Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre has issued a flood warning for the Red River Valley from Emerson to the Red River Floodway inlet just south of the city of Winnipeg.
An overland flood warning continues for southern Manitoba from the Saskatchewan border eastward to Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 12 and from the United States border northwards to PTH 1, extending north of PTH 1 between PTH 5 and PTH 16, and north of PTH 1 between Portage la Prairie and Winnipeg.
A high water advisory has also been issued for the Whiteshell lakes area, as levels on most lakes continue to rise due to the rain and snowmelt.
Colorado low dumped a lot of rain in the province
Southern Manitoba basins, including the United States’ portions of the Red, Souris, Pembina and Roseau River basins, have received an average of 60 mm of precipitation since April 22. Another 10 mm of precipitation is expected today, which could fall as snow in some areas.
Manitobans are reminded to stay off waterways including creeks, streams, rivers, and the floodway. High flows, debris, and cold temperatures present a significant safety risk.
Some ditches and waterways are still ice-covered or contain snow-limiting water flows. As high amounts of rainfall occurring in a short period may cause overland flooding, citizens are advised of the potential for the sudden rise of water levels in these areas.
Watch for overland flooding in the region
Overland flooding occurs when water on the ground surface does not have sufficient time to flow into rivers and streams, potentially causing flooding of low-lying areas, roads and properties.
Water levels on most tributaries in the Red River basin and along the Red River main stem are rising quickly in response to the rainfall and will continue to rise over the coming days. Daily average temperatures are forecast to remain around zero over the next two days, which will temporarily slow down the melting of the remaining snow, but are expected to increase to above zero by mid-week.
Red River levels since Saturday
At Emerson, up 3.85 feet to 777.04 feet
At Morris, up 5.21 feet to 767.12 feet
At St. Adolphe, up 6.08 feet to 758.92 feet
Roseau River levels since Saturday
At Stuartburn, up 0.38 feet to 949.13 feet
Near Dominion City at PR 218, up 2.38 feet to 797.56 feet
Rat River levels since Saturday
Near Otterburne, up 2.17 to 769.22
Seine River levels since Saturday
Near Ste. Anne, up 1.92 at 835.28 feet
Flood forecasters will continue to monitor precipitation amounts and assess its impacts on flows and levels. The most recent river forecast information can be found at www.gov.mb.ca/mit/floodinfo/index.html.
The Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization continues to work with all local authorities and emergency management partners to provide guidance and support for both preparatory and response activities.
MTI continues to monitor highway conditions and heavy equipment may be deployed in the event of snow accumulation. Motorists are reminded to adjust driving habits for winter road conditions and remain alert when following or approaching oncoming highway snowplows.
All equipment has flashing blue warning lights and drivers should stay well back of all equipment. Do not attempt to pass snowplows from behind when they are in operation and remember to slow down when passing approaching snowplows.