Manitoba Water Stewardship

Thunderstorms Friday night produced rainfall of 10-15 mm in a band from near Portage la Prairies through Elie and southeast to the Steinbach. The Whiteshell also received about 10 m of rain. A Level 4 tornado struck the Elie area Friday evening causing extensive damage.

On Saturday evening severe thunderstorms moved east-southeastward across the Winnipeg area causing wind damage. Rainfall of 15-25 mm fell in a band from Winnipeg to the Steinbach area and across the Whiteshell. Two bands of 25-40 mm rain fell in western Manitoba---one from south of Russell to Gladstone and another from south of Moosomin SK across Souris and along the Pembina River watershed. Rainfall in the U.S portion of the Red River watershed was less than 10 mm total for the 48 hour period ending this morning.

Environment Canada is predicting a chance of showers or thundershowers in southern Manitoba again late this evening. There is a high probability of showers and thunderstorms across southern Manitoba and eastern Saskatchewan Monday though Tuesday. Rainfall amounts could be locally heavy and quite substantial over most of the area.

A HIGH WATER LEVEL ADVISORY CONTINUES FOR WHITESHELL AND NOPIMING PROVINCIAL PARKS

HIGH WATER LEVEL ADVISORY CONTINUES FOR THE ASSINIBOINE RIVER FROM SHELLMOUTH TO MILLWOOD.

A HIGH WATER LEVEL ADVISORY CONTINUES FOR THE RED RIVER.

Eastern Manitoba:

A high water advisory remains in effect for Whiteshell and Nopiming Parks but levels of most lakes and streams are now declining. However recent rain together with predicted rain for the next few days could result in further rises of lakes in the Whiteshell and Nopiming Park.

The level of Bird Lake has declined by nearly 1.5 feet from its crest three weeks ago but could rise somewhat later this week if rain during the next few days fall as predicted.

Logs have been removed from most dams controlling levels in the Whiteshell. There is little further that can be done in terms of dam operations. Lakes in the Whiteshell began to decline last week but may rise again if significant rain develops during the next few days. Problems due to high lake levels are likely to persist at least until mid July even if the wet spell ends this Wednesday.

Lakes along the Winnipeg River are at near normal levels. Lake Of The Woods still remains below its average level for this time of year.

Red River Watershed:

A high water level advisory continues for the Red River.

The Red River rose about 0.7 feet from Emerson to Winnipeg during the 24 hour period ending this morning. The river level in downtown Winnipeg was 14.2 feet this morning, nearly eight feet above the normal summer level, and is expected to crest between 15.5 and 16.0 feet in early July.

An Intense downpour of 15-20 mm over Winnipeg last evening contributed substantially to the rise of the Red River in the Winnipeg area overnight. While 80 km/hr winds produced some damages, the City reports that sub-surface flooding was avoided due to the total rainfall being below a critical threshold and their pumping systems functioning well.

The crest of the Red river is nearing Drayton N.D. and should reach Emerson June 29 and the Winnipeg area July 3 based on normal weather conditions from now on.

There is very little change in predicted crests for the Red River in Manitoba at this time. Additional expected rises range from 6 feet at Emerson to between 3 and 4 feet at the Floodway Inlet and 1.5 to 2.0 feet in downtown Winnipeg. However an upward revision in the forecast may be necessary if rainfall Monday and Tuesday exceeds 25 mm over much of the watershed.

Flooding of low-lying agricultural lands is expected in the area from Letellier to St. Jean but elsewhere the river will remain within its banks based on less than 25 mm of rain for the next few days. A small amount of water is expected to flow naturally into the Red River Floodway near the time of the crest.

A flood sheet for the Red River is attached.

Assiniboine River:

A high water level advisory continues for the Assiniboine River from Shellmouth Dam to Millwood.

The Shellmouth Reservoir level, inflow and outflow have declined significantly during the 24 hour period ending this morning. However there is a chance of rises developing due to possible heavy rain during the next few days. The reservoir water level this morning was 1410.50 feet with a spillway flow of1770 cfs. Minor flooding of low-lying agricultural lands continues from Shellmouth Dam to PTH 16. Saskatchewan Water Authority continues to restrict outflows from Good Spirit Lake to reduce flows at Kamsack.

The reservoir inflow this morning is estimated at 1650 cfs. There has been no flow through the conduit since 10 a.m. June 7.

The operating plan is to allow the outflow to decline to 1600 cfs before the conduit is opened to maintain the1600 cfs total outflow.

A flood sheet for the Assiniboine River is attached.

Northwest:

Streams in the Dauphin and Duck Mountain region are still running high but most are declining. Rises are likely to develop later this week due to anticipated rainfall during the next few days. Localized flooding of low areas may develop.

Lake Winnipegosis is presently at its highest level since the mid 1950’s. Additional shoreline flooding could occur in low areas if strong winds develop during the next six weeks.

The level of Red Deer Lake remains very high but continues to decline.

Water levels remain very high in the Saskeram area west-northwest of The Pas. While no homes are flooded, there are continued difficulties with cattle due to flooded pastures.