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.

“Everything is, at the present time, under control,” said Ralph Groening, reeve of the RM of Morris.

Groening said he’s “cautiously optimistic” that they’ll see a relatively insignificant flood.

At the end of March, the province’s flood outlook predicted that with average weather conditions, water levels would be similar to 2006. That year, Provincial Trunk Highway 75 was closed for 18 days, according to a provincial news release.

Unfavourable weather could lead to levels akin to 2011, which closed PTH 75 for 28 days.

A provincial spokesperson told the Co-operator that weather has been near average. As a result, water levels similar to 2006 are expected between Emerson and St. Jean, and lower levels north of St. Jean to the Red River Floodway.

The floodway gates were opened in the evening of April 10.

As of April 15, PTH 75 remained open, but this remained a day-by-day decision, the spokesperson said.

A ramp on the north side of the town of Morris is complete, which will allow the highway to remain open as long as possible.

The province said it’s preparing materials for the north and south sides of Morris if a closure of PTH 75 becomes necessary. A detour will ensure continued movement of goods along this major truck route.

Meanwhile, the RM of Montcalm (which extends from the Canada-U.S. border to Morris), declared a state of emergency on April 11. Six households along St. Mary’s Road and Provincial Road 246 were required to evacuate.

Groening said the RM of Morris is monitoring water levels, but doesn’t plan to evacuate any residents yet.

Some roads in the RM are closed, but this was expected, he said.

“It looks like maybe we’ll be OK,” Groening said.

Groening said, so far, COVID-19 safety measures haven’t hampered flood planning.

April 3, the province announced new safety procedures for municipalities to ensure flood response workers’ safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes the standard two-metre distance between people, regular disinfecting of surfaces, and appropriate personal protective equipment.

In a bulletin on April 14, the RM of Ritchot advised residents the municipality had a stockpile of sandbags available for delivery, but “social distancing may limit this resource effectiveness.”

The same bulletin advised that, due to its focus on COVID-19, the province would not be involved in evacuations if they became necessary.

Several roads in the RM have been closed because of high water.

The post ‘Cautiously optimistic’ about flood prospect for Manitoba 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.

The Red River Basin Commission recently held meetings to mark the 20th anniversary of the 1997 “Flood of the Century,” and the presentations reminded of just how traumatic and expensive it was. They outlined some of the steps that have been taken to reduce future damage such as a bigger floodway and higher dikes, but emphasized that there’s still a big portion of the strategy that hasn’t been addressed — reducing or preventing the floods in the first place.

The 2011 flood in western Manitoba cost an estimated $1 billion, and the 2014 version another $250 million, costs that dwarf, for example, the $6.5 million that Education Minister Ian Wishart said would be saved by cancelling plans to build two school gyms in Winnipeg.

Readers will remember that Wishart is a former KAP president and one of the two architects of the Alternate Land Use Services (ALUS) program, which would compensate farmers for preserving wetlands rather than draining them for cropland.

When ALUS was developed, there was more interest in saving wetlands for ducks rather than for flood prevention, and the other ALUS architect was Jonathan Scarth, who at the time was vice-president of the Delta Waterfowl Foundation. Today, Scarth is Premier Brian Pallister’s principal secretary.

Having two such high-profile team members responsible for this idea gives Pallister the opportunity to start collecting some major brownie points, if not eventually taking credit for a legacy of finally developing a long-term water management policy. In the past, that policy has essentially been “more and deeper ditches.” That worked for a while, but now, especially during this long wet cycle, at least as many people are being harmed as helped by uncontrolled drainage. Given that the provincial PCs are so strong in rural areas, they have nothing to lose by taking this on.

Meanwhile, taxpayers have a lot to gain, especially if water can be managed to take the peak off future floods. But this also meshes with other issues facing the government and facing farmers.

One is the health of Lake Winnipeg. Work by University of Manitoba soil scientist David Lobb and others has made it clear that agriculture’s contribution to the problem is not nutrients from hog barns or fertilizer — it’s the water carrying them, including from natural sources. If you control the water, you control the problem. Their work has shown that only a relatively small area of a field is needed to store water and take the peak off drainage flow, or used for irrigation in dry years.

Then there’s Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler’s proposal for Manitoba to double its beef cattle herd. That will need more grass and forage land, which is not subject to the same panic to get drained in time to seed an annual crop every year. Holding back water means maintaining or restoring sloughs around which cattle don’t mind manoeuvring, unlike humans with their seeding and harvest machinery.

We might need that forage, and the extra cattle to eat it. Herbicide resistance is becoming more serious, and farmers are running out of chemical- or herbicide-tolerant options. It’s becoming apparent that introducing forages to the rotation is one way, if not the only way, to break the cycle. Every grain farmer doesn’t have to go back to cattle, but they could make arrangements with neighbours to exchange land or forage.

That has implications for business risk management programs, which are now under review. It’s likely to consider whether support should recognize economically and agronomically sustainable practices, and that could include under crop insurance.

Some of the most exciting agricultural research in this province is already underway through the Manitoba Beef and Forage Initiative in Brandon. There’s a real opportunity to build on that work with a big-picture initiative. Former Premier Doug Campbell took much credit for the legacy of rural electrification. Duff Roblin still gets regular thanks every time Winnipeg gets saved by the Red River Floodway.

Premier Brian Pallister has the opportunity to be remembered for another major achievement, which is developing the comprehensive water-management policy that has eluded this province almost since the first settlers said, “Thanks for the free land, but how do you seed it in spring?” It’s not a bad package: lowering flooding costs, cleaning up Lake Winnipeg, reducing soil erosion, improving weed control and producing more tasty grass-feed beef.

Oh, and a few more ducks. We’re waiting.

John Morriss is a former editor of the Manitoba Co-operator.

The post Editorial: Less water, more grass appeared first on Manitoba Co-operator.

The problem is widespread, with five states of local emergency declared. Swan River declared an emergency when ice jamming caused the river to rise, threatening the town. The municipalities of Dufferin, Grey, La Broquerie and Two Borders faced similar challenges.

In Carman, ice along the Boyne River and its diversion around the community have caused some of the worst flooding in decades.

Carman Mayor Bob Mitchell said flooding has affected as many as 400 people and flooded about 40 basements. Schools were closed April 3 due to flood conditions.

He said about 150 volunteers turned out April 2 to sandbag, while the region’s emergency centre is currently on standby in case of evacuations.

• Live Blog: Prairie Flood Report

Flooding in the community significantly dropped since the diversion was installed about 30 years ago, Mitchell said.

“I don’t think they anticipated these types of ice jams. We’ve never seen that,” he said. “In the 35 years I’ve lived here, I have never seen water like this in the sense that it’s in places where you normally don’t see it.”

Residential developments and roadways along Provincial Road 245 were under water this week, an area Mitchell says rarely floods.

Three sections of the community were without water April 3 due to water line breaks and Carman’s water treatment facility had been shut down due to water quality thresholds. The community has drawn additional water from the Pembina Valley Water Co-op, which Mitchell says has put pressure on the co-op’s daily capacity and has resulted in low water pressure.

Water levels receded slightly overnight April 2, good news for a community that is expecting a second surge this week as ice floes to the west break up.

“We’re hoping that the water levels here drop sufficiently so that we can take in this water and it won’t flood anything,” Mitchell said.

Keeping drainage infrastructure clear of ice, as well as ice damming on smaller-drainage tributaries, now appears to be the most significant flooding challenge.

Andrew Weremy, chief administrator for the Municipality of St. Andrews, says crews have been working non-stop for three weeks clearing ice from culverts and ditches.

The municipality had about 200 drainage-related service requests as of March 31.

“With this weather, it’s kind of been a blessing and a curse,” he said. “I guess the blessing is that as it’s been cold over the last couple of weeks. It has really slowed down the flow coming off the fields and the lands and the yards. However, there’s been a little thawing and more freezing and thawing and freezing, so a lot of the water work that we’ve had to do has had to be redone.”

In the March 30 flood forecast, the Province of Manitoba warned that, “… a combination of rapid melt, ice jamming and blocked culverts may lead to a rapid rise in water levels on tributaries and may cause localized overland flooding. Municipal and provincial crews are thawing culverts on a priority basis.”

The Red River was expected to crest April 5-6. A flood warning was put in place on the lower Red River March 31 due to ice jamming north of Selkirk while both Red River and Assiniboine River tributaries were “significantly increasing,” according to the March 30 provincial flood forecast.

All flood mitigation measures are in place in the RM of St. Andrews, Weremy said.

“We have an emergency operations centre set up ready to be enacted if needed,” he said. “Right now, it is a wait-and-see approach. We do have some of our gates and control structures in the closed position and there may be some pumping required, but right now the river is not causing us much concern.”

“That can change,” he added, saying that the municipality continues to watch weather and flood forecasts.

The Municipality of Deloraine-Winchester, in southwestern Manitoba, has also reported ice-jammed culverts and water running over roadways.

Creeks in the area are running at full capacity, according to Reeve Gord Weidenhamer, although he added that the Medora Creek, the main flood threat to the town of Deloraine, will likely not see significant flooding without rainfall.

“Our flood outlook a week ago was very pressuring,” he said. “There was a lot of water, a lot of ice buildup, but as the days progress, our immediate area is actually lessened as far as severe flood outlook.”

The municipality remains concerned about Whitewater Lake, which drains into the Medora Creek and has been a perennial drainage issue in the region.

“I suspect that, with no controls, there will be a substantial amount of water running from that Medora Creek system, which is, of course, something that we are trying to make a plan trying to prevent, trying to hold it during peak times and trying to release during non-peak times, but at the same time, until we can get an answer to that problem, it runs uncontrollably,” he said.

Potential or existing ice jams meant flood watches for the Turtle, Woody, Swan, Whitemouth and Whitemud rivers and Pipestone Creek, while flood warnings were also in place for the Fisher, Morris and Pembina rivers as of March 31.

Pembina River rises

In south-central Manitoba, the dike surrounding Gretna has been partially closed as the Pembina River rises.

International travellers south of Gretna were diverted to ports at Emerson and Walhalla March 31, after flood waters from the Pembina River swamped the crossing between Manitoba and Neche, North Dakota.

The RM of Morris has also reported higher-than-average overland flooding from the Pembina Hills.

“We spend time reassuring people that we believe everything is under control and manageable and if you see that there’s a significant impact on your home and property, then we do respond,” Reeve Ralph Groening said.

The Red River is not currently a major concern, Groening said, although the RM is watching flood forecasts closely.

The Red, Roseau, Morris and La Salle rivers reported rising water levels while Souris River flows were beginning to increase in the last provincial flood outlook of March.

The Portage Diversion opened March 31 to manage ice and water levels on the lower Assiniboine River. The same day the Red River Floodway diversion gates were raised to protect Winnipeg from rising waters. The province also increased flows from the Shellmouth Reservoir for the second time this year to accommodate spring run-off. Outflow was increased to 600 cubic feet per second on March 29, with further increases expected in the following days.

Flood-fighting gear such as pumps, steamers and backhoes have been deployed in southwest Manitoba and other high-risk areas.

Manitoba’s major lakes reported above-average water levels, while remaining ice covered. The province expressed continuing concern over Dauphin Lake, which was expected to be at major risk of flooding even with favourable weather as of March 24.

“At this point we’re just dealing more with culverts freezing up,” Laura Murray, chief administrator for the RM of Dauphin, said. “We’re not really dealing with flood issues. We’ve been told that as long as everything stays normal with normal precipitation, that we should be OK, so we’re hoping for good weather to continue.”

Updated flood information can be found at www.gov.mb.ca/flooding/ or on Twitter at @MBGov.

The Manitoba Co-operator is also working with other publications such as the Western Producer to ensure the latest is available online from our website, through a 24-hour live blog.

The post Ice-clogged culverts, ditches and tributaries latest flood headaches 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 upper and lower Assiniboine River. Ice jams are still possible and are difficult to predict.

Some of the snowpack remains in the western part of the Souris River basin, the Parkland region, the Duck Mountain area, the Riding Mountain area and northern Manitoba. Much of the snow has already melted in southern Manitoba, with snow remaining in wooded areas.

The flood watch has been lifted for the lower Red River and Netley Creek as water levels are receding but open water levels on the lower Red River remain high. Most Red River tributaries are declining, with the exception of the Morris and La Salle rivers.

With the operation of the Red River Floodway, the Red River in Winnipeg crested yesterday at 19.4 feet. Without the benefit of the floodway, the water level at James Avenue yesterday would have been more than five ft. higher at 24.9 ft. With the floodway in operation, water levels at James Avenue are 18.7 ft. today and expected to remain relatively stable for the next week.

Ice is beginning to move along portions of the lower Assiniboine River from Portage la Prairie to Headingley, leading to a flood watch for that area. The Portage Diversion is being operated to limit flows on the lower Assiniboine River and minimize ice jamming, but as flows increase and the diversion approaches its capacity, additional flow may be allowed to go down the Assiniboine River.

A flood warning has been issued for the Birdtail and Pipestone creeks, middle Assiniboine River from the Shellmouth Dam to Holland, Pelican, Rock and Oak lakes, and the Morris, Pembina and Souris rivers.

A flood watch has been issued for the lower Assiniboine River from Portage la Prairie to Headingley due to ice running, the Boyne River downstream of Carman, Plum Creek and the Brokenhead, Red Deer and La Salle rivers. A high water advisory has been issued for the Overflowing and Carrot rivers.

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.

The post Waterway levels remain high, some see flood watches lifted appeared first on Manitoba Co-operator.

Swan River has declared a state of local emergency as the river level increased due to an ice jam.

Carman is challenged by ice jamming on the Boyne River and surface run-off impacting some homes.

Netley Creek is running very high as ice jamming on the Red River slows the creek from draining into the river.

To date, five states of local emergency have been registered with Manitoba EMO; the municipalities of Dufferin, Grey, La Broquerie, Two Borders and the Town of Swan River.

High water advisories are in effect for the Overflowing, Valley and Vermillion rivers.

Flood watches are in effect for the Turtle, Woody, Whitemud, Red Deer, and Whitemouth rivers, along with Birdtail Creek.

Flood warnings are in effect for Swan River at the community, Fisher River near Dallas, Red River and Netley Creek near Petersfield due to ice jamming, the Morris River and Pipestone Creek.

The Red River Floodway began operation Friday morning.  Flow in the floodway channel is 16,663 cubic feet per second (cfs) (471 cubic metres per second [cms]), an increase of almost 5,000 cfs in the past 24 hours.

The water level at James Avenue in Winnipeg decreased 0.3 feet overnight to 19.1 feet, very close to the predicted level. Water levels at James Avenue are expected to stay around 19.0 feet for the next few days. At this time, the Red River in Winnipeg is expected to crest April 4 to 5.

Depending when the ice runs on the Assiniboine River, a minor increase in water levels may occur at James Avenue. It is expected that ice will move later tonight or early tomorrow.

Water levels and flows on the Pembina River, which flows into the Red River south of Manitoba, are stabilizing as ice jamming is subsiding. The Pembina River is nearing its crest and is expected to peak between April 4 to 7.

Plans continue for the possible use of a ramp on PTH 75 in Morris. Activity will be based on conditions over the next few days. At this time, it is expected PTH 75 will remain open.

The Portage Diversion began operation on Friday morning. It is being operated to limit flows on the lower Assiniboine River to minimize ice jamming. The flow of the Assiniboine river at Portage has increased to about 10,400 cfs. The flow is split between the river and the diversion channel, each taking about 5,200 cfs.

The risk of ice jamming in drains and small tributaries is present as flows start to rise.

Flood Information

People are reminded to be watchful of local waterways, as flood conditions can develop quickly.

Avoid driving through moving water as the water depth can be unpredictable and current can push vehicles off the road.

People are reminded that ditches and culverts contain fast moving water which could be hazardous and should be avoided.

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.

Since run-off may occur quickly, landowners who normally store a portion of run-off in dugouts for irrigation or other water retention structures are encouraged to retain water.

Homeowners should check their sump pumps and hoses to ensure they are fully functional.

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/MBGovRoads for closures. A Manitoba 511 app is now available for download at http://residents.gov.mb.ca/apps/511.html.

The post Five states of emergency named due to local flooding appeared first on Manitoba Co-operator.

Partial ring dike closures are underway or completed at Gretna, St. Adolphe and Brunhild. PTH 75 is projected to remain open. As a precautionary move, to maintain travel on PTH 75 through Morris, the province will construct a ramp at the north end of the town near the Morris river. This has been done in past floods to keep traffic moving.

High water advisories are in effect for Overflowing, Valley and Vermillion rivers.

Flood watches are in effect for Turtle, Woody, Swan, Whitemud, and Red Deer rivers.

Flood warnings are in effect for Fisher, Morris and Pembina rivers as well as Pipestone Creek.

The Red River Floodway began operation Friday morning. Flow in the floodway channel is 11,654 cubic feet per second (cfs) (330 cubic metres per second [cms]). Flow at James Avenue this morning was 57,845 cfs (1,638 cms).

The water level at James Avenue in Winnipeg increased 1.2 feet overnight to 19.4 feet. This rise was due to an upstream ice run that created a surge of flows downstream. With the floodway in operation, water levels at James Avenue could decline to 19.0 feet on Sunday. The timing of the ice run on the Assiniboine River could result in a minor increase in water levels at James Ave.

The Portage Diversion began operation on Friday morning. It is being operated to limit flows on the lower Assiniboine River to minimize ice jamming. Flow in the channel is 3,132 cfs (89 cms) and flow on the lower Assiniboine River is 5,170 cfs (146 cms).

Ice is still in place on many rivers and tributaries which is affecting gauge readings. The risk of ice jamming in drains and small tributaries is present as flows start to rise. Ice jamming is developing on southern Manitoba’s major rivers and smaller tributaries.

Weather

Temperatures across southern Manitoba are above average and warm temperatures this week are expected to continue melting and run-off. Trace precipitation was recorded in southwestern Manitoba in the last 24 hours.

Snowpack and run-off

Much of the snow has already melted in southern Manitoba with the majority of the snow remaining in wooded areas.

A portion of the snowpack remains in the western part of the Souris River Basin, the Parkland Region, the Duck Mountain area, the Riding Mountain area and northern Manitoba.

A combination of rapid melt, ice jamming and blocked culverts may lead to a rapid rise in water levels on tributaries and may cause localized overland flooding. Municipal and provincial crews are actively thawing culverts on a priority basis.

Since run-off may occur quickly, landowners who normally store a portion of run-off in dugouts for irrigation or other water retention structures are encouraged to retain water.

Red River Basin

The Red River and its tributaries are rising rapidly. Significant increases continue on the Morris and La Salle rivers.  Pumping continues within the Red River ring dike communities.

Ice remains in the main channel of the Red River and is flowing through all upstream locations including, Emerson, Letellier and St. Adolphe.

The Red River upstream of the floodway inlet is currently at 756.9 ft. and is expected to crest on April 4-5 at a level of 760.5 to 761.5 ft. The forecast is being assessed on an ongoing basis and updates will be provided regularly.

Pembina River Basin

Water levels and flows on the Pembina River are stabilizing as ice jamming is subsiding.

Overflows from the Pembina River in the U.S. are impacting Gretna. A partial dike closure was completed in Gretna at the border. Flows overtopped the border road yesterday evening but have since receded.

Assiniboine River Basin

Major tributaries of the Assiniboine River are still increasing.

The Shellmouth Reservoir has been drawn down in preparation for spring run-off. The water level is at 1387.1 ft. Outflows from the Shellmouth Dam are being matched to inflows to preserve reservoir storage for the expected peak inflows. Inflows to the reservoir are approximately 3,559 cfs (101 cms). Outflows were increased to 2,019 cfs (57 cms) on Friday evening.

The Shellmouth Reservoir Regulation Liaison Committee will meet Monday to discuss operating plans. Outflows from the Shellmouth Dam may be increased to 3,000 cfs (85 cms) depending on downstream ice conditions. Ice remains in place on the upper Assiniboine River.

Ice is still in place on the lower Assiniboine between Portage la Prairie and Headingley.

Souris River

Flows on the main stem of the Souris River have not significantly reacted to the run-off from the melt. Tributaries of the Souris River are increasing.

Flows on the Pipestone Creek are continuing to increase and are currently recorded at 855 cfs (24 cms), this flow may be ice affected and will be monitored. The ice jam that occurred at Cromer has been cleared.

Interlake Region

The Fairford Water Control Structure is being operated for maximum possible discharge and outflow from Lake Manitoba is approximately 7,921 cfs (224 cms). Lake Manitoba water levels are recorded at 812.4 ft. Flows into Lake Manitoba through the Waterhen River are 5,569 cfs (158 cms).

Fisher River flows have declined at East Branch and Fisherton. Flows at Dallas have crested. There could be surges due to releasing ice jams upstream. Overland flooding has been reported on the Peguis River First Nation.

Flows on the Icelandic River are decreasing.

Manitoba’s major lakes are at above average water levels for this time of year and all lakes are still ice covered at this time.

Parkland Region

Tributaries in the southern Parkland are beginning to respond to run-off. Run-off rates will increase due to warming temperatures. Ice is beginning to move on the rivers and ice jamming remains a concern.

The Pas and Northern Manitoba

Run-off has begun in the Red Deer River watershed. Snowmelt and resultant run-off has been minimal in watersheds further north.

Flood Information

People are reminded to be watchful of local waterways, as flood conditions can develop quickly.

Avoid driving through moving water as the water depth can be unpredictable and current can push vehicles off the road.

People are reminded that ditches and culverts contain fast moving water which could be hazardous and should be avoided.

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.

Since run-off may occur quickly, landowners who normally store a portion of run-off in dugouts for irrigation or other water retention structures are encouraged to retain water.

Homeowners should check their sump pumps and hoses to ensure they are fully functional.

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/MBGovRoads for closures. A Manitoba 511 app is now available for download at http://residents.gov.mb.ca/apps/511.html.

The post Ice causing overland flooding in much of southern Manitoba appeared first on Manitoba Co-operator.

The water level at James Ave is 18 feet, up 2.2 ft. since yesterday.  With operation of the Red River Floodway, it is estimated that Red River water levels at James Avenue in Winnipeg will rise to approximately 18.8 ft. by Sunday.

The Portage Diversion began operation this morning to manage ice and flows on the lower Assiniboine River.  Flows in the channel are 1,965 cfs (56 cms) and flow on the lower Assiniboine River is 5,090 cfs (144 cms).

Flood watches for the Turtle, Woody, Swan, Whitemouth and Whitemud rivers are in place due to potential ice jams and flooding.  A flood watch for the Icelandic River is in place due to potential ice jamming at Riverton.

A flood warning for Pipestone Creek is in place due to ice jamming at Cromer.  A flood warning for the lower Red River is in place as ice jamming is occurring north of Selkirk.  Additional flood warnings are in place for the Fisher, Morris and Pembina rivers.

The ring dike in Gretna is being partially closed due to flooding issues on the Pembina River.

A combination of rapid melt, ice jamming and blocked culverts may lead to a rapid rise in water levels on tributaries and may cause localized overland flooding.  Municipal and provincial crews are thawing culverts on a priority basis.

The province has positioned flood-fighting gear such as pumps, steamers and backhoes in areas of potential concern, mostly in the southwest region of the province. The province is in contact with municipal emergency co-ordinators.

Red River Basin

The Red River and its tributaries are rising rapidly.  Significant increases have occurred on the Morris and La Salle rivers.  Ice jamming is occurring on the Seine River system.

The Red River upstream of the floodway inlet is expected to crest on April 5 to 6 at a flow of 68,000 cfs (1,926 cms).

Flows on the Roseau and Pembina rivers are increasing rapidly.

Overflows from the Pembina River in the U.S. are affecting Gretna.  A partial dike closure is underway at Gretna.

Assiniboine River Basin

Flows are increasing on the Assiniboine River.

The Shellmouth Reservoir has been drawn down in preparation for spring run-off.

Outflows from the Shellmouth Dam will be matched to inflows to preserve reservoir storage for the expected peak flows.

Inflows to the reservoir are approximately 1,356 cfs (38 cms).  Outflows were increased to 1,000 cfs (28 cms) on Thursday evening.

Interlake Region

The Fairford Water Control Structure is being operated for maximum possible discharge; outflow from Lake Manitoba is approximately 7,844 cfs (222 cms).  Lake Manitoba water levels are recorded at 812.4 ft.

Flows on the Fisher River near Dallas were recorded at 3,260 cfs (92 cms).  Ice jamming remains a concern.  Overland flooding is being reported at Peguis River First Nation.

Souris River

Flows on the Souris River are beginning to increase.

Flows on Pipestone Creek are high.  This flow may be ice affected and will be monitored.  An ice jam is reported at Cromer and has affected power to the community.

Overland flooding is being reported in the Waskada and Deloraine areas.

Parkland and Northern Regions

Tributaries in Dauphin and Swan River are rising.  Run-off rates will increase due to warming temperatures.

To date, snowmelt and run-off has been minimal in northern Manitoba watersheds.

River and Lake Conditions

Manitoba’s major lakes are above average levels for this time of year.  Lakes are still ice covered at this time.

Ice is still in place on many rivers and tributaries.  The risk of ice jamming in drains and small tributaries is present as flows start to rise.  Ice jamming is developing on southern Manitoba’s major rivers.

Temperatures across southern Manitoba are above average, resulting in more melting and run-off.

Flood Information

People are reminded to be watchful of local waterways, as flood conditions can develop quickly.

Avoid driving through moving water as the water depth can be unpredictable and current can push vehicles off the road.

People are reminded that ditches and culverts contain fast moving water which could be hazardous and should be avoided.

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.

Since run-off may occur quickly, landowners who normally store a portion of run-off in dugouts for irrigation or other water retention structures are encouraged to retain water.

Homeowners should check their sump pumps and hoses to ensure they are fully functional.

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/MBGovRoads for closures. A Manitoba 511 app is now available for download at http://residents.gov.mb.ca/apps/511.html.

The post Red River Floodway, Portage Diversion in operation, flood watches declared appeared first on Manitoba Co-operator.

The water level at James Ave is 15.8 feet, up 1.9 feet since Wednesday, March 29. With operation of the Red River Floodway, it is estimated that Red River water levels at James Avenue in Winnipeg will rise to approximately 19.1 ft. by Sunday.

Water levels are significantly increasing across much of southern Manitoba, particularly on the Red River tributaries.

People are reminded to be watchful of local waterways, as flood conditions can develop quickly.

Avoid driving through moving water as the water depth can be unpredictable and current can push vehicles off the road.

Since run-off may occur quickly, landowners who normally store a portion of runoff in dugouts for irrigation or other water retention structures are encouraged to retain water.

Homeowners should check their sump pumps and hoses to ensure they are fully functional.

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/MBGovRoads for closures. A Manitoba 511 app is now available for download at http://residents.gov.mb.ca/apps/511.html.

The post Red River Floodway gates set to open appeared first on Manitoba Co-operator.