Ice flows upstream on the Red River through Winnipeg on Monday, April 21, 2014. (CHRISD.CA)
Ice flowing up the Red River has increased water levels as the crest is expected to reach Winnipeg by either Tuesday or Wednesday.
James Avenue recorded a level of 17.45 feet on Monday morning after an ice jam caused a spike in levels Sunday at 18.9 feet.
In its latest flood bulletin, the province said it hasn’t activated the floodway gates as of yet, but is in talks with the province about diverting more river water around the city. Water was naturally entering the floodway at a rate of approximately 5,000 cfs on Monday.
North of Winnipeg in Selkirk, the city is taking precautionary measures to protect low-lying areas along the riverbank in Selkirk Park. Ice jams were the main attraction over the weekend, but have begun to move out. Flooding closed Highway 204 from Highway 212 to Selkirk late Sunday due to water creeping over the road.
Selkirk’s Marine Museum has evacuated due to being in a low-lying area and being at-risk of flooding.
A high water advisory continues for the Assiniboine River, from Holland to Portage la Prairie due to the potential for ice jams and associated flooding. Heavy ice cover in portions of the river may increase the likelihood of ice jams occurring.
