Flood warning raised in Manitoba
WINNIPEG– Spring flooding in Manitoba’s Red River Valley could approach levels last seen in 2009, the highest water level since 1997’s “Flood of the Century,” according to the latest update from the provincial Hydrologic Forecast Centre.
The centre is monitoring a precipitation system forecast for the April 29-May 1 weekend that is expected to bring 30 to 80 millimetres of rain to southern and central Manitoba basins including the United States portions of the Red and Souris river basins. This is a dynamic system and the amounts and location of precipitation could shift as the system moves into Manitoba.
Depending on the amount of precipitation received, levels along the Red River between Emerson and the floodway inlet could be similar to those observed in the spring flooding in 2009. Forecasters will continue monitoring the system and issue updates as more information is known.
Flood watches have been issued for portions of southern and central Manitoba due to the risk of overland flooding in these areas as the result of the forecast rain. Most ditches and waterways are either full or near their capacity. Heavy rain occurring in a short period in saturated soils could create overland flooding.
Water levels on the Red, Assiniboine and many other rivers are increasing. The rate of increase in the Red River basin and streams in southcentral Manitoba has slowed when compared to the rapid water level rise seen at many locations earlier in the week. Rivers and tributaries in areas that still have snow accumulations should expect rapid increases in water levels as runoff from snowmelt picks up. This weekend’s precipitation will cause further water level increases.
The Red River Floodway and the Portage Diversion continue to operate to lower water levels in Winnipeg.
Provincial crews are deployed to a number of communities in the Red River Valley running pumping operations, as well as preparing for and implementing dike closures, as required. Crews are closely monitoring river levels at the town of Morris and have been working to keep Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 75 open as long as possible. However, rising water levels mean that PTH 75 north of Morris is expected to be closed April 29. PTH 75 traffic will be detoured onto Provincial Road (PR) 205 at Aubigny, along PR 246 to PTH 23 at Morris and back onto PTH 75.
Rising waters may necessitate dike or highway closures at some locations, and Manitobans are reminded to stay off closed roads and to not attempt to travel across inundated roads. Up-to-date information on highway conditions, including detours and road closures, is available at www.manitoba511.ca or by calling 511. Manitobans should also stay off waterways including creeks, streams, rivers and the floodway. High flows, debris and cold temperatures present a significant safety risk.
