The Red River reached an open water crest in Winnipeg at James Avenue yesterday at 19.59 feet. The water level at James Avenue was 19.59 ft., as measured this morning. Flows at James Avenue this morning were approximately 58,700 cfs.
The Red River has crested at all points north of Winnipeg. Water levels have declined at all points between the North Perimeter and Breezy Point since yesterday.
The Assiniboine River forecast has been revised with record flows forecast for the Brandon area at 27,500 cfs sometime between May 12 and 14. The forecast peak water levels are between 1,180 and 1,181.2 ft., which are within the protection of 1,184 ft. provided by the dikes.
Water levels on the Shellmouth Reservoir have increased by 0.55 ft. since yesterday to 1,413.93 ft. Inflow into the Shellmouth Reservoir is approximately 15,300 cfs. The Shellmouth Dam will be operated to limit outflows below 11,000 cfs today.
Flows on the Assiniboine River at the Portage Diversion will be held at 18,000 cfs for an extended period of time. Flows downstream of Portage la Prairie may be higher than this level if there is run-off from local flows after rainfall.
Without flood protection provided by the Shellmouth Reservoir and the Portage Diversion, water levels in the Baie St. Paul to Headingley area would be about four to five ft. higher than today’s levels.
Flood warnings have been issued for the streams and rivers in the Dauphin Lake Basin; streams and rivers east of the Duck Mountains; the Souris River from Melita and all downstream reaches; the Assiniboine River downstream of Shellmouth Bridge to Portage la Prairie; Pipestone Creek, all reaches; Oak Lake and Plum Lakes; Plum Creek to the Souris River (including the town of Souris); the Qu’Appelle River in the St-Lazare area; and Assiniboine River downstream of Portage la Prairie.
A high water advisory is in effect for all major lakes in Manitoba.
Flood Response
In the town of Winnipegosis, there has been overland flooding and groundwater seepage which has affected the basements of approximately 11 homes in the community.
The RM of Grahamdale is assessing 12 homes in the community of St. Martin at risk of flooding from Lake Pineimuta. Provincial support has been offered and the municipality is continuing to assess the situation.
Earthen dikes and large flood-tube barriers are being set up in the RM of Alonsa on the west side of Lake Manitoba to protect two homes.
Large and small flood-tube barriers are in place at Sugar Point and Lundar Beach in the RM of Coldwell.
Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives has been in contact with producers around Shoal Lakes to set up plans to maintain feed for herds in the area.
The rail line at St. Jean Baptiste will be reopened later today.
The southbound lanes of PTH 75, between Morris and St. Jean Baptiste, now have two-way traffic and a maximum speed of 70 km/h. This section is closed, local traffic only. There is water on the road in various locations.
Flood liaison offices in Arborg, Brandon, Winnipeg and Morris will close at the end of day on Friday due to reduced call volumes. Callers can still contact 1-866-626-4862 (toll-free) or
945-3744 for flood liaison assistance.
There are 1,306 people evacuated from their homes, largely due to loss of road access. Yesterday, 544 people from the Roseau River First Nation returned home.
There are 101 provincial roads affected by flooding with 66 closed. Approximately, 665 municipal roads are closed.
Red River
Water levels just upstream of the Red River Floodway inlet are 764.02 ft., with flows of 74,100 cfs. Flows in the floodway are approximately 34,900 cfs.
Assiniboine River
Water levels on the Assiniboine River at the First Street Bridge in Brandon are 1,179.53 ft., increasing 0.34 ft. since yesterday.
Flows in the Portage Diversion channel this morning are at 19,500 cfs. Inflow upstream of Portage la Prairie is 37,400 cfs.
Flows on the Assiniboine River downstream of the diversion will be held at 18,000 cfs for an extended period of time.
The flood watch for the Assiniboine River downstream of Portage la Prairie has been upgraded to a flood warning.
Souris River
Water levels at Melita decreased 0.07 ft. to 1,410.45 ft. since yesterday.
Plum Creek, a western tributary of the Souris River, is near crest at 1,374.87 ft., increasing 0.18 ft. since yesterday.
Other Major Waterways
Many streams throughout the Dauphin Lake Basin and further north in the Lake Winnipegosis Basin declined since yesterday. The Valley River, near the town of Dauphin, increased 1.71 ft. since yesterday to 885.69 ft. It is anticipated that Dauphin Lake will be near flood stage over the next few days and is forecast to reach a peak water level of 858.2 ft.
A high water advisory is in effect for all major lakes in Manitoba. Weather conditions will be monitored and warnings issued to notify of strong winds that could cause significant wind set-up and wave action. Maps will be created showing wind-eliminated flood levels in parts of Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin to help landowners prepare for high water levels. It is advisable that the public make flood preparations suitable to these forecast high water levels.
Peak wind-eliminated Lake Manitoba water levels are forecast to reach between 814.2 and 814.6 ft. around June 4. Lake St. Martin wind-eliminated water levels are forecast to reach between 804.2 and 804.6 ft. or higher around July 1. These forecast elevations are preliminary at this time and may be revised with major weather changes and as computer models are refined.
Lake Manitoba water levels have risen to 814.08 ft., increasing 0.09 ft. since yesterday. Lake St. Martin water levels have risen to 803.41 ft., increasing 0.01 ft. since yesterday.
Outflows from Lake Manitoba at the Fairford Dam were measured at 14,200 cfs late yesterday.
Ice on parts of Lake Manitoba has broken and open water is visible on the northern half of the lake’s south basin. The risk of shoreline ice pileup today is low on all assessed lakes.
For more information, see www.manitoba.ca/flooding. The most up-to-date highway information is at www.gov.mb.ca/mit/roadinfo or 1-877-MBRoads (1-877-627-6237) and on Twitter by following @MBGov.
