As of April 22, the Red River had crested at all points from Emerson to the floodway and was expected to crest shortly in Winnipeg.

“This is good news,” said Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler in a news release April 21. “The substantial run-off we’re seeing throughout the Red River Basin will remain at the lower end of the forecast, with levels similar to those we saw in 2006 at Emerson and Letellier and levels closer to 2019 north from St. Jean Baptiste.”

Schuler said cooler temperatures slowed snowmelt and helped control high water.

Flooding forced at least six evacuations in the RM of Montcalm, which stretches from Morris to the U.S. border, and closed some roads in the area. However, Provincial Trunk Highway 75, which is a major trucking route, remained open. The province said it will not be closed, according to an April 22 report.

The report says provincial crews worked in several communities along the river, including Emerson, Letellier, St. Jean Baptiste and St. Adolph, to close or prepare to close ring dikes.

This year’s flood on the Red River is the seventh-highest recorded peak flow since 1913, according to one provincial report.

The Assiniboine River is forecasted to remain mostly in bank and was expected to crest in Winnipeg by April 23, according to a provincial news release. The Portage Diversion stopped operating April 21.

Lake Winnipeg was at about 715 feet and Lake Manitoba was at 811 feet, both considered within operating levels.

The post Red River crests in lower predicted range appeared first on Manitoba Co-operator.

“Manitoba Infrastructure continues to make preparations for high water and is working with municipalities to ensure they have the information and support needed for a flood of this magnitude,” said Schuler. “The Red River will once again carry a significant amount of water north, requiring the operation of the Red River Floodway and additional measures taken in partnership with local municipalities.”

• Read more: Manitoba farmers unfazed by flood reports

In its second 2019 spring flood outlook, the HFC notes that with favourable weather, slightly less than 2009 flood levels on the Red River can be expected. With the use of the floodway, water levels at James Avenue in Winnipeg could reach 20.5 feet with unfavourable weather. At this time, the peak at Emerson is expected between April 12 and 23 depending on the rate of the snowmelt and water movement, along with temperatures on both sides of the border. Flood water levels will still be influenced by the rate of snowmelt and future snow and rain accumulation.

Flooding on the Assiniboine and Souris rivers is expected to be moderate with low-lying areas and agricultural lands inundated, but levels will be below the top of community dikes. The Portage Diversion will likely be operated.

“The provincial government is also working with federal officials to ensure the safety of Indigenous communities and preparing to support municipal evacuations if needed,” said Schuler. “We are also working with the agricultural producers to ensure livestock is moved out of the impacted areas.”

Community ring dikes and the majority of individual flood protection works in the Red River Valley are at 1997 flood plus two feet (61 centimetres) levels. Since the 1997 flood, $800 million in permanent flood-proofing measures have been put in place including $630 million of completed improvements and expansion on the Red River Floodway ‎and west dike enhancing.

The minister noted Manitoba Infrastructure is undertaking procurement related to flood preparation, response and recovery through transparent, competitive processes to ensure value for money. These open tenders include the purchasing of sand bags, aggregate material, equipment and support for community dike closures if necessary, and engineering services for flood response advice. Outline agreements and standing offers will be used in these situations to ensure that no procurement is undertaken unless and until required, he added.

Updated flood material will be available as forecasts further develop. Updated flood info can be found at www.gov.mb.ca/mit/floodinfo/index.html.

More information about flooding and how to prepare for an emergency situation is available at www.gov.mb.ca/flooding.

The post Manitoba March flood outlook appeared first on Manitoba Co-operator.

Weather forecasts are predicting strong winds for April 13 to 16, as a low-pressure system begins to move from west to east across Manitoba.

There is a potential for precipitation between April 14 and April 15 that will affect the Saskatchewan, Carrot and Red river basins and the Whiteshell. Precipitation amounts are forecast to be approximately 15 to 30 millimetres.

The risk of shoreline ice pileup on some Manitoba lakes, including Lake Manitoba, Lake Winnipeg and Pelican Lake, is low today but will be high from April 14 to 16. Property owners are advised to remove valuables from shorelines.

Ice is still in place on northern rivers and tributaries. All major rivers in southern Manitoba are ice free.

The Gretna partial ring dike closure was removed yesterday. The St. Adolphe partial ring dike closure will be removed today.

Water levels at James Avenue were measured at 17.5 feet this morning.  With the floodway in operation and flows on the Red River receding, water levels at James Avenue are expected to drop below 17 ft. over the Easter long weekend.

The Pembina River is declining at all points. However, a flood warning remains in effect at Pelican Lake as lake levels have reached flood stage. The lake is forecast to crest by April 15.

A flood warning remains in effect for the upper Assiniboine River from the Shellmouth Dam to Holland.

As of this morning, flow on the Portage Diversion channel is 23,731 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 672 cubic metres per second (cms) and the flow on the Assiniboine River downstream of the diversion is 14,797 cfs (419 cms).

The Assiniboine River crested today at Portage la Prairie at an estimated 38,600 cfs (1,093 cms). Crews at the Portage Diversion have completed preparations for emergency flows above 25,000 cfs (708 cms).

A flood watch remains in effect for the area between Portage la Prairie and Headingley. Temporary flood protection measures are complete on the lower Assiniboine River.

A flood warning is in place for the Carrot River near The Pas as there is a very high risk of ice jamming over the weekend. Flows on the Carrot River at Turnberry, Sask. are expected to peak at 7,000 to 7,500 cfs (227 cms) by April 22.

Water levels on the Carrot River in Manitoba are influenced by Carrot River flows and water levels on the Saskatchewan River where the two rivers meet. Conditions will be monitored because the ice is still intact in Manitoba as river flows continue to rise.

High water levels have led to a number of road closures across the province. Avoid driving through moving water as the water depth can be unpredictable and the current can push vehicles off the road.

Up-to-date flood information can be found on the Province of Manitoba website or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MBGov.

For current highway conditions, call 511, visit www.manitoba511.ca, or follow the Twitter account at www.twitter.com/MBGovRoads for closures. A Manitoba 511 app is now available for download at http://residents.gov.mb.ca/apps/511.html.

The post Strong winds, precipitation in forecast could increase flood risk appeared first on Manitoba Co-operator.

Simultaneous peaks of the Souris and Assiniboine rivers raised concern downstream. Flow into the Portage Reservoir was expected to reach 41,000 to 44,000 cubic feet per second April 12-14.

The region between Portage la Prairie and Headingley remained under flood warning into the weekend, as flows were expected to reach 15,000 cubic feet per second downstream of the diversion by April 10.

“(That’s) getting towards the upper limits of the Assiniboine River, but still within its capacity,” Kam Blight, RM of Portage la Prairie reeve, said. “It also means that there’s going to be high flows going down the Portage diversion.”

Blight estimated that between 26,000 and 29,000 cubic feet per second might be seen along the diversion.

“Naturally, that’s a concern as well as there’s lots of homes and residents and farmland along the diversion, plus the impact that it has on Lake Manitoba,” he said.

The river remained well in its banks at press time, although river tributaries had backed up, creating overland flooding. Ice jams along the Assiniboine River had subsided, although the RM of Portage la Prairie reported an influx of water previously backed up by ice.

“Basically what’s happened is it’s stopped normal waters from being able to get into the Assiniboine River that would normally disappear before the high river levels came through. The ice jams created artificially high levels and local water cannot get away,” Blight said.

He noted that dikes were frozen, increasing holding capacity.

Farther west, sandbagging was underway in Brandon ahead of the Assiniboine River’s expected crest.

The City of Brandon’s Emergency Response Team was monitoring water levels, which reached 1,178,68 feet above sea level as of mid-morning April 9. The river is expected to reach 1,180 feet above sea level at its peak, the province has said.

Flood protection was put in place along Provincial Road 459 and the eastern end of the city along the river.

Less sandbagging was required this year than in previous flood years, Greg Brown, volunteer co-ordinator, said.

About 35 volunteers spent over two hours placing about 3,000 sandbags on a property on the easternmost limits of the city April 9.

“This was one of the only properties in Brandon that was at risk,” Brown said. “It’s outside the primary dike system, so we had to build a sandbag dike around it.”

The temporary wall was about three feet shorter than in either 2014 or 2011, Brown said.

Temporary dams were also placed on the city’s First Street river crossing. The city does not anticipate any evacuations due to flood water.

The City of Brandon also warned the public to stay away from the river and off dikes, as it might obstruct heavy machinery and construction crews.

Flood warnings remained in effect along the upper Assiniboine River from the Shellmouth Dam to Holland and on all points along the Souris River through the weekend.

The town of Souris saw falling water levels April 5-6 as ice floes subsided.

Souris Mayor Darryl Jackson said the town was told to expect the river to crest between April 8-10, earlier than the initial April 9-13 forecast.

“At this point, we’re in good shape,” he said. “We’re watching a couple of homes along the river, but at this point the water is well below threatening.”

All flood watches along the Plum Creek were lifted April 7, although Souris’s Victoria Park remained under water as the creek backed up from the Souris River.

High water on lakes

Cottage owners on Pelican Lake were keeping a wary eye to the water as outflows hit capacity late in the week.

“Inflows to the lake have crested,” the province reported April 7.

“However, there is still a large volume of water to come and the lake is projected to rise high enough that flood protection will be required for properties around the lake.”

Rock, Oak and Dauphin lakes also remained under flood warning into the weekend.

The Pembina River, which made headlines in late March when flood waters closed the international border between Gretna and Neche, was expected to crest a second time over the weekend.

Equipment was on standby as of April 7 in Gretna in case another partial dike closure was required.

Wes Unrau, chief administrator of the RM of Pembina to the west, said some sandbagging was required in La Rivière and the municipality saw some overland flooding, which has subsided.

“It went across a couple of roads, nothing too terrible,” he said. “I understand that the Pembina has crested over the banks in a couple of spots.”

Flows along the Red River crested April 5 while flood warnings and watches were lifted along the La Salle and Morris rivers soon after.

The post Waters rise in the west as Red River subsides appeared first on Manitoba Co-operator.

Weather forecasts are predicting strong winds for April 13 to 16, as a low-pressure system begins to move from west to east across Manitoba. Rain is forecast for much of Manitoba over the weekend.

The risk of shoreline ice pileup on some Manitoba lakes, including Lake Manitoba, Lake Winnipeg and Pelican Lake, is low today but may rise over the weekend due to forecasted winds. Property owners are advised to remove valuables from shorelines.

Ice is still in place on northern rivers and tributaries. All major rivers in southern Manitoba are ice free.

Partial ring dike closures are in place at St. Adolphe and Gretna. Conditions will be monitored at Gretna as water levels begin to decrease.

Water levels at James Avenue were measured at 17.8 feet this morning. Due to increasing flows on the Assiniboine River, water levels at James Avenue are expected to remain within the range of 17.5 to 18 ft. for the next few days as flows on the Red River recede.

A flood warning remains in effect for the upper Assiniboine River from the Shellmouth Dam to Holland.

The Pembina River is declining at all points. However, a flood warning remains in effect at Pelican Lake as lake levels have reached flood stage.

As of this morning, flow on the Portage Diversion channel is 23,887 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 676 cubic metres per second (cms) and the flow on the Assiniboine River downstream of the diversion is 13,013 cfs (369 cms).

The Assiniboine River has crested at Holland at an estimated 39,000 cfs (1,105 cms). The peak will reach Portage la Prairie tomorrow. Crews at the Portage Diversion have completed preparations for emergency flows above 25,000 cfs (708 cms).

A flood watch remains in effect for the area between Portage la Prairie and Headingley. The bascule gates are currently set at 13,700 cfs (388 cms) and will be considered for increase to 15,000 cfs(425 cms) in the next 24 hours. Temporary flood protection measures are complete on the lower Assiniboine River.

A flood warning is in place for the Carrot River near The Pas as there is a very high risk that ice jamming could occur. Flows on the Carrot River at Turnberry, Sask. are expected to peak at 8,000 cfs (227 cms) by April 22.

Water levels on the Carrot River in Manitoba are influenced by Carrot River flows and water levels on the Saskatchewan River where the two rivers meet. Conditions will be monitored because the ice is still intact in Manitoba as river flows continue to rise. Ice jamming on the Carrot River could occur between April 13 and 15.

High water levels have led to a number of road closures across the province. Avoid driving through moving water as the water depth can be unpredictable and the current can push vehicles off the road.

Up-to-date flood information can be found on the Province of Manitoba website or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MBGov.

For current highway conditions, call 511, visit www.manitoba511.ca, or follow the Twitter account at www.twitter.com/MBGovRoads for closures. A Manitoba 511 app is now available for download at http://residents.gov.mb.ca/apps/511.html.

The post Assiniboine River flows continue to rise, rain forecast could raise flood risk appeared first on Manitoba Co-operator.

Ice is still in place on northern rivers and tributaries. A high water advisory is in place for the Carrot River near The Pas. All major rivers in southern Manitoba are ice free.

The partial closure at the Gretna dike remains in place.

As of this morning, flow on the Portage Diversion channel is 19,176 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 543 cubic metres per second (cms) and flows on the Assiniboine River downstream of the diversion are 13,225 cfs (375 cms). That flow will be maintained today as upstream flows from Holland are delayed.  Flows may be increased to 15,000 cfs (425 cms) by tomorrow.

The revised Assiniboine River forecast suggests the Assiniboine and Souris rivers may peak at the same time at the Portage Reservoir. At Holland, with a weather forecast indicating no future precipitation, it is expected that flows will be approximately 43,000 cfs (1,217 cms) between the dates of April 12 and 13. It is anticipated the Portage Diversion will be above design flow of 25,000 cfs (708 cms) for approximately five days. Preparations for temporary flood protection measures are underway along the lower Assiniboine River and crews are preparing the diversion to handle emergency flows above 25,000 cfs (708 cms). Municipalities are preparing for flows of 16,000 cfs (453 cms) on the lower Assiniboine River.

A flood watch remains in effect for the area between Portage la Prairie and Headingley.

Water levels at James Avenue were measured at 17.4 feet this morning. With the floodway in operation, water levels at James Avenue are expected to remain within the range of 17 to 17.5 ft. for the next week as flows on the Red River recede and flows on the Assiniboine River increase.

A flood warning remains in effect for the upper Assiniboine River from the Shellmouth Dam to Holland but the warning for Oak Lake and the Souris River has ended as the Souris River has crested. The Assiniboine River is at or near peak in Brandon today at the 18th Street bridge.

A flood warning remains in effect for Pelican Lake, but it is near crest.

The Carrot River upstream in Saskatchewan has yet to peak at Turnberry. Water levels on the Carrot River within Manitoba are influenced by Carrot River flows and water levels on the Saskatchewan River where the two rivers meet. Conditions will be monitored because the ice is still intact in Manitoba, making ice jamming on both rivers a concern. The backwater effect of ice jamming will influence water levels on the Carrot River. It is difficult to estimate the timing and effects of ice jams on the two rivers.

The Saskatchewan River at The Pas is currently at approximately 41,988 cfs (1,189 cms). Due to high flows and the strength and thickness of ice, there is a risk of ice jamming.

Homeowners affected by this spring’s flooding are reminded to review their home insurance. Overland flood insurance was introduced by some insurers in Manitoba in 2016.

High water levels have led to a number of road closures across the province. Avoid driving through moving water as the water depth can be unpredictable and the current can push vehicles off the road.

Up-to-date flood information can be found at on the Province of Manitoba website or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MBGov.

For current highway conditions, call 511, visit www.manitoba511.ca, or follow the Twitter account at www.twitter.com/MBGovRoadsfor closures. A Manitoba 511 app is now available for download at http://residents.gov.mb.ca/apps/511.html.

The post Assiniboine River, Souris River to soon peak at Portage Reservoir appeared first on Manitoba Co-operator.

Ice is still in place on northern rivers and tributaries, while most rivers in southern Manitoba are ice free.

As of this morning, flow on the Portage Diversion channel is 20,853 cubic feet per second (cfs) (591 cubic metres per second [cms]) and flows on the Assiniboine River downstream of the diversion held steady at 9,000 cfs (255 cms) but will increase today to 11,000 cfs (312 cms).

The Assiniboine River forecast has been revised based on the forecast of the Assiniboine and Souris rivers peaking simultaneously at the Portage Reservoir. There is also greater confidence in upstream gauge flows as they are no longer ice affected. The revised forecast, with a weather forecast indicating no future precipitation, indicates an inflow upstream of the Portage Reservoir of approximately 41,000 to 44,000 cfs (1,161 to 1,246 cms) between the dates of April 12 to 14. It is planned that flow on the Assiniboine River downstream of the diversion will reach 15,000 cfs (425 cms) as early as April 10. Municipal governments are currently working to put temporary flood protection measures in place to meet the expected flows on the lower Assiniboine River.

Water levels at James Avenue were measured at 18.0 feet this morning. With the floodway in operation, water levels at James Avenue are expected to remain within the range of 17 to 18 feet for the next week as flows on the Red River recede and flows on the Assiniboine River increase.

A flood watch remains in effect for the area between Portage La Prairie and Headingley as flows will gradually be increased to about 15,000 cfs by Monday.

A flood watch remains in effect for the Red Deer River.

A flood warning has been lifted for the Birdtail Creek, Rock Lake and Dauphin Lake but remains in effect for the upper Assiniboine River from the Shellmouth Dam to Holland, Pelican Lake, Pembina River, Oak Lake and the Souris River. Flows at Windygates peaked yesterday at 10,800 cfs (305 cms) and are currently at 10,231 cfs (290 cms). The Gretna dike is being monitored for potential overflows from the Pembina River.  Equipment is on standby in case a partial road closure is required.

Outflows from Pelican Lake are at maximum possible discharge but the lake is near crest as outflows are equal to inflows.

A flood warning remains in effect for all points along the Souris River. Flows on the main stem of the Souris River in Manitoba are continuing to react to the runoff from the melt while tributaries of the Souris River are beginning to decrease.

A high water advisory remains issued for the Carrot River. The Carrot River upstream in Saskatchewan has peaked. An estimated crest of 8,000 cfs (227 cms) on the Carrot River at Turnberry, Saskatchewan is expected April 11 to 14. Water levels on the Carrot River within Manitoba are influenced by Carrot River flows and water levels on the Saskatchewan River where the two rivers meet. Conditions will be monitored because the ice is still intact in Manitoba, making ice jamming on both rivers a concern. The backwater effect of ice jamming will influence water levels on the Carrot River. It is difficult to estimate the timing and effects of the upcoming ice jam on the two rivers.

The Saskatchewan River at The Pas is currently at approximately 36,664 cfs (1,038 cms). Flows at the time of ice jamming are forecast to be approximately 45,000 cfs (1,274 cms). It is uncertain when the ice jam will occur. At this time ice strength and thickness is high.

Home owners affected by this spring’s flooding are reminded to review their home insurance. Overland flood insurance was introduced by some insurers in Manitoba in 2016.

High water levels have led to a number of road closures across the province.  People are reminded to be watchful of local waterways, as flood conditions can develop quickly. Ditches and culverts contain fast-moving water which could be hazardous and should be avoided.

Avoid driving through moving water as the water depth can be unpredictable and current can push vehicles off the road. It is strongly advised that people be careful if venturing out onto what may appear to be frozen rivers and lakes, due to potential weak ice conditions.

Up-to-date flood information can be found at on the Province of Manitoba website or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MBGov.

For current highway conditions, call 511, visit www.manitoba511.ca, or follow the Twitter account at www.twitter.com/MBGovRoadsfor closures. A Manitoba 511 app is now available for download at http://residents.gov.mb.ca/apps/511.html.

The post Flood watch in effect for Portage, flood warnings for all Souris River areas appeared first on Manitoba Co-operator.

Ice is still in place on northern rivers and tributaries. A high water advisory is in place for the Carrot River near The Pas. Most rivers in southern Manitoba are ice free.

There was a partial closure at the Gretna dike last night as the water rose towards the centre line of the highway.

As of this morning, flow on the Portage Diversion channel is 19,281 cubic feet per second (cfs) (546 cubic metres per second [cms]) and flows on the Assiniboine River downstream of the diversion is 11,000 cfs (312 cms) but will increase today to 13,000 cfs (368 cms).

The revised Assiniboine River forecast suggests the Assiniboine and Souris rivers may peak at the same time at the Portage Reservoir. At Holland, with a weather forecast indicating no future precipitation, it is expected that flows will range from approximately 43,000 to 46,000 cfs (1,217 to 1,303 cms) between the dates of April 11 and 12. Preparations for temporary flood protection measures are being put in place along the lower Assiniboine River.

A flood watch remains in effect for the area between Portage la Prairie and Headingley. Flows are being gradually increased to about 15,000 cfs tomorrow and possibly up to 17,000 cfs by Wednesday.

Water levels at James Avenue were measured at 17.6 feet this morning. With the floodway in operation, water levels at James Avenue are expected to remain within the range of 17 to 18 ft. for the next week as flows on the Red River recede and flows on the Assiniboine River increase.

The flood watch for the Red Deer River has ended.

A flood warning remains in effect for the upper Assiniboine River from the Shellmouth Dam to Holland and Oak Lake, which is at crest, and the Souris River.

A flood warning remains in effect for all points along the Souris River. Flows on the main stem of the Souris River in Manitoba are continuing to react to the run-off from the melt while tributaries of the Souris River are beginning to decrease.

A flood warning remains in effect for Pelican Lake and it is near crest.

The Carrot River upstream in Saskatchewan has yet to peak at Turnberry. Water levels on the Carrot River within Manitoba are influenced by Carrot River flows and water levels on the Saskatchewan River where the two rivers meet. Conditions will be monitored because the ice is still intact in Manitoba, making ice jamming on both rivers a concern. The backwater effect of ice jamming will influence water levels on the Carrot River. It is difficult to estimate the timing and effects of ice jams on the two rivers.

Home owners affected by this spring’s flooding are reminded to review their home insurance. Overland flood insurance was introduced by some insurers in Manitoba in 2016.

High water levels have led to a number of road closures across the province. Avoid driving through moving water as the water depth can be unpredictable and the current can push vehicles off the road. Weak ice conditions may exist on rivers and lakes.

Up-to-date flood information can be found at on the Province of Manitoba website or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MBGov.

For current highway conditions, call 511, visit www.manitoba511.ca, or follow the Twitter account at www.twitter.com/MBGovRoadsfor closures. A Manitoba 511 app is now available for download at http://residents.gov.mb.ca/apps/511.html.

The post Overland flooding subsides, Assiniboine River flows rising appeared first on Manitoba Co-operator.

Ice is still in place on northern rivers and tributaries, while most rivers in southern Manitoba are ice free.

As of this morning, flow on the Portage Diversion channel is 18,670 cubic feet per second (cfs) (529 cubic metres per second [cms]) and flows on the Assiniboine River downstream of the diversion were increased to 9,000 cfs (255 cms).

The Assiniboine River forecast has been revised based on the forecast of the Assiniboine and Souris rivers peaking simultaneously at the Portage Reservoir. There is also greater confidence in upstream gauge flows as they are no longer ice affected. The revised forecast, with a weather forecast indicating no future precipitation, indicates an inflow upstream of the Portage Reservoir of approximately 41,000 to 44,000 cfs (1,161 to 1,246 cms) between the dates of April 12 to 14. It is planned that flow on the Assiniboine River downstream of the diversion will reach 15,000 cfs (425 cms) as early as April 10. Municipal governments are currently working to put temporary flood protection measures in place to meet the expected flows on the lower Assiniboine River.

Water levels at James Avenue were measured at 18.2 feet this morning. With the floodway in operation, water levels at James Avenue are expected to remain around 18 ft. for the next week as flows on the Red River recede and flows on the Assiniboine River increase. Based on natural Red River flow at James Avenue, this corresponds to a one-in-13-year flood event, with the natural James Avenue peak level of 26.6 ft.

A flood watch remains in effect for the area between Portage la Prairie and Headingley as flows will gradually be increased to about 15,000 cfs by Monday.

A flood watch remains in effect for the Red Deer River but has been lifted for Plum Creek.

A flood warning remains in effect for the Birdtail Creek, upper Assiniboine River from the Shellmouth Dam to Holland, Pelican, Rock, Oak and Dauphin lakes, and the Pembina and Souris rivers. A second crest at Windygates is expected in the next couple of days. The Gretna dike is being monitored for potential overflows from the Pembina River. Equipment is on standby in case a partial road closure is required.

Outflows from Pelican Lake are at maximum possible discharge. Inflows to the lake have crested. However, there is still a large volume of water to come and the lake is projected to rise high enough that flood protection will be required for properties around the lake.

A flood warning remains in effect for all points along the Souris River. Flows on the main stem of the Souris River in Manitoba and the U.S. are continuing to react to the run-off from the melt while tributaries of the Souris River are beginning to decrease.

A high water advisory remains issued for the Carrot River. The Carrot River upstream in Saskatchewan has peaked. Flows at Smoky Burn were recorded yesterday 25,400 cfs (719 cms). An estimated crest of 8,000 cfs (227 cms) on the Carrot River at Turnberry, Sask., is expected in four to seven days.  Water levels on the Carrot River within Manitoba are influenced by Carrot River flows and water levels on the Saskatchewan River where the two rivers meet. Conditions will be monitored because the ice is still intact in Manitoba, making ice jamming on both rivers a concern. The backwater effect of ice jamming will influence water levels on the Carrot River. It is difficult to estimate the timing and effects of the upcoming ice jam on the two rivers. More detailed information will be provided to the local municipality by the end of today.

Homeowners affected by this spring’s flooding are reminded to review their home insurance. Overland flood insurance was introduced by some insurers in Manitoba in 2016.

High water levels have led to a number of road closures across the province.  People are reminded to be watchful of local waterways, as flood conditions can develop quickly. Ditches and culverts contain fast-moving water which could be hazardous and should be avoided.

Avoid driving through moving water as the water depth can be unpredictable and the current can push vehicles off the road. It is strongly advised that people be careful if venturing out onto what may appear to be frozen rivers and lakes, due to potential weak ice conditions.

Up-to-date flood information can be found at on the Province of Manitoba website or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MBGov.

For current highway conditions, call 511, visit www.manitoba511.ca, or follow the Twitter account at www.twitter.com/MBGovRoadsfor closures. A Manitoba 511 app is now available for download at http://residents.gov.mb.ca/apps/511.html.

The post Assiniboine River flows rising, some flood warnings remain in effect appeared first on Manitoba Co-operator.

Flows on waterways across the province are continuing to react to the run-off from the melt and water levels remain high on many waterways. Ice has moved out on some rivers but remains in place on others including portions of the lower Assiniboine River and northern Manitoba. Ice jams are still possible and are difficult to predict.

A small amount of snowpack remains in the western part of the Souris River basin, the Parkland region, the Duck Mountain area, western part of the Riding Mountain and northern Manitoba.

The flood warning has been lifted for theMorris River and the flood watch has been lifted for the La Salle River as they have both crested and flows are decreasing. The Roseau River has also crested.

The Red River in Winnipeg has crested and water levels at James Avenue were measured at 18.3 feet this morning. With the floodway in operation, water levels at James Avenue are expected to remain around 18 ft. for the next week as flows on the Red River recede and flows on the Assiniboine River increase.

Ice surges into the Portage Diversion reservoir caused fluctuating levels downstream on the lower Assiniboine River yesterday. A flood watch remains in effect for the area between Portage la Prairie and Headingley as flows on the lower Assiniboine River could gradually increase to about 12,000 cubic feet per second by the weekend.

A flood watch remains in effect for the Red Deer River and Plum Creek.

A flood warning remains in effect for the Birdtail Creek, upper Assiniboine River from the Shellmouth Dam to Holland, Pelican, Rock and Oak lakes, and the Pembina and Souris rivers. A flood warning has been issued for Dauphin Lake.

Outflows from Pelican Lake are at maximum possible discharge. Inflows to the lake are close to cresting. However, there is still a large volume of water to come and the lake is projected to rise high enough that flood protection will be required for properties around the lake.

A flood warning has been issued for all points along the Souris River. Flows on the main stem of the Souris River in Manitoba and the U.S. are continuing to react to the run-off from the melt while tributaries of the Souris River are beginning to decrease.

A high water advisory remains in effect for the Carrot River due to significant flows upstream in Saskatchewan. Water levels are approaching record highs at the Smoky Burn gauge in Saskatchewan. Flows on the Carrot River within Manitoba are influenced by upstream Carrot River flows and water levels on the Saskatchewan River where the two rivers meet. Conditions will be monitored as water levels on the Saskatchewan River remain low. Ice jamming on both rivers is a concern as ice remains intact in Manitoba. The backwater effect of ice jamming will influence water levels on the Carrot River.

Homeowners affected by this spring’s flooding are reminded to review their home insurance. Overland flood insurance was introduced by some insurers in Manitoba in 2016.

High water levels have led to a number of road closures across the province. People are reminded to be watchful of local waterways, as flood conditions can develop quickly. Ditches and culverts contain fast-moving water which could be hazardous and should be avoided.

Avoid driving through moving water as the water depth can be unpredictable and the current can push vehicles off the road. It is strongly advised that people be careful if venturing out onto what may appear to be frozen rivers and lakes, due to potential weak ice conditions.

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