FLOOD REPORT FOR

April 26, 2018 – 9:00 am

Summary  The has been closed since there is no longer a risk of ice jamming along the lower , and river flows are below 10,000 cfs (283 cms). As of this morning, flow on the Assiniboine River downstream of the diversion is 5,470 cfs (155 cms). Ice has moved out along the lower Assiniboine River.

 Water levels continue to increase on the Red River and Assiniboine River. Tributaries of the Red River and most of the tributaries of the Assiniboine River have crested and are beginning to decline. Water levels on the Roseau River, Pembina River and Souris River remain low.

 Very few rivers and tributaries still have ice in place, and the remaining ice is deteriorating rapidly.

Weather  Warm temperatures and minimal precipitation are expected across southern Manitoba throughout the week and over the weekend. These conditions are expected to sustain the current runoff.

 There may be some precipitation in the and upstream of the Shellmouth Reservoir next week (May 1st).

Red River Basin  Flows on the Red River are continuing to rise but water levels remain low. Water levels on tributaries to the Red River are continuing to decline.

 The Red River upstream of the Floodway Inlet is expected to crest between May 1 and May 3 at a flow of approximately 33,000 cfs – 38,000 cfs (935 – 1,075 cms). The Red River Floodway is not expected to be operated given the forecasted flows. The forecast is being assessed on an ongoing basis and updates will be provided regularly.

 The water level at James Ave is 14.3 feet. The water level at James Avenue in is expected to crest between May 1st and 3rd at 16 to 17 feet.

 Water levels on the Red River north of Winnipeg are not changing much and the river is free of ice.

Assiniboine River Basin  The Shellmouth Reservoir was drawn down over the winter in preparation for spring runoff; water levels are now increasing to reach the summer target level. The current water level is at 1392.7 feet. Inflows into the reservoir are approximately 4,780 cfs (135 cms) and outflows are 1,300 cfs (36.8 cms). Outflows are continuing to be maintained at this level as forecasted inflows are being assessed.

 Most tributaries along the Assiniboine River appear to have crested and are beginning to decline.

 Ice is continuing to break up along the upper Assiniboine River and has cleared out at Brandon.

 The Portage Diversion has been closed since there is no longer a risk of ice jamming along the lower Assiniboine River and flows on the river are below 10,000 cfs (283 cms). There will be a gradual increase in flow on the lower Assiniboine River. Flows along the Assiniboine River just upstream of are likely to reach between 9,500 and 11,500 cfs (269 and 326 cms) at the peak in early May.

 As of this morning, flow on the Assiniboine River downstream of the diversion is 5,470 cfs (155 cms). Ice has moved out on the lower Assiniboine River.

Whitemud River  Water levels remain low, and the river is ice free.

Interlake Region  With the exception of some reaches of the Icelandic River and the lower portion of the Fisher River, most rivers are free of ice. Flows on these rivers remain low.

 The Fairford Water Control Structure is being operated for maximum possible discharge; outflow from Lake Manitoba is approximately 5,150 cfs (146 cms).

Parkland Region  Flows on streams and tributaries in the Dauphin and Swan Rivers watersheds remain low. Water levels on most are falling. Water level on the Swan River are rising, but will remain well within bankfull.

The Pas and Northern Manitoba  Flows on the Red Deer River at Erwood, are 9,730 cfs (275 cms) and are continuing to decrease. Forecasted peak Red Deer Lake water levels are expected to cause no flooding problems.

 The winter ice on the Carrot and Saskatchewan Rivers near The Pas remains in place. Forecasted peak flows and water levels for the Carrot and Saskatchewan Rivers will also be provided in the next few days.

Manitoba Lakes  Generally, significant or full ice cover is reported on all major Manitoba lakes (80-90% ice cover). The water levels on Manitoba’s major lakes are relatively stable.

 With the exception of Lake St. Martin and Lake Winnipegosis, most of Manitoba’s major lakes are at an average level for this time of year. Lake Manitoba, Lake Winnipeg and Lake St. Martin are within their desired operating range.

 Lake Manitoba is expected to peak around mid-May. An updated forecast will also be provided in the next few days.

 Detailed information on lake levels is available on the Manitoba Lakes, Morning Conditions Report (http://www.gov.mb.ca/mit/floodinfo/index.html).

*Definitions Flood Warning: A flood warning is issued when river or lake levels are exceeding or are expected to be exceeding flood stage within the next 24 hours.

Flood Watch: A flood watch is issued when river or lake levels are approaching and likely to reach flood stage, but likely not within the next 24 hours.

High Water Advisory: A high water advisory is issued when a heavy storm or high flows are expected and may cause water levels to rise, but not necessarily reach flood stage. A high water advisory can be an early indicator for conditions that may develop into a flood watch or flood warning.