A flood sheet for the
Assiniboine River for May 26, 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 close to half a foot from Virden to Brandon in the 24 hour period
ending this morning. Elsewhere levels declined more slowly. Minor rises occurred
from Shellmouth to St. Lazare due to Wednesday’s downpours in eastern
Saskatchewan . The rain produced rises of 2-4 feet on Cutarm Creek, Smith Creek
and the Qu’Appelle River at Welby.
The Assiniboine River is well
within its banks at all points with the exception of the portion from Shellmouth
to Millwood. Portions from St. Lazare to Brandon will remain below bankfull
unless heavy rain develops from a storm expected this weekend. Significant
rainfall in portions recently flooded would delay drying and could make it
difficult or impossible to seed crops before the insurance deadlines pass.
The water level of Shellmouth
Reservoir fell 0.12 feet in the 24 hour period ending this morning. The inflow
this morning was 1450 cfs while the outflow was 1850 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 could increase next week depending on how much rain develops this
weekend.
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 1130 cfs and is
expected to decline to zero near the end of May unless heavy rain develops.
The level of Red Deer Lake
has declined one-third of a foot in the 48 hour period ending this morning.
Present activities at the community of Red Deer Lake include restoration of
power and water supply systems and a check on surface contamination. 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 8.9 feet, which is 2.6 feet higher than the
normal summer level. The Forks walkways should be clear of water by tomorrow
afternoon unless heavy rain develops.
There is a high probability
of significant rain in western Manitoba and eastern Saskatchewan from today
through Tuesday, particularly in areas from Russell north to The Pas. It is
possible that some areas may receive 25-50 mm of rain by late Monday.
Significant river rises may result if this rain falls as expected. River
forecasts will be updated once rainfall amounts are known.
