August 12, 2005

The province and rural municipalities located along the shore of Lake Winnipeg will assess the potential for flooding in the event high winds and large waves develop in the next few months.

Manitoba Water Stewardship is conducting a survey assessment of existing Lake Winnipeg dikes and developments since 1974. At that time, approximately 97 kilometres of earth dikes and eight kilometres of sandbag dikes were constructed to protect the communities of Dunnattor, Winnipeg Beach, Sandy Hook, Gimli, Netley, Husavik and Riverton to counter possible high Lake Winnipeg water levels. The condition and level of protection these dikes provide will be part of the survey.

Winds tend to be much stronger in the autumn when major storms with strong north winds usually develop and move water into the south basin of Lake Winnipeg. Although the lake level is beginning to decline, it is expected to remain well above average levels at least for two to three months.

The mid-August calm-weather level of Lake Winnipeg was recorded at 716.5 feet, about 2.5 feet higher than the average level for this time of year. Significant shoreline damage has already occurred in many areas of the south basin including popular beach areas.

Under an extreme wind event, lake levels this autumn could reach 721 feet in some populated portions near the south end of Lake Winnipeg even where the shoreline has a gentle slope. Levels could be even higher in locations which have a near vertical slope of the shoreline.

Summer flooding has also left Lake Manitoba at a higher than normal level. The province will provide lake-level forecasts for high-wind scenarios for this large lake as well.

The province wants to ensure rural municipalities and private landowners have the information needed to take appropriate action to prevent flooding.

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