Manitoba has now experienced four major storms that have brought unusually heavy rains and high winds across southern Manitoba in just a four-week period.
The cumulative effects of significant rainstorms coming so close together has added considerably more water into rivers and streams. Rain can have a significant and quick impact on river and lake levels when soils are saturated and waterways are high.
Forecasts will be adjusted on an ongoing basis and weather will play a role in increasing water levels. Saturated soils across the province are unable to absorb additional moisture and future additional rain will strain the province’s flood-protection systems.
The most recent storm soaked southwest Manitoba, southeast Saskatchewan and the Parklands region causing flash flooding in some areas, road washouts and rapid rises in rivers and streams. Rainfall was anywhere from 26 millimetres in Melita to 29 mm in Souris and Brandon. This rain fell in areas that have already experienced up to 300 per cent of normal rainfall this spring. Another major storm is being forecast for early next week.
Flood forecasts for rivers and major lakes will continue to be adjusted as a result of the precipitation from each storm.
St. Laurent-Woodlands Recovery Assistance
A one-stop shop will be set up for residents with property in the RMs of St. Laurent and Woodlands. They will be able to access flood recovery services at the RM of St. Laurent Municipal Office on PTH 6, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., Thursday to Saturday, June 9 to 11, and on Sunday, June 12, the office will be located at the Woodland Community Hall at 204 Argyle St. and open from noon to 5 p.m. The one-stop shop will provide:
• assistance in registering and filling in forms for Lake Manitoba Financial Assistance Program,
• information on accommodations and available resources,
• answers on livestock and pet concerns,
• health and stress-management services, and
• information on federal government cheques and services.
Work is continuing in The Pas to reinforce and construct new permanent dikes on Ralls Island to ensure there is adequate protection for forecast water levels due to high flows from Saskatchewan along the Saskatchewan River.
The scale, scope and ongoing nature of this year’s flood can be very challenging for affected Manitoba families. There are resources to help deal with stress and anxiety which result from a crisis situation such as this flood. Resources include Manitoba Farm and Rural Support Services 1-866-367-3276 (1-866-FOR-FARM) toll-free; Klinic Community Health Centre 24-hour Crisis Line 786-8686 in Winnipeg or 1-888-322-3019 toll-free; and Health Links-Info Santé which can also help find resources through local regional health authorities or community mental-health services offices at 788-8200 in Winnipeg or 1-888-315-9257 toll-free. Additional information and tips are available online.
Flood Forecast
Environment Canada has removed the wind warning for Lake Manitoba and Lake Winnipeg. Winds are forecast to be generally light for the next few days.
A moderate wind set-up alert has been issued for the south shore of Dauphin Lake, the south shore of Lake Winnipegosis, Lake Winnipeg and the south, west, and east shores of Lake Manitoba.
Forecasts for the Souris River are being updated as a result of the recent rain.
Water levels on the Saskatchewan River near The Pas are expected to reach 855.5 to 857 ft., depending on the weather. The reinforcement of existing dikes and the building of permanent dikes are underway.
Flood warnings are in place 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 Qu`Appelle River in the St-Lazare area.
A high water advisory remains in place for all major lakes in Manitoba and the Saskatchewan River, all points in Manitoba.
Lakes
The current forecast peaks for major lakes are:
• Lake Winnipeg: 716.8 ft by mid-July (source: Manitoba Hydro).
• Lake Manitoba: between 816.1 ft. and 816.5 ft. around July 5.
• Lake St. Martin: between 805.2 ft. and 805.4 ft. around July 25.
• Lake Winnipegosis: between 835 ft. and 835.5 ft.
• Lake Pineimuta: between 808.5 ft. and 808.8 ft around July 25.
New inundation maps are available for Lake Manitoba as well as other information on current water levels, wave uprush illustrations, flood reports and flood sheets.
The estimated outflow from the Fairford River water control structure is 18,200 cfs today. The structure continues to operate at full capacity due to the high level of Lake Manitoba.
Lake levels at Oak and Plum lakes are high and continue to contribute high flows to Plum Creek.
Assiniboine River
Due to the recent rain, water levels in the Assiniboine River are expected to rise over the next few days. Forecasts are being updated to reflect the most recent storm.
Water levels on the Qu’Appelle River at Welby are 16.47 ft. today, decreasing 0.07 ft. since yesterday.
Water levels on the Shellmouth Reservoir are 1,408.32 ft., decreasing 0.33 ft. since yesterday. Inflow into the Shellmouth Reservoir is 3,300 cubic feet per second (cfs) and outflow is 5,180 cfs today. Water levels are now below the spillway elevation and as a result there are no more spillway flows.
Water levels on the Assiniboine River at the First Street Bridge in Brandon are at 1,179.78 ft., decreasing 0.07 ft. since yesterday. Flows at the First Street Bridge are estimated to be 25,800 cfs.
Inflow upstream of Portage la Prairie is 46,980 cfs. Flows in the Portage Diversion channel are 28,900 cfs. Flows on the Assiniboine River at the Portage Reservoir control gates are 18,080 cfs. Inflow into the Portage Reservoir is forecast to reach 48,000 cfs by June 9 and high flows are expected to be sustained for the next week.
Water levels in the Baie St. Paul area are 800.02 ft., increasing 0.09 ft. since yesterday.
Souris River
The Souris River basin received significant rainfall yesterday. Tributaries are responding quickly to this rain. Forecasts are being updated to reflect this recent storm.
Plum Creek increased 0.7 ft. since yesterday to 1,377.05 ft.
Water levels on the Souris River at Melita are 1,411.12 ft., Souris is 1,360.61 ft. and Wawanesa is 1,158.25 ft. Flows on the Souris River at Wawanesa are estimated to be 19,000 cfs today.
Other Waterways
Water levels on the Saskatchewan River at Ralls Island increased 0.13 ft. since yesterday to 853.46 ft, with a flow of 63,000 cfs.
Water levels on the Saskatchewan River near The Pas are expected to reach 855.5 to 857 ft., depending on the weather.
