Approximately 400 Canadian Forces personnel have completed their work in Souris to reinforce and complete the construction of dikes in preparation for rising Souris River flows.
Dikes along the Souris River at Melita, Hartney, Souris and Wawanesa will be monitored and maintained over the next week as the crest of the Souris River moves through Manitoba. The river is expected to begin cresting in Souris overnight.
As a result of rising Red River flows due to heavy rainstorms in North Dakota, the Red River floodway will be operated in the next day or two to alleviate water levels in the city of Winnipeg. The operation will follow rule one for floodway operations, meaning river levels will held below the state of nature upstream or south of the floodway gates. As the Red River will remain within its banks, properties and homes both upstream and downstream of the floodway inlet are not expected to be affected by higher Red River flows.
Flood waters should be considered contaminated waters and anyone working around them should take precautions, particularly when addressing basement flooding. Rubber boots, coveralls and protective gloves are recommended. Water may be ground seepage or it may be river water which has been contaminated by sewage. Avoid touching eyes and mouth after hands have been in flood water. Wash hands well with warm water and soap, especially before eating. Information about mould and cleaning up after flooding can be found online.
The scale, scope and ongoing nature of this year’s flood can be very challenging for affected Manitoba families. There are resources to help deal with stress and anxiety which result from a crisis situation such as this flood. Resources include Manitoba Farm and Rural Support Services 1-866-367-3276 (1-866-FOR-FARM) (toll-free); Klinic Community Health Centre 24-hour crisis line 786-8686 in Winnipeg or 1-888-322-3019 (toll-free); and Health Links-Info Santé which can help find resources through local regional health authorities or community mental-health services offices at 788-8200 in Winnipeg or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free). Additional information and tips are available online.
Flood Forecast
Souris River
A flow measurement taken today on the Souris River at Souris shows lower flows than previously forecast based on the crest at Westhope, N.D. (Water Survey of Canada Measurement.) The forecast for the Souris River in Manitoba has been revised to account for this reduction in forecast flow as well as the favourable weather conditions that have occurred and appear to continue in the short-term forecast.
The Plum Creek at Souris decreased 0.11 feet since yesterday to 1,373.39 ft. A flood warning for all reaches of Pipestone Creek and downstream into the Oak and Plum Lake system, and on Plum Creek to the Souris River including the town of Souris remains in effect.
Assiniboine River
The revised Assiniboine River forecast which accounts for the lower forecast Souris River crests indicates that inflow upstream of Portage la Prairie has begun to rise in response to the large flows from the Souris River basin. The inflow into Portage la Prairie is forecast to reach 43,000 to 44,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) between July 8 and 14.
The Shellmouth Reservoir was operated yesterday to increase the conduit outflow by 600 cfs to 2,100 cfs. Another operation is planned for today to increase the conduit flow by an additional
600 cfs to 2,700 cfs.
Red River
Water levels on the Red River at James Avenue in Winnipeg have increased by 0.11 ft. since yesterday to 17.49 ft. Flows at James Avenue this morning were approximately 50,000 cfs. A crest occurred on June 28 in Winnipeg due to high local tributary flows. The Red River is still rising but will stay within its banks.
The flow upstream of the Red River floodway inlet control structure is currently 31,700 cfs and is forecast to reach around 32,500 cfs between July 8 and 9.
Saskatchewan and Carrot Rivers
Water levels on the Saskatchewan River at The Pas increased 0.06 ft. since yesterday to 856.5 ft., with a flow of 78,400 cfs. The forecast range for The Pas remains at 858 to 859.3 ft. with the peak occurring between July 7 and 12. The water levels are forecast to steadily rise from current levels to reach the forecast peak. The water level stage of 859.3 ft. corresponds to the 100-year flood event for the Saskatchewan River at The Pas.
The forecast peak water levels on the Carrot River will be affected by the peak water level on the Saskatchewan River, from the downstream end of the Carrot River to about mile 18. The forecast peak water levels in that portion of the Carrot River are 859.9 to 861.2 ft., expected to occur between July 7 and 11. Upstream of mile 18, the forecast peak is expected to be somewhat below the spring peak in April.
Lakes
The wind set-up alerts forecast for today include:
• A moderate wind set-up alert is issued for the south basin of Lake Manitoba and Lake Winnipeg. This includes communities such as Sandy Bay, Westbourne, Twin Lakes Beach, St. Laurent, Lundar Beach, Gimli, Chalet Beach, Victoria Beach, Traverse Bay and O’Hanly.
The wind set-up alerts forecast for tomorrow include:
• A moderate wind set-up alert is issued for the east shores and southeast corners of Lake Manitoba and Lake Winnipeg. This includes communities such as Steeprock, Vogar, Lundar Beach, St. Laurent, Twin Lakes Beach, O’Hanly, Traverse Bay, Victoria Beach and Grand Marais.
The wind-eliminated forecasted levels for the lakes are as follows and are weather dependant:
• Lake Winnipeg: 717 ft. around mid-July. (Source: Manitoba Hydro)
• Lake Winnipegosis: between 835 and 835.5 ft.
• Lake Pineimuta: between 809.3 and 809.6 ft. around the end of July.
• Lake Manitoba: between 817.7 and 817.8 ft. around the end of July.
• Lake St. Martin: between 806.3 and 806.4 ft. around mid-August.
• Dauphin Lake: between 860.6 and 861.2 ft. around the end of July.
The estimated outflow from the Fairford River water control structure is 20,800 cfs today. The structure continues to operate at full capacity due to the high level of Lake Manitoba.
The water level on Rock Lake decreased by 0.07 ft. since yesterday to 1,335.19 ft. The water level on Pelican Lake decreased by 0.4 ft. since June 30 to 1,352.8 ft. The outlet at Pelican Lake is operating at full capacity, with all three gates fully open.
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.
