The Hydrologic Forecast Centre of Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation reports ice on the lower Assiniboine River has broken up over the past 24 hours and is now flowing freely all the way to The Forks.
The flow on the lower Assiniboine has been increased to 10,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). Flows into the Portage Reservoir will be closely monitored to determine if further adjustments to the operation of the Portage Diversion are required.
Flows along the Fairford River Water Control Structure (FRWCS) will be increased to maximum discharge as ice conditions will allow an increase downstream of the Fairford River, Lake St. Martin and the Dauphin River. The current flow through the FRWCS is 8,200 cfs. At maximum capacity the flow will be approximately 10,500 cfs.
Lake Manitoba is currently at 813.15 ft above sea level, above normal operating range but below flood stage for structures, which is 814 ft. Lake St. Martin is currently at 801.05 ft. Structures will be protected at this level by the emergency dike system and on properties that have permanent flood protection.
