Condition Reports

River Conditions and Forecast for Manitoba

April 23, 2008

Weather:

A storm system developing in the Montana-Wyoming area is expected to produce 10-20 mm of precipitation (mostly snow) to areas of southern Manitoba Thursday. Areas north of a line through Miniota and Berens River should experience much lesser amounts according to the Meteorological Service of Canada guidance.

Red River, (April 21st):

Levels are declining at all points in Manitoba. The river level in downtown Winnipeg had decline to 7.4 feet this morning, about one foot below the walkway level. The normal summer level of 6.4 feet should be reached later this week unless Thursday’s precipitation will be heavier than presently expected. This will be the last report for the Red River this spring unless adverse weather causes significant river rises.

Assiniboine River, (April 23rd):

The Assiniboine River appears to have crested at Portage la Prairie without any ice action. Further inspections are taking place to see whether ice still remains in the Long Plains area. Precipitation expected tomorrow will have only a minimal effect on Assiniboine River flows and levels. A sheet showing river levels, flows and forecasts is attached.

The Shellmouth Reservoir water level rose about 0.6 feet again during the past 24 hours and stood at 1400.49 feet this morning. Inflows to the reservoir will begin to decline considerably starting later today as levels at Kamsack have been falling significantly since yesterday. Tomorrow’s storm will have very little effect on the Reservoir inflows and levels. The outflow may need to be reduced Friday afternoon or next Monday in order to achieve the desirable level of 1403.5 to 1404.0 feet after spring runoff.

Whiteshell Area, (April 23rd):

Levels of many lakes continue to be low due to minimal spring runoff. Logs have been added to dams in order to raise levels. Work is underway to seal the outflow at Falcon Lake except for a small passage for fish. The precipitation forecasted for tomorrow is badly needed in the area

Hydrologic Forecast Centre
Regulatory and Operational Services,
Manitoba Water Stewardship