Forecasters in the U.S. increased the predicted crest at Grand Forks by 0.46 metres (1.5 feet) since yesterday. The Red River is expected to crest in Grand Forks April 14 to 16.
The current forecasted crest for the Red River from Grand Forks to the border is slightly higher than 2009 water levels. Based on the update from U.S. forecasters and recent weather events, Manitoba Water Stewardship will be updating the Red River forecast for Manitoba and will provide the new numbers as soon as they are available.
High water advisories continue for the Souris and Lower Pembina rivers and Sturgeon Creek.
Red River and Floodway Operations
Many Red River tributaries in the south portion of the basin are currently cresting or have crested.
Forecasters in the U.S. increased the crest at Grand Forks by 0.46 m (1.5 ft.) since yesterday. The Red River is expected to crest in Grand Forks April 14 to 16.
The current forecasted crest for the Red River from Grand Forks to the border is slightly higher than 2009 water levels. Based on the update from U.S. forecasters and recent weather events, Manitoba Water Stewardship will be updating the Red River forecast for Manitoba and will provide the new numbers as soon as they are available.
The main stem of the Red River from Emerson to south of the city of Winnipeg has generally risen just under 0.15 m (0.5 ft.) since yesterday’s readings. Flows on the Red River at Emerson are 41,500 cubic feet per second (cfs).
Water levels at the floodway inlet have risen approximately 0.12 m (0.4 ft.). Flow in the Red River above the floodway is approximately 62,000 cfs with an upstream elevation of 231.6 m (759.69 ft.). The floodway continues to operate. Flows in the floodway are at approximately 20,000 cfs.
Flood Response
Sudden ice jams at Riverton caused high water levels and affected the community including the school yard. A pedestrian bridge was also destroyed. An Amphibex was stationed in the community and once the jam occurred, it was deployed to break up the ice. This deployment was successful and by 10:30 a.m. the ice was flowing into the lake and water levels had dropped.
PTH 75 is expected to remain open today. The status of the highway and a potential closure at Morris is being assessed every few hours.
Partial ring-dike closures are occurring at Emerson, Gretna, St. Jean Baptiste, Brunkild,
St. Adolphe and Ste. Agathe.
The Pembina Trail through the Emerson community dike will be closed today.
Closures at St. Jean Baptiste and at a crossing near Noyes are in effect. PTH 30 at Gretna is ramped at the border but access remains open.
PR 200 access at the north end of St. Adolphe is restricted to one-lane traffic. Closure on PR 210 east is planned in the next few days.
Some homes at the Peguis First Nation have been isolated by rising water and partial evacuations are being considered.
Approximately 15 people were evacuated from six homes at the Sioux Valley Dakota First Nation as a result of rising waters on Oak River. A dike is being constructed there.
Ten people also evacuated from the Roseau River First Nation yesterday.
In southern Manitoba, overland flooding and ice jams in drains and creeks are causing issues with provincial and municipal roads, and threatening some homes. Affected areas include the Cartwright area in the RM of Roblin, the village of Mowbray along the border southeast of Morden and areas of the RM of St. Laurent. Pumps, sandbags and flood tube barriers have been deployed into a variety of areas in southern Manitoba.
High water levels around the Tourond Creek continue in the Steinbach area in the RM of Hanover.
Lake Manitoba is above the upper limit of its operating range so an increase in outflows of the Fairford Dam will begin today.
The four-kilometre water-filled barrier tube dike in the Vita and Gardenton area will be completed today.
A bridge on Edwards Creek in the RM of Dauphin is closed due to ice damage.
Volunteers interested in helping municipalities with sandbagging efforts outside of the city of Winnipeg can link up with communities that need volunteers through the Volunteer Manitoba website at www.mbvolunteer.ca. The website will help municipalities and volunteers connect. The City of Winnipeg is co-ordinating volunteers through 311.
Assiniboine River
The Assiniboine River at Brandon rose over 0.34 m (1.12 ft.) since yesterday. The main stem of the river remains within banks at all locations at this time.
Water levels on Sturgeon Creek are close to bank-full levels.
Shellmouth Reservoir inflow is 1,600 cfs and outflow is 410 cfs with a reservoir elevation of 421.7 m (1,384.40 ft.).
Flows in the Portage Diversion channel are 4,770 cfs and flows on the Assiniboine River downstream of the diversion are 3,250 cfs. Flows in the Assiniboine River upstream of the diversion are 8,030 cfs.
In the next two days, flows will increase on the Assiniboine River east of Southport to about 5,000 cfs.
Pembina River
Significant run-off has started in the Pembina River system. Tributaries such as the Badger and Cypress creeks are experiencing ice jams and are above bank-full levels.
Water levels on the Pembina River at Neche, N.D., have decreased 0.17 m (0.57 ft.) since yesterday due to ice releases. Water levels on the Pembina River downstream of Rock Lake have increased by 0.64 m (2.1 ft.) since yesterday and are above bank-full levels.
Souris River
Water levels continue to overtop the banks at several locations on the Souris River. The Souris River main stem is generally ice free from Coulter to Souris. Water levels on the Souris River at Melita increased 0.13 m (0.42 ft.) since yesterday and at Wawanesa and Souris have increased about 0.9 m (three ft.), likely due to ice.
Interlake Region
The Fisher River at Dallas rose 0.5 m (1.65 ft.) since yesterday. Ice is moving along both branches of the river. Residents in the area should prepare for 2009 flood conditions.
Other Major Waterways
Run-off has started on tributaries in the Swan Lake and Dauphin Lake basins. The Saskatchewan River at The Pas has seen minimal rises in the last 24 hours. Water levels on the Whitemud River at Westbourne increased by approximately 0.96 m (3.16 ft.) since yesterday, likely due to ice.
For more information, go to www.manitoba.ca/flooding. The most up-to-date highway information is at www.gov.mb.ca/mit/roadinfo, 945-3704 or 1-877-MBRoads (1-877-627-6237).
