An ice jam could cause flooding on Birdtail Creek north of Birtle in western Manitoba, provincial flood forecasters warned on Saturday.
The Manitoba Hydrological Forecast Centre said ice blocking a culvert is holding back a large amount of water near a former railroad embankment upstream from PTH 45. Flood watchers worry the jam could release suddenly, which could cause a surge of water downstream.
Residents living downstream should be ready to leave quickly, the Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) advised.
Flooding on the creek could affect the communities and municipalities of Birtel, Miniota, Rossburn, Birtle, Birdtail Sioux First Nation and Waywayseecapo First Nation. The province is working with the local governments to monitor the situation.
