Nopiming and Whiteshell Provincial Parks, Whitemouth River.

A flood warning has been issued for these areas since there is a high probability of heavy rain tonight and Thursday. A general rain of 20-30 mm is likely and amounts of up to 75 mm are possible in thunderstorms. Many areas in this region received heavy rainfall last week with associated flooding and road washouts. Lakes and streams are at unusually high levels. The additional rainfall will cause a lot of runoff due to the saturated ground and will cause significant further rises in streams and lakes. Serious flooding with overtopped roads and possible additional washouts is likely, beginning Friday and continuing into next week. Residents in flood prone areas are advised to take appropriate precautions. Overland flooding could also develop eastern Manitoba outside the park areas and levels of the Whitemouth River could rise to flood stage if the heavier rainfall amounts occur in that region. Manitoba Water Stewardship is operating stop log dams in the Whiteshell to control levels to the extent possible. There is no danger of high levels on the Winnipeg River due to this rain.

Red River Watershed:

Levels of the Red River are presently falling in Manitoba. The level in downtown Winnipeg was 9.2 feet this morning, down from a crest of 10.1 feet last weekend. However levels will begin rising again this weekend, due to heavy rains experienced in the Fargo area late last week and due to the rain expected tonight and tomorrow. The crest is expected in the Manitoba portion June 18-20. The river is expected to remain well within its banks with a crest of about 13 feet in downtown Winnipeg. Operation of the Red River Floodway will not be necessary unless additional heavy rains develop next week. The high river levels will cause some difficulties for recreational interests including navigation at St. Andrews Dam. The normal summer level in Winnipeg is 6.3 feet.

High levels and localized flooding may occur in the headwaters of the Seine River and Rat River if heavier rainfall amounts develop as expected. Other tributaries may run high but should remain within their banks.

Assiniboine River:

The Shellmouth Reservoir water level rose 0.07 feet to 1410.60 feet in the 24 hour period ending this morning. The increase was due to strong northeast winds which developed overnight. The conduit flow was reduced from 300 to 200 cfs this morning to counteract the increased spillway flow. The total reservoir outflow is still being maintained at 2100 cfs as best possible but should begin to decline on the weekend.

The reservoir inflow has declined further to 2400 cfs this morning. The reservoir level should crest today or tomorrow due to north winds, assuming that forecasts of less than10 mm of rain today come true.

The level of the Assiniboine River at Shellmouth bridge rose 0.35 feet since yesterday morning in response to the strong northeast winds which developed earlier than expected. The level will decline later today due to the decrease in outflow made this morning.

Flooding of some low lying agricultural lands is taking place from Shellmouth Dam to Millwood. An aerial survey of the river valley from the Dam to PTH 16 on June 4 showed that flooding is limited to oxbows and some other low spots. This is not expected to change unless adverse weather conditions develop during the next few weeks.

A flood sheet for the Assiniboine River is attached.

Saskeram Area:

Flooding will continue in the Saskeram area for many weeks due to the large amounts of water in storage in the marshes and lakes. Bracken Dam is being operated to reduce levels to the extent possible. MAFRI, is working with the T.M. of Kelsey and Crown Lands to help farmers affected by flooding. Levels of the Carrot River continue to decline and the Saskatchewan River has also declined in recent days.  

Red Deer Lake:

The second crest of Red Deer Lake which occurred in recent days appears to be similar in magnitude to that observed in early May. While the lake is very high, all properties remain protected by dikes and access to the area has not been impeded.