A storm across the Dakotas yesterday produced 13 millimetres (0.5 inches) of rain at Grand Forks, N.D., but little in southern Manitoba. Another storm expected to move from Montana Wednesday could bring 25 to 30 mm (one to 1.2 in.) over the North Dakota portion of the Souris River watershed and 10 to 15 mm (0.4 to 0.6 in.) over the Red River watershed and much of southern Manitoba.
City of Winnipeg
• The Red River downtown at James Avenue in Winnipeg this morning was 5.9 metres (19.44 feet), a decline of two centimetres (0.8 in.) from yesterday morning.
• The decline of the Red in Winnipeg will be gradual for the next few weeks, even with favourable weather due to the need to gradually lower the gates on the floodway.
• The level in downtown Winnipeg is expected to decline to 5.5 m (18 ft.) by May 4 with favourable weather conditions. Emerson to St. Adolphe
• The Red declined between three and six (1.2 in. and 2.4 in.) at most locations except at Emerson where it declined 8.4 cm (3.6 in.). Levels will continue to decline slowly and will begin to go down more significantly by Thursday.
• With favourable weather, the level at Morris is expected to decline to the PTH 75 elevation of 236 m (775 ft.) by mid-May.
• Strong winds and wave action can cause river levels at Letellier, Morris and Brunkild to fluctuate by 0.3 m (one ft.) or more. Wave action can erode dikes and closures. Vigilance should be increased when strong winds are predicted.
Floodway Inlet
• The floodway will continue to be operated to maintain levels somewhat below natural levels upstream of the floodway inlet. There will be a very gradual lowering of the gates for most of this week. The level upstream of the floodway this morning was 233.36 m (765.63 ft.), a decline of 10 cm (four in.) since yesterday morning. The flow into the floodway was 37,900 cubic feet per second (cfs) of a total 93,300 cfs in the river.
• The level at the floodway inlet is expected to decline to 231.65 m (760 ft.) by May 10 based on favourable weather.
Lockport to Breezy Point
• Levels will continue to decline very slowly for the rest of this week. Levels declined between three and six cm (1.2 in. and 2.4 in.) from Lockport to Breezy Point since yesterday morning.
Assiniboine River
• Flow into the Portage Reservoir declined from 12,550 cubic feet per second yesterday morning to 11,825 cfs this morning. A gradual decline for the rest of this week is expected as the decline in flows at Brandon will exceed the rise in flows on the Souris River. The flow in the Portage Diversion this morning was 12,260 cfs and the flow in the river downstream was 565 cfs. Flows toward Winnipeg may be increased once levels at James Avenue in Winnipeg are below the flood stage of 5.5 m (18 ft.).
• Assiniboine levels from Baie St. Paul to Winnipeg will decline very slowly until Assiniboine flows downstream of the Portage diversion are increased.
• River levels continue to decline rapidly in the Griswold to Brandon area with a decline of more than 0.3 m (one ft.) at Griswold and 0.19 m (0.62 ft.) at First Street in Brandon since yesterday morning. The Assiniboine is now below flood stage at all points.
• The outflow from the Shellmouth Reservoir remains at 50 cfs. The reservoir water level has risen 10.7 cm. (4.2 in) since yesterday and stood at 426.9 m (1,400.71 ft.) this morning. The level is expected to reach 427.8 (1,403.5 ft.) by mid-May.
Souris River
• The Souris River continues to rise at about 10 cm (four in.) per day at most locations. The level was 429.2 m (1,408 ft.) at Melita this morning, a rise of 8.9 cm (3.5 in.).
• The forecast for the Souris River has been further updated. It is now expected that crests from Coulter to Napinka will be only 15.25 (six in.) lower than 1999. Portions from Hartney to Wawanesa will have crests about 0.3 m (one ft.) lower than in 1999. These forecasts are based on normal weather. Levels could rise somewhat higher if Wednesday’s precipitation develops as predicted.
• The crest is expected at Coulter on May 2, Melita on May 4 and Wawanesa on May 9.
• Significant over-bank flooding is underway from the U.S. boundary to just south of Melita. The river is expected to remain generally within its banks at points from north of Melita to Wawanesa but there could be minor flooding in low-lying portions.
• The duration of flooding in the Coulter area should be much shorter than in 1999 unless unusually heavy rain develops. Flooding in the Coulter area in 1999 extended into June.
Pembina River
• Flooding of the Pembina valley continues from Rock Lake to near Windygates but levels are declining at all points.
• The level declined 7.6 cm (three in.) at La Rivière during the 24-hour period ending this morning.
• Rock Lake declined to 407.31 m (1,336.32 ft.) as of this morning, a decline of 3.3 cm (1.3 in.) from yesterday morning. While the level remains high, there is no serious shoreline flooding at this time. The normal summer level is near 405.30 m (1,330 ft.).
• The level of Pelican Lake was estimated at 412.36 m (1,352.9 ft.) this morning and the outlet control works continue to be operated at the maximum outflow possible to reduce the lake to its desirable level of 412 m (1,351.7 ft.).
• The Pembina River at Neche declined 6.1 cm (2.4 in.) since yesterday and will continue to decline slowly. There is no longer a concern about boundary overflows or flooding at Gretna or Halbstadt.
Other Rivers
• Both the Fisher River and the Icelandic River crested a week ago and levels declined by 0.9 to 1.2 m (three to four ft.) since that time. Flooding along these rivers has ended.
• Overland flooding continues in portions of the Interlake but is generally subsiding. Flooding could be prolonged or increase if significant precipitation develops in the next few weeks.
Lakes
• Many lakes such as Lake Winnipeg, Lake Manitoba and Dauphin Lake remain ice covered. Some smaller lakes such as Pelican Lake are partially ice covered with the ice expected to break up soon. Strong winds may force ice onto the shore in some areas, causing significant damage and posing a risk to low-lying cottages. Those who have experienced such difficulties in the past are advised to take precautions such as moving valuables to higher ground.
Overland Flooding
• Overland flooding continues in some portions of the Red River Valley and the Interlake but is subsiding in most areas. Overland flooding has ended in most areas but could continue for several more weeks in low-lying areas of the Interlake. Flooding could quickly redevelop if significant rainfall occurs.
• Specific forecasted crest stages are shown on the daily flood sheets issued by Manitoba Water Stewardship.
Flood Response
• Residents in areas affected by flooding who use well water must boil water before drinking it or use a safe alternative such as bottled water until test results confirm the bacterial safety of their water. Sampling of well-water should begin after the flood water has subsided. The province will cover all costs of bacterial water testing for a period of three months after the flood waters recede.
• The projects to raise the ring dike around Melita and the sandbag dike on PTH 3 are complete.
• Check highway conditions before travelling at www.manitobaca, 204-945-3704 or 1‑877‑627‑6237. It is estimated PTH 75 will remain closed until mid-May. Inspectors must examine the roadway to ensure its integrity before it can be reopened.
• While the three Flood Liaison Offices are now closed, the public can still contact Manitoba Government Inquiry toll free at 1-866-626-4862, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. After-hours flood emergencies should be directed to local municipal offices.
