System that could bring 15 cm of snow to Manitoba could change flood outlook: province

Manitoba’s latest flood outlook shows a low to moderate risk of spring flooding in low-lying areas.

Manitoba’s flood forecasters are monitoring a system that could bring up to 15 centimetres of snow to parts of the province this weekend.

The province’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre released its March flood outlook Tuesday, noting there is low to moderate risk for most Manitoba rivers throughout the spring.

However, officials note predictions are largely dependent on weather conditions, and an incoming precipitation system that could dump 15 centimetres of snow on most central and southern Manitoba basins could affect the current outlook.

“Minimal operation of the Red River Floodway and the Portage Diversion may be necessary to mitigate future weather conditions,” the outlook said, adding the Shellmouth Dam is being used to store reservoir inflows to reduce flooding downstream and ensure a sufficient reservoir level for recreation and water supply.

As it stands, the province said most lakes are expected to be within their desired operating ranges after the spring runoff. A moderate risk of flooding is in effect for the Assiniboine River main stem from Russell to Brandon, Souris River, Qu’Appelle River and the Interlake region, including the Fisher and Icelandic rivers.

Meanwhile, the province said there’s a low or minor flood risk for the Red, Pembina, Rat, Roseau, Winnipeg, Saskatchewan, Churchill, Carrot and Swan rivers, as well as the Whiteshell Lakes area.

Flood officials say ice-cutting and breaking is done on the Red and Icelandic rivers and is ongoing along the Fisher River this week.

“Daily temperatures are warming gradually and ice thickness and strength will continue to deteriorate. Citizens are advised to stay off waterways, rivers and retention ponds,” the province said.

The full spring outlook can be read on the province’s website.