Manitoba Water Stewardship

The high water advisory for the Seine River was ended yesterday as river levels have declined significantly

A high water advisory remains in effect for Whiteshell Provincial Park and southern Nopiming Park where lakes remain at unusually high levels, creating serious problems for docks, boathouses and some low-lying cottages. Some campgrounds are partially flooded and there is water over some roads in the area. Most lakes are now declining slowly but levels will remain above the desirable range until mid July even with favourable weather from now on.

Logs have been removed from dams controlling levels in the Whiteshell in order to lower lake levels.

Lakes along the Winnipeg River have risen to somewhat above average levels during the last few days but remain within the desirable range. Lake Of The Woods is slowly recovering from the unusually low levels of last year.

A high water level advisory continues for the Red River.

The Red River declined 1.5 feet at Emerson and close to half a foot at Winnipeg during the 24 hour period ending this morning. The level in downtown Winnipeg was at 14.6 feet this morning. The normal summer level is in Winnipeg is 6.4 feet. With normal July weather, the level in Winnipeg is expected to decline to the Forks walkway level of 8.5 feet by the middle of July.

Flows and levels on the Assiniboine River from Portage la Prairie to Winnipeg continue to be reduced by operation of the Portage Diversion. However the diversion flows will be reduced gradually for the next 7 days in order to increase flows down the river at Portage la Prairie by 500 cubic feet per second (cfs) per day starting this afternoon. Levels of the Assiniboine River from Portage la Prairie to west Winnipeg will rise about 3.5 feet during this period. Levels in the Red River and the Assiniboine River downstream of Route 90 in Winnipeg will continue to decline despite the increase in Assiniboine River flows.

Flooding of some low-lying agricultural lands from Letellier to St. Jean should end tomorrow as levels continue to decline quite rapidly. The high flows on the Red River are having a significant impact on recreation in the Winnipeg area and are affecting navigation at St. Andrews Dam.

Flows and levels on the Assiniboine River from Portage la Prairie to Winnipeg continue to be reduced by operation of the Portage Diversion. However the diversion flows will be reduced gradually for the next 7 days in order to increase flows down the river at Portage la Prairie by 500 cubic feet per second (cfs) per day starting this afternoon. Levels of the Assiniboine River from Portage la Prairie to west Winnipeg will rise about 3.5 feet during this period.

The Shellmouth Reservoir water level this morning was 1410.24 feet with a spillway flow of 1400 cfs. The reservoir inflow this morning is estimated at 1275 cfs. The reservoir level, inflow and outflow will continue to subside this week based on little precipitation.

The conduit at Shellmouth Dam was opened to 200 cfs just before noon today. There has been no flow through the conduit since June 7. Conduit flows will be adjusted as required to maintain a total outflow of 1550 to 1650 cfs. This should enable the reservoir water level to decline steadily. It is estimated that spillway flows will end in a 2-3 weeks based on relatively dry weather.

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.

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.