September 21, 2005
Churchill River
The flood advisory for the Churchill River continues due to record high levels on the river.
Levels from Pukatawagan to Leaf Rapids this morning were 2.5 to three feet above previous record highs set in 1997.
Levels continue to fall very slowly at Pukatawagan but should decline faster next week as the Saskatchewan Water Authority has reduced water flows from Reindeer Lake in recent days.
Levels from Granville Lake to Leaf Rapids continue to rise but should be less than half a foot, with crests expected at the end of this week.
Primary dikes at Pukatawagan and at Leaf Rapids area are holding and private dikes along the river are being closely monitored.
There have been no reports of flooded homes but the Churchill River flood is affecting private air transportation, the fishery and recreation. Many docks and float plane bases are unserviceable, and lodges and outfitters are experiencing difficulties.
The level of Southern Indian Lake has risen temporarily due to wind but will continue to decline very slowly.
The Manitoba portion of the Churchill River watershed received an additional 10 to 15 mm of rain in the past two days while most of the Saskatchewan portion received very little rain. The Environment Canada weather forecast calls for showers or flurries late tomorrow through Friday but amounts are not expected to produce a noticeable effect on river levels.
The Pas Area
Extensive flooding of lands in the Pasquia Valley near The Pas continues.
Estimates suggest up to 20,000 acres of cropland and pasture are under water in the Pasquia Valley.
There has been little additional rise in water levels in the past two days.
While water levels will soon begin to decline, significant flooding will continue until late September.
Manitoba Water Stewardship continues to operate large pumps at various locations in the valley to reduce water levels.
Levels on the Carrot River have risen about half a foot in the past two days.
Predicted crests on the Carrot River have been reduced based on information received from Saskatchewan.
Additional rises of only half a foot are expected in the Manitoba portion before the crest occurs late this week.
The crest in the Bracken area will be about 3.5 feet lower than that of July 2005.
At Cul de Sac, about 22 miles west of The Pas, the crest will be similar to that of July. There should be no flooding along the Carrot River although levels are at record highs for this time of year.
The level of the Saskatchewan River at Ralls Island rose a quarter foot over the weekend and is now expected to rise less than half a foot before the crest late this week.
The crest will be about 3.5 feet lower than for the July 2005 flood.
Flooding is not expected but the strong current and high levels may pose a problem for fishers and recreation.
Some homes at The Pas have suffered basement flooding due to last weekend’s downpours.
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