Spring thaw begins in most Manitoba basins, province’s flood forecasters say

As ice continues to break and move, icejam related flooding may occur in areas that are historically susceptible for those conditions.

Manitoba’s flood forecasters are advising the public that recent warm temperatures have created spring thaw and surface runoff has begun in most Manitoba basins.

As the melt continues, river flows and levels are expected to increase in the coming days and the ice on Manitoba’s lakes, rivers and creeks will become weaker, the Hydrologic Forecast Centre of Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure said in a press release Friday. Ice conditions can change rapidly without warning and Manitobans are reminded to keep off the ice as temperatures continue to rise.

“Due to the warmer temperatures in the third week of March and early April, most of the snow in southern Manitoba and the United States’ portions of the Red and Souris River basins has already melted,” the release said.

“As a result, the spring flood risk remains low for these basins and all southern Manitoba in general.”

The Hydrologic Forecast Centre also advises that runoff has started in most Manitoba basins including the Assiniboine, Qu’appelle, Fisher, Icelandic and Saskatchewan River basins and the Interlake and Whiteshell lakes regions.

With no significant precipitation in the forecast for the next seven to 10 days for most Manitoba basins, the risk of spring flooding remains low in these areas.

As ice continues to break and move, ice-jam related flooding may occur in areas that are historically susceptible for those conditions.

With fast snow melt expected to occur in western Manitoba, including the Parkland Region, localized overland flooding may be possible in some areas as ditches and crossings are still ice covered.

Minimal operations of Portage Diversion may start early next week to control ice impact on the lower Assiniboine River.

The Red River Floodway is not expected to be operated this spring and the Shellmouth Reservoir is expected to reach the desired level after the spring runoff.

The Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) continues to work with all local authorities and emergency management partners to provide guidance and support to prepare for and respond to spring flooding.

This includes reviewing existing emergency plans, sharing information and preparing resources used in flood response.

Additionally, Manitoba EMO continues to work with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) to support Isc-led response measures with First Nation communities.