Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation is issuing a flood warning for the Swan River and tributaries and the Whitemud River. A flood warning is issued when river levels are exceeding the banks and flooding is expected.
A high water advisory has been issued for the Pembina River as well as smaller tributaries and drains in the Dauphin-Swan River area, southeast and south-central Manitoba. A high water advisory is issued when a heavy storm or high flows are expected and may cause water levels to rise but not necessarily flow over the banks.
Forecast high winds tomorrow will result in a high risk of ice pileup on many major lakes including the south basins of Lake Winnipeg and Lake Manitoba, and the south shores of Lake Winnipegosis, Lake St. Martin and the Shoal Lakes.
Dauphin Lake tributaries are rising rapidly, and flows on the Valley and Vermillion rivers nearly doubled in the last 24 hours. Many tributaries and drains are flowing at or near capacity. Localized flooding has been reported in a number of areas.
Flood Response
Operation of the Red River Floodway will begin at 6 p.m. today. In accordance with floodway operating rules, the horn will be sounded at the inlet control structure at 5:30 p.m., 30 minutes before operation of the gates.
There are imminent ice-jam related flood risks for the RM of Cartier and the communities of
St. François Xavier and Headingley along the Assiniboine River east of Portage la Prairie as a result of increased flows on the river. Immediate operation of the Portage diversion is essential to draw down flows on the lower Assiniboine River to protect these communities.
Lake Winnipegosis will be the major contributor to Lake Manitoba this year through the Waterhen River. The Fairford control structure has been at maximum discharge since 2005 and will continue to be at maximum discharge through this spring run-off event.
Overland flooding was reported along the Swan River east of the town of Swan River. One home was sandbagged and the access road was cut to allow water to drain.
Overland flooding was reported in Benito yesterday, affecting four vacant houses. One home has been sandbagged, and approximately 100 feet of Aquadams were erected within the community as a precaution.
Aquadams have been sent to the town of Minitonas as a precaution.
The Manitoba Association of Native Firefighters reports that 15 people were evacuated from the Sioux Valley First Nation to hotels in Brandon yesterday evening, due to a fast-rising tributary of the Assiniboine River that threatened the sole access over a bridge. All evacuees are in the process of returning home today.
The RM of Cornwallis has declared a state of local emergency today, due to concerns of flooding.
In conjunction with the local authorities, Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation has installed Hesco barriers along PTH 3 at Machinery Row in Melita.
Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation has put super sandbags in place along 18th Street in Brandon to ensure access to the city is maintained.
Red River
The Red River is continuing to rise but the conditions remain favourable at this time.
Flows on most of the smaller Red River tributaries are beginning to drop. The La Salle River is continuing to rise while flows on the Roseau River have remained stable.
The water level at James Avenue in Winnipeg is expected to rise to 16.5 to 17.5 ft. by tomorrow morning.
Assiniboine River
Flows on streams and tributaries in the Assiniboine basin have started increasing and conditions are being closely monitored.
Pembina River
Flows on the Pembina River have increased significantly in the last 24 hours but remain within bank at the present time. Residents are advised to remain watchful as flood conditions, particularly on small tributaries and drains, can develop quickly.
Eastern Region
Run-off in the eastern region appears to be slowing down. Most rivers, including the Brokenhead and Whitemouth rivers, are experiencing lower flows.
Western Region
The Whitemud River remains overbank from Neepawa to the Arden-Keyes area. Crews are on site and have reported the levels dropped four to six inches overnight.
Spring Safety
A number of provincial roads are being affected from rapid run-off throughout the province and some roads are closed or marked with a caution due to water on the road.
People are reminded to stay away from ice and fast-running water. Do not attempt to drive or walk through fast moving water. Before travelling, check road conditions by calling 511.
Those who live in flood-prone areas should keep a two-week supply of prescription medication for themselves and their families.
Flood liaison offices are now open in Winnipeg, Brandon, Morris and Arborg. Contact information is available online at www.gov.mb.ca/flooding/phone.html.
