Peguis First Nation is shown surrounded with Fisher River flood water north of Winnipeg, Sunday, May 15, 2022. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods)
Manitoba is facing an increased risk of spring flooding in parts of the province, particularly in the Interlake and Parkland regions.
The province’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre issued an updated flood outlook on Saturday, showing a high flood risk in the Fisher River basin and along the Icelandic River, with elevated potential for overland flooding in the Parkland region. Elsewhere, flood risk across Manitoba remains moderate to low.
Officials say the heightened risk is driven by significantly above-normal snowpack, a delayed spring melt and the potential for rapid runoff combined with spring precipitation.
Recent surveys show the snow water equivalent in the Fisher River basin is about 113 millimetres — nearly double the long-term average and among the highest levels recorded in recent years. With temperatures to hover near zero through mid-April, the melt is expected to be delayed, increasing the likelihood of a rapid and concentrated runoff once it begins.
Flood risk along major rivers including the Red, Assiniboine, Souris, Saskatchewan and Carrot rivers remains moderate, while much of eastern Manitoba is expected to see low flood risk.
“As with all spring flood seasons, conditions can change rapidly once snowmelt begins, especially if warm temperatures or rainfall occur over a short period,” the province said in a release.
