March 30, 2004

Manitoba Water Stewardship and the Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) are continuing to monitor the aftermath of heavy rains that fell across southeastern Manitoba over the weekend.

Record rainfall of up to 75 mm combined with moist soils and melting snow resulted in a quick run-off in many areas which overloaded ditches and drains.

·         Municipalities reporting flooding or damage include Alexander, Brokenhead, DeSalaberry, Dufferin, East St. Paul, Franklin, Grey, Hanover, Headingley, LaBroquerie, MacDonald, Montcalm, Morris, North Norfolk, Pembina, Piney, Portage la Prairie, Rhineland, Springfield, South Norfolk, Thompson, Victoria, Woodlands, Whitemouth and Winnipeg.

·         The RMs of Franklin and Tache have declared a state of emergency. Some roads in the RM of Tache are closed for safety due to flooding.

·         Dakota Plains First Nation, Powerview, Plum Coulee and the Town of Morris have also reported flooding.

·         Twenty people from the Dakota Plains First Nation and one from the Peguis First Nation were evacuated by the Manitoba Association of Native Firefighters as a health precaution.

·         Preliminary reports indicate that approximately 75 homes in the affected areas may have been flooded.

·         All flooding responses were managed by municipal authorities including limited sandbagging operations in communities such as Landmark and Lorette.

Larger rivers and streams:

• Flooding is not expected on the Red or Assiniboine rivers.
• The Red River should crest at Emerson April 6 and in Winnipeg April 8.
• The chance of ice jams from Selkirk to Breezy Point is rated low due to weak ice but the possibility of ice jam related flooding remains.
• The Red River Floodway should commence operation later this week and continue approximately one week to control levels within the City of Winnipeg.
• Larger waterways such as Roseau River, Brokenhead River, Boyne River and Netley Creek are also expected to remain within their banks.
• The Pembina River has crested from La Riviere to the U.S. border.  A second crest is expected at La Riviere in about a week and flooding is not expected if good weather continues.  No significant cross-border flows into the Buffalo Channel in the Gretna area are expected.
• Spring melt should begin in the next few days and this may result in increased run-off from melting snow, amplifying the flood potential in regions north of PTH No. 1 where significant snow remains.  Continued local flooding of agricultural lands may occur as a result of snow-clogged channels and culverts impeding the run-off.  A significant flood potential still exists in the Interlake where run-off has just begun.  An updated forecast for the Interlake will be issued by Manitoba Water Stewardship.
• Flooding is not expected in western Manitoba because these areas have dry soils and did not receive significant rain.

Emergency Response

Manitoba EMO has been in regular contact with over 50 municipalities since Friday, checking to make sure they were aware of the flash flood watch and to monitor their status.  Manitoba EMO is collecting preliminary impact statements from the municipalities to determine the extent of damage and if a Disaster Financial Assistance program will be necessary.

Farmers, ranchers and residents of flooded areas concerned with the well-being of livestock or other animals on their property or needing assistance to reach them should contact municipal officials as soon as possible.

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