Several Manitoba communities remained on high alert Monday, keeping watch for a surge and potential flood waters.
In Birtle, town officials said they've done all they can to prepare for that surge. About 30 kilometres upstream on the Waywayseecappo First Nation, officials also keep watch.
Around 3:30 a.m. Tuesday morning, the province undertook a small, controlled breach to draw down as much as five feet of water to reduce pressure on the embankment.
"At this time, water levels are being monitored," said the province in a release. "The effectiveness of the breach may be affected by the recent rainfall and resulting inflows to the site. The water is making its way into the Birdtail Creek at a flow of 100 to 150 cubic feet per second. Birdtail Creek won't exceed its previous crest as a result of this cut."
Premier Greg Selinger visited Waywayseecappo First Nation Monday to speak to the chief and assess the situation.
“They do think it has a high risk of failure. We've seen some partial failures already so every minute that we get of extra time lets us do a little more preparations,” said Selinger.
As of Monday afternoon, 20 homes on the First Nation had been evacuated to protect the people who live there.
The chief said little had yet been done by early Monday afternoon to protect the actual houses.
“I guess we should have started the ball rolling a little earlier. We just needed some more resources to work with,” said Chief Melville Wabash.
The premier promised heavy equipment, super-sandbags and HESCO barriers from the province.
The Manitoba government said Monday four large pumps had been sent to the area to get the water level down and ease pressure on the embankment.
"If we can get (the water) below where it's seeping, that's what I would call a safe level," said Doug McNeil, the province's deputy minister of Infrastructure and Transportation.
Downstream in Birtle, town officials have been working with the province since last week and said they're confident they've done all they can to protect key infrastructure and houses.
“At this point in time, we're waiting to hear if the breach has occurred, or when it will occur. From then, we'll have a better idea of what to expect here,” said Ron Bell, information officer for the Town of Birtle.
Evacuees in Birtle waited anxiously Monday afternoon to see how high the water will get and when it will recede.
“That's the part we don't know yet. And that's also kind of worrying - where will we be a week from now? I guess we'll cross that bridge when we get to it,” said Nancy Evans.
- with a report from Ben Miljure and files from The Canadian Press
