Manitoba Water Stewardship advises that a Colorado low weather system is forecast to cause strong northerly winds over southern Manitoba Thursday to Saturday, creating strong waves over southern portions of Lake Winnipeg and Lake Manitoba from late Thursday to Saturday morning.
These strong winds are expected to cause water levels and waves to rise close to flood stage. Peak lake levels are anticipated to occur late Friday or early Saturday and are expected to be 0.3 to 0.6 metres (one to two feet) lower than during major storms in late 2005.
The level of Lake Winnipeg is presently near 217.7 m (714.4 ft.) and could rise as high as 219.5 to 219.8 m (720 to 721 ft.) on some shores due to winds and waves. This storm is likely to cause shoreline erosion where protection works have not been installed. Overtopping of dikes is considered unlikely at this time.
The level of Lake Manitoba is presently near 247.4 m (811.8 ft.) and could rise to 248 m (813.5 ft.) due to winds and waves. This is about 0.15 m (half a foot) lower than levels during the 2005 storms.
Predicted lake levels may require updating depending on the exact track, intensity and duration of the storm system. Municipalities and cottage owners on the southern portions of Lake Winnipeg and Lake Manitoba are advised to move items away from areas previously affected by high winds.
This storm is expected to produce heavy rain over the Red River watershed, especially in the U.S. portion, however, the Red River will rise only moderately due to this storm.
