Manitoba Infrastructure’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre has provided updated flood warning and high water advisory for southwest and western Manitoba.
The dam, on the Little Saskatchewan River, is facing unprecedented flows following heavy rains and Manitoba Infrastructure has indicated there is potential for a structural failure.
Recommended evacuation in the area comes in the wake of a weather system that dumped a significant amount of precipitation in the past week. Some areas have received record-high precipitation of more than 200 millimetres, which has caused water levels to rise in rivers and creeks in these areas.
Overland flooding is being reported in areas across the Assiniboine River watershed. A number of rivers, including the Little Saskatchewan River, are above flood stage and low-lying land near the river is affected.
Flooding of low-lying areas is expected for most portions of the Assiniboine River and its tributaries. However, water is expected to remain below flood protection levels at most locations along the Assiniboine and Souris rivers.
However, a flood warning has been issued for the Whitemud River as the run-off from upstream watersheds is passing through the Arden and Gladstone areas. Water could rise above bank levels within a short period in the Whitemud River watershed. Projected flows will be in excess of the peak flow during the 2011 flood event.
A flood warning remains in place for the Little Saskatchewan River and Whitemud River watersheds.
As well, a high water advisory remains in place for the Spruce Woods Provincial Park area.
Operation of the Portage Diversion began early this morning to limit flows in the lower Assiniboine River to 10,000 cubic feet per second. The level of Lake Manitoba is currently 811.5 feet, which is in the middle of the desired water level range. The operation of the Portage Diversion is not anticipated to have a significant impact on the level of Lake Manitoba. This operation is in accordance with Portage Diversion operating guidelines.
Manitoba Infrastructure crews are working in the flood-affected areas. Staff are monitoring water level conditions and inspecting infrastructure on an ongoing basis.
Property owners are advised to take precautions as water levels could rise significantly in a short time in these areas.