Manitoba predicts risk of spring flooding in most southern basins

Highway 75 is pictured in the spring of 2020. (Source: Josh Crabb/ CTV News Winnipeg)

Manitobans should brace for flooding this year.

With all of the snow, and the potential for more to come, there is a risk of moderate to major flooding in most southern Manitoba basins.

Since November 1st, some areas have seen up to 140 millimetres of precipitation.

The highest risk for flooding is along the Red River and its tributaries between Emerson and the Floodway.

This includes the Rat, Rousseau, and Pembina rivers. Along the Assiniboine River, the risk is moderate.

But even in the most severe outcome, water levels are expected to stay below community flood protection measures.

However, ring dykes might have to close, low-lying roads and driveways may wash out and farmers will likely have to deal with flooded fields.

RM of Morris Reeve Ralph Groening says they’re keeping an eye on around 50 properties which could be vulnerable to flood waters.

“We’re aware of the potential and we are slowly preparing for worst case for the moment,” said Groening, “We are going to wait and see what happens.”

Highway 75 is not expected to close but forecasters say they’ll know more when the March outlook is done.

That’s because all of this depends on how much more snow we get or rain, and the speed of the melt and subsequent runoff.

Keystone Agricultural Producers Vice President Jake Ayre says farmers need a slow spring thaw.

“We don’t want an immediately drastic increase in temperature where everything melts at once and, of course, then you have that increase risk of overland,” said Ayre.

While the potential for flooding is real, the snow amounts are bringing relief for drought-stricken farmers who have suffered the last two years.

“Lack of hay, lack of feed, crops didn’t go over very well this year,” said Ayre, “So far everyone’s pretty happy with the amount of moisture we’ve received.”

The risk of flooding is low in the Interlake, which was hit hard by drought. 

The spring 2022 flood outlook report can be found online.