Spring runoff and an upcoming run of precipitation have prompted the provincial government to issue a flood watch for the Assiniboine River from Shellmouth to Brandon.
According to a release this afternoon, spring runoff is ongoing despite the fact much of the snow pack has melted. There is about 15 millimeters of precipitation in the forecast over the next seven days contributing to the flood watch as well.
“The Hydrologic Forecast Centre indicates spring runoff due to snowmelt is underway or nearly completed in most southern Manitoba basins,” reads the bulletin from the province. “However, spring runoff continues to occur in central, western and northern Manitoba basins as recent warm temperatures continue to create snow melt.”
The Manitoba Emergency Management Organization (EMO) is working with local governments and emergency partners as well as Indigenous Services Canada and Manitoba Municipal and Northern Relations to provide guidance in the event of any spring flooding.
The province also asked Manitobans to stay off waterways including creeks, streams and rivers, as high flows, debris and cold water temperatures present a significant safety risk.
