Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre is issuing high-water advisories for smaller rivers, creeks and drains in southeast and south-central Manitoba.
A high-water advisory is issued when a heavy storm or high flows are expected and may cause water levels to rise but not necessarily flow over the banks.
Warmer temperatures have resulted in rapid snow melt and runoff in the southeast and south-central portions of the province. Some ice jamming is occurring in local areas along some tributaries and creeks, notably, the Whitemouth and Swan rivers.
Some provincial roads are being affected and may close due to water on the road. Before travelling, check road conditions by calling 511.
The combination of rapid melt and ice jamming has caused a rapid rise in many tributaries. Manitobans should be cautious around local waterways, as flooding can develop quickly.
Provincial Amphibex ice-breaking machines will be deployed to any serious river ice jams that may threaten properties. Steamers are in use on provincial roadway culverts to prevent drains from freezing and causing overland flooding.
Red River
Based on a revised forecast received this morning from the U.S. National Weather Service, the Red River flow at the border is expected to rise close to 47,400 cubic feet per second (cfs) by May 3.
The Red River at Emerson is now tracking to the forecast favourable weather peak in mid-May of 60,000 cfs, similar to 2010 levels.
With average weather conditions from now on, the river would peak at approximately 70,000 cfs, and with unfavourable weather conditions at 85,000 cfs, just below 2009 levels.
Flood level forecasts for the Red River in Manitoba will be updated as the tributaries react more actively to the warmer weather.
Water levels on the Red River have been increasing steadily over the past few days in the United States and Manitoba portions of the basin. The water level in Fargo rose 4.2 feet since yesterday; the water level in Grand Forks rose 4.1 ft. since yesterday. At Emerson, the river has risen by nearly five ft. in the last 24 hours.
Due to warmer temperatures, several tributaries have started to flow including the La Salle and Marsh rivers and Buffalo Creek. Some of these streams have risen up to three ft. since yesterday.
The Red River in Winnipeg is also rising. The water level at James Avenue was 6.7 ft. at 8 a.m. today, up by nearly three ft. since yesterday. The water levels at James Avenue are expected to continue to rise three ft. in the next 24 hours.
The Red River walkway at The Forks is expected to go under water today.
There are reports of sandbagging in the Rural Municipality of Rhineland to protect two homes along Buffalo Creek near Rosenfeld.
Warmer temperatures and a rapid melt will result in further water level rises. Unless significant precipitation develops in the next few days, many tributaries are expected to crest within the next few days.
Eastern Region
Flows on the Whitemouth River at Whitemouth rose rapidly overnight and flooding could develop rapidly in the area. Crews are assessing the potential presence and impact of ice jams.
Westman Region
Water is rising rapidly on the Whitemud River near Westbourne. Equipment is being used to clear ice at a crossing of the Whitemud on PR 242.
Assiniboine River
Due to cooler temperatures in the west, the snow melt in the upper Assiniboine, Souris and Qu’Appelle river basins has been slower than in southeast Manitoba.
On the Souris River, flows at the border are expected to increase once storage is filled and Manitoba tributaries will add to this base flow.
Parkland and Swan River Regions
Some flooding was reported overnight along the Swan River east of the town of Swan River. Steamers were used to open drains in the area and no property damage was reported.
Staff have used equipment to open drains and waterways in the Pine Creek and Swan River areas. Reports of overland of flooding are occurring as a result of rapid snow melt.
Dauphin Lake tributaries are rising rapidly. So far, the run-off in these streams is local and melting has not yet started in the Duck and Riding mountains.
Spring Safety
Before travelling, check road conditions by calling 511.
People are reminded to stay off ice and water, and not to attempt to drive or walk through fast moving water.
As the spring melt begins, ice conditions are unsafe and turbulent flow may be encountered.
Stay away from heavy equipment used in flood fighting.
Those who live in flood-prone areas should keep a two-week supply of prescription medication for themselves and their families.
Flood liaison offices are now open in Winnipeg, Brandon and Morris and the office in Arborg will open on Monday. Contact information is available online at www.gov.mb.ca/flooding/phone.html.
