Normal weather would bring 2009 flood levels: forecasters

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This article was published 24/01/2011 (5691 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

WINNIPEG – Manitoba flood forecasters are anticipating a Red River flood similar to the major event in 2009 under normal weather conditions heading into the spring — but they warn that there is a possibility that river crests will be equal to 1997’s “Flood of the Century.”

Provincial officials said the severity of the flood will depend totally on how the weather unfolds between now and the spring melt.

The amount of additional snow and rain — plus the timing and rate of the spring thaw and the timing of peak flows in Manitoba as well as other states and provinces — will determine the severity of the flood, they said.

Localized overland flooding is expected in most of central and southern Manitoba and could occur during the early part of the run-off period due to ice jams, snow blockages or frozen culverts in river channels, drains and ditches.

Infrastructure Minister Steve Ashton said the only areas of the province immune from flooding are Gillam and Lynn Lake.

Ashton said the province has spent $130 million on flood protection measures since 1997, adding any damage from a severe flood is expected to be minimal.

For the Red River area, the snow cover now is above average but still below the amount of January 1997.

Watch a replay of the press conference below: