The City of Brandon has decided to maintain its high-water preparedness plan for the next number of weeks until the threat of flash flooding in the Assiniboine River Valley upstream from Brandon has completely passed.
The province indicated Monday (July 13) afternoon that recent on-site investigations at the Rivers Dam have not shown any significant damage and have allowed them to regain their confidence in the structure. They also report levels at the Rivers Dam spillway remain above flood stage and have the potential to remain that way for a number of days. As a precaution, provincial officials continue to monitor the dam on a 24 hour-basis until water levels recede further.
The Assiniboine River in Brandon was measured at First Street Monday (July 13) morning, at 1,166.08 feet above sea level, this is well below flood stage in Brandon. However, in consultation with Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization staff and out of an abundance of caution should there be any unanticipated failure of the Rivers Dam structure in the coming days, the City of Brandon has made the decision to keep the intersection of Grand Valley Road and 18th Street North closed until further notice.
Similarly, until the threat of any flash flooding has completely passed in Brandon, the city is encouraging all residents & businesses who received evacuation preparation notices earlier this month to remain at the ready to evacuate on short notice should such an order be given. More information on this preparedness process can be found on the City of Brandon website https://www.brandon.ca/2020-flood/pre-evacuation-notice.
Queen Elizabeth Park and Dinsdale Park also remain closed this week as a public safety measure. People are asked to respect the barricades and signage that have been put in place in these greenspaces and are further asked to stay away from the Assiniboine River and staying off of the dike infrastructure during this time.
