Increased outflows at the Shellmouth Dam in Western Manitoba are causing controlled floods along the banks of the Assiniboine River.
The rising water levels are flooding farmland in Manitoba's Assiniboine Valley, causing concerns for some farmers in the area.
“We have a short growing season and we have to be (on the fields) now,” said Cliff Trinder, who sits on the Assiniboine Valley Producers advisory committee.
The increased dam output was done to alleviate rising water levels in the reservoir, but Tinder says it wasn’t necessary.
“The fact that there’s still room for storing the water behind the dam, in the reservoir, and Manitoba is letting out more than the channel can handle,” said Trinder.
Trinder said 10 of the last 12 growing seasons have been impacted by floods, and many farmers are currently involved in a lawsuit with the province over the issue.
Water levels from the dam towards Brandon are expected to crest this week.
