A flood warning has been issued along the Assiniboine River from Millwood to Virden. A flood warning is issued when river levels are exceeding the banks and a flood is expected.
A flood watch has been issued for the Assiniboine River from Virden to Brandon, and for the Whitemud River. A flood watch is issued when river levels approach the bank and are likely to overflow.
Flooding in these areas is expected to primarily affect agricultural land.
A high water advisory has been issued for the Assiniboine River below the Portage Diversion between Portage la Prairie and Headingley due to the increased potential for icejamming. 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.
High water advisories have also been issued for streams in the Parkland region from the Duck Mountains to Gladstone; the Pembina River (continued); the Swan River and tributaries (continued); and smaller tributaries and drains in southeast and south-central Manitoba (continued).
A storm system brought significant precipitation over southern Manitoba in the past 24 hours.
Run-off in western parts of the province has slowed due to cooler temperatures, but is expected to resume within the next two days.
Flood Response
The Rural Municipality of Montcalm has advised approximately 11 families in rural areas of the municipality to consider a precautionary and voluntary evacuation due to road access issues. At this time, one family has evacuated.
Outflows from the Shellmouth Dam will be increased to 1,500 cubic feet per second (cfs) today to manage flows along the Assiniboine River.
The closure of the north dike at PR 200 at St. Adolphe began yesterday. Closure notifications and traffic control have been arranged. Local traffic will be accommodated until water levels rise.
Cornwallis, Cameron and Whitewater municipalities have declared states of local emergency. A state of local emergency allows the municipality to respond quickly to flood situations.
Red River
The Red River at Fargo, N.D., has crested. Flows at Grand Forks, N.D., this morning were at 43,800 cfs and flows appear to be near crest.
In Manitoba, the Red River is continuing to rise and conditions remain favourable at this time.
Flows at Emerson today are at 35,600 cfs. Peak flows of approximately 60,000 cfs at Emerson are expected around May 6.
Smaller tributaries such as Buffalo, Sturgeon and Deadhorse creeks and the Marsh River are dropping. Larger tributaries such as the Morris and La Salle rivers are seeing flow increases.
Levels at James Avenue in Winnipeg rose to 18.7 feet this morning.
Levels and flows are expected to stabilize in Winnipeg during the next 24 hours as operation of the Red River Floodway and the Portage Diversion continues.
Assiniboine River
Run-off on streams and tributaries in the upper Assiniboine basin has slowed due to recent cold weather.
Significant ice levels developed upstream of the Portage Diversion overnight with inflows to the reservoir peaking at more than 16,000 cfs.
Flows through the diversion this morning were approximately 8,800 cfs, with 8,100 cfs flows downstream on the Assiniboine River. The structures are being operated to manage the ice.
The high flows on the lower Assiniboine River downstream of the Portage Diversion have increased risk of ice jams in the area.
Westman Region
Levels on the Whitemud River are dropping upstream of Gladstone. Lower portions of the river are still rising due to icejamming. The recent snow may result in a second peak that is lower than the peak when ice was jammed.
Parkland and Swan River Region
Recent cold temperatures are slowing run-off in this region and flows on most rivers are stable or falling.
The significant snowfall combined with snowpack in the mountains may produce a second peak on streams.
Spring Safety
Flooding can affect road conditions quickly. 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.
Flood Information Resources
Flood liaison offices are now open in Winnipeg, Brandon, Morris and Arborg. Contact information is available online at www.manitoba.ca/flooding.
Flood threats to homes, businesses or property can be stressful. Support is available from:
- local regional health authorities;
- the Klinic Community Health Centre at 204-786-8686 in Winnipeg or 1-888-322-3019
- (toll-free);
- the Manitoba Farm and Rural Support Line at 1-866-367-3276 (toll-free) or at www.ruralsupport.ca; and
- Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 in Winnipeg or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free).
The Manitoba Flood Forecasting Centre will post daily flood forecasts and flood sheets on the provincial website.
