir are 1,410.82 ft., decreasing 0.49 ft. since yesterday. Inflow into the Shellmouth Reservoir is 3,900 cfs and outflow is 6,260 cfs today. Outflows will be increased to 7,000 cfs today in order to bring the Shellmouth Reservoir below spillway elevation in preparation for future precipitation events.
Water levels at Miniota increased 0.96 ft. since yesterday to 1,244.75 ft.
Water levels on the Assiniboine River at the First Street Bridge in Brandon are 1,177.71 ft., increasing 0.45 ft. since yesterday. Flows at the First Street Bridge are estimated to be
20,600 cfs.
Inflow upstream of Portage la Prairie is 34,300 cfs. Flows in the Portage Diversion channel are 16,480 cfs. Flows on the Assiniboine River at the Portage Reservoir control gates are 17,820 cfs.
Water levels in the Baie St. Paul area are 799.98 ft., an increase of 0.06 ft. since yesterday.
Souris River
As a result of the recent storm event, water levels have increased significantly along the downstream end of the Souris River by the towns of Souris and Wawanesa. Water levels increased 2.49 ft. at Souris and 3.03 ft. at Wawanesa.
Tributaries to the Souris River also increased significantly. Plum Creek increased 1.43 ft. since yesterday to 1,376.9 ft.
Water levels on the Souris River increased at Melita to 1,409.84 ft., at Souris to 1,358.27 ft. and at Wawanesa to 1,158.79 ft. Flows on Souris River at Wawanesa are estimated to be 14,000 cfs today.
