A high-water advisory has been issued for the Souris River along the eastern side of Melita Bridge. Water levels have exceeded bank-full on several locations along the Souris River.
An ice jam on the Red River backed up water in Netley Creek resulting in the evacuation of some residents in the Petersfield area. Ice on the north end of the Red River moved, then jammed again yesterday and last night. The RM of St. Andrews evacuated approximately 50 homes this morning in the Jenny Drive area of Petersfield. The RM has opened a reception centre in Clandeboye. Most evacuees have arrangements to stay with family and friends.
Voluntary evacuations also occurred in the Breezy Point area and some residents on Peltz Drive have voluntary evacuated.
The floodway gates were raised this morning at 9 a.m. Other incremental raises will take place to protect the city of Winnipeg and maintain levels south of the floodway at natural.
Closure of PTH 75 at Morris is expected within the next two to three days. In 2009, PTH 75 was closed for a total of 35 days.
Five bridges along Elm, Deadhorse and Tourond creeks have been closed and damaged due to ice damage.
Partial ring dike closures have occurred at Ste. Agathe, St. Adolphe and Brunkild.
The super sandbag dike is complete at Gladstone.
Weather and Effect on River Conditions
Showers are expected to continue throughout southern Manitoba today with a further 10 to 20 millimetres (0.4 to 0.8 inches) of rain predicted between now and Sunday morning. This unstable weather system could bring between 30 and 40 mm (1.2 and 1.6 in.) of precipitation in localized areas. Temperatures throughout much of southern Manitoba will continue to rise until Monday and then highs are expected to decrease slightly with mainly sunny conditions.
Warm temperatures will result in snowmelt run-off and river level rises.
An unstable weather system moving across northern North Dakota will produce significant rainfall in the Souris River basin and Devils Lake area in the U.S. between today and Monday. This system is forecasted to produce between 10 and 25 mm (0.4 and one in.) in northern North Dakota in the Red River basin, resulting in river level rises.
Red River
The main stem of the Red River south of Ste. Agathe has generally remained level or has risen less than 0.3 metres (one foot) since yesterday’s readings. Downstream of Ste. Agathe to the floodway inlet, water levels have risen approximately 0.3 to 0.6 m (one to two-ft.). Flows on the Red River at Emerson are 35,000 cubic feet per second.
Flow rates in the Red River above the floodway are approximately 60,800 cfs with an upstream elevation of 230.5 m (756.4 ft.). The floodway is now in operation and the flow is 11,900 cfs.
Several locations along the Red River in the U.S. are either at bank-full levels or have exceeded riverbanks. The Red River in Manitoba is close to bank-full conditions at Emerson, Letellier and Morris, with eroding banks in some locations. The river is over the banks in the St. Jean Baptiste area. These levels are well below top-dike elevations.
Assiniboine River
As a result of recent rain, tributaries in the Assiniboine basin are rising between 0.15-0.3 m (0.5 and one ft.). The Assiniboine River is still within banks at all locations.
Shellmouth Reservoir inflow is at 580 cfs and outflow is 400 cfs with a reservoir elevation of 421.8 m (1,383.94 ft.).
Flows in the Portage Diversion channel are 3,770 cfs and flows on the Assiniboine River downstream of the diversion are 3,170 cfs.
Pembina River
Run-off into the Pembina River has resulted in increases on the river by less than 0.3 m (one foot) at La Rivière and by as much at 1.2 m (3.8 ft.) at Walhalla, N.D. The outlet structure at Pelican Lake is now closed.
Souris River
Increases in temperature and additional forecasted precipitation are expected to result in increased water levels on the Souris River that could result in significant over-bank flooding in the next few days. Water levels on the Souris River at Melita on PTH 3 have gone up by 0.3 m (one ft.) since yesterday, exceeding channel capacity. Weather conditions and their impacts on the Souris River basin will be monitored closely over the next several days.
Interlake Region
The Fisher River remains stable, rising by less than 0.15 m (0.5 ft.) since yesterday. The Icelandic River has increased 0.7 m (2.19 ft.) since yesterday, however, water levels are still very low.
Other Major Waterways
Run-off on the Brokenhead and La Salle rivers is well underway and flows are increasing. Water levels on the Dauphin River have dropped by as much as 0.3 m (one ft.) since yesterday due to ice movement along the river. The Saskatchewan River has seen minimal rises of less than 0.06 m (0.2 ft.) in the last 24 hours. Water levels on the Roseau River have increased by approximately 0.15 m (0.5 ft.) since yesterday.
Four flood liaison offices are open and will be able to provide information to local residents and municipalities from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week. The offices are at:
• Arborg: 1-204-376-3360
• Brandon: 1-204-729-1220
• Morris: 1-204-712-6219
• Winnipeg: 1-204-945-8373
For more information, please see www.manitoba.ca/flooding and find the most up-to-date highway information at www.gov.mb.ca/mit/roadinfo.
