Some sections of Highway 75 south to the United States are shown surrounded by Red River flooding south of Winnipeg, Sunday, May 15, 2022. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods)
WINNIPEG — Manitoba flood forecasters say there is a low to moderate risk of flooding for most rivers across the province this spring.
While weather conditions in the coming weeks will play a crucial role in determining final flood levels, officials say most lakes are expected to remain within their desired operating ranges.
The Assiniboine River from Russell to Brandon, the Souris and Qu’Appelle rivers, and parts of the Interlake region — including the Fisher and Icelandic rivers — face a moderate flood risk. Meanwhile, the Red, Pembina, Rat, Roseau, Winnipeg, Saskatchewan, Churchill, Carrot, and Swan rivers, as well as the Whiteshell Lakes area, are categorized as having a low flood risk.
Officials are monitoring a potential weekend storm that could bring up to 15 cm of snow to central and southern Manitoba. While factored into the latest forecast, further precipitation could impact flood conditions.
Minimal operation of the Red River Floodway and Portage Diversion may be required if weather conditions worsen, while the Shellmouth Dam is being managed to balance flood control with water supply needs. Ice-cutting and breaking work has already been completed on the Red and Icelandic rivers, with operations set to begin along the Fisher River this week.
