The controlled release of water through the Assiniboine River dikes at the Hoop and Holler bend began at 7 a.m. this morning. It is expected to take a few hours before a significant amount of water begins to flow.
It is intended that flows will disperse slowly across fields and then fill behind roads and spill at low points along roads and ultimately spill into the La Salle River.
Residents in the immediate area have already been evacuated and significant efforts have been put in place to set up flood-protection systems around affected homes.
The controlled release is designed to relieve pressure on the Assiniboine River dikes which are under heavy pressure from river flows. They are being continuously monitored and repaired on an ongoing basis.
The controlled spill floods approximately 225 square kilometres in order to prevent flooding of a much larger area with up to about 10 times the volume of water from an unplanned dike breach. The controlled release affects the same area that would be at risk of flooding by an uncontrolled breach.
The Manitoba government is developing a special program to provide comprehensive compensation for homeowners and producers affected by the controlled spill.
