The Red River Floodway is pictured on Thursday, April 7, 2022. (CHRISD.CA FILE)
Manitoba has released its first flood outlook of the season ahead of the spring runoff period.
The province said on Wednesday it expects the risk of spring flooding to be low to moderate for most Manitoba rivers.
“Most Manitoba lakes are expected to remain within desired operating ranges after spring runoff and the risk of flooding along Manitoba lakes is low,” officials said in a release.
A moderate risk of flooding is in effect for the Red, Pembina, Assiniboine, Souris and Qu’Appelle rivers, the Interlake region including the Icelandic and Fisher rivers, and portions of the Saskatchewan River in northern Manitoba.
A low flood risk is in effect for Red and Assiniboine river tributaries, including the Rat and Roseau rivers. Eastern Manitoba, including the Winnipeg River basin and Whiteshell lakes area, and most Manitoba lakes have a low risk of spring flooding.
Officials say the current outlook is dependent on future weather conditions. The risk of flooding will increase should the province receive significant precipitation between now and spring.
Under normal or favourable weather conditions, the Red River Floodway isn’t expected to be operated.
Ice-cutting and breaking activities are underway along the Red River to reduce the risk of ice-jam flooding.
An updated flood outlook is expected to be released in late March.
Read the full flood outlook below:
