A flood sheet for the
Assiniboine River for
May 25, 2006 is attached. It also shows conditions and forecasts for the Red
River in Winnipeg and for Red Deer Lake.
Levels of the Assiniboine
River declined about half a foot from Miniota to Brandon in the 24 hour period
ending this morning. Elsewhere levels declined more slowly. Minor rises occurred
from Shellmouth to Millwood due to yesterdays downpours of 15-25 mm in some
areas of western Manitoba and eastern Saskatchewan.
The Assiniboine River is well
within its banks at all points with the exception of the Shellmouth area.
Portions of the Assiniboine Valley which were flooded until late last week will
require a week to 10 days of favourable weather to drain and dry before seeding
is possible. Significant rainfall during this period will delay drying and may
make if difficult or impossible to seed crops before the insurance deadlines
pass. Significant rain is in the forecast for the coming weekend.
The water level of Shellmouth
Reservoir rose 0.02 feet in the 24 hour period ending this morning. Part of this
rise is due to rain on the reservoir and part is due to a north wind. The inflow
during the past 24 hours was 1900 cfs while the outflow this morning was 2030
cfs. The conduit will remain closed until the spillway flow has decreased to
1300 cfs at which time the outflow will be held at 1300 cfs until the reservoir
water level falls to 1405 feet or so.
Inflows to Shellmouth
Reservoir will decrease in the next few days but may again increase next week
depending on how much rain develops this weekend. At this time it appears
unlikely that the weekend rain will cause levels to rise back to flood stage
from St. Lazare to Brandon.
The Portage Diversion
continues to be operated to reduce levels of the Assiniboine River from Portage
la Prairie to Winnipeg. The Diversion flow this morning was 1390 cfs and is
expected to decline to zero before the end of May unless heavy rain develops.
The level of Red Deer Lake
was unchanged at the community of Red Deer Lake since yesterday due to rain and
wind on the lake. Manitoba Emergency Management staff met with officials of
Aboriginal and Northern Affairs late last week to plan the clean up and recovery
process at the Community. Restoration of the power and water supply systems and
a check on surface contamination are among the first issues to be dealt with. A
further decline in water levels will be needed before the clean-up can proceed
in all areas.
The level of the Red River in
downtown Winnipeg has declined to 9.3 feet, which is three feet higher than the
normal summer level. The Forks walkways should be clear of water this weekend.
There is a high probability
of significant rain in western Manitoba and eastern Saskatchewan from Friday to
Monday. Estimates of possible rainfall amounts should be available tomorrow. It
is possible that this rain may cause significant river rises next week.
