Snow, rain won’t worsen flood threat, officials say

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This article was published 01/05/2011 (5651 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

WINNIPEG — This weekend’s barrage of rain and snow will prolong the spring flood but not cause significant new problems, provincial flood officials said this afternoon.

The storm is not expected to cause significant water level rises on the Assiniboine River, said provincial flood fighters. And while the main stem of the Red River may experience a more prolonged crest and slower recession, there will not be an increase in peak water levels. The peak will pass through Winnipeg from Monday to Thursday.

In the Souris River basin, the storm could result in localized overland flooding in the area.

In the Dauphin Lake Basin, some streams affected by high-elevation snowfall will see another peak, with water levels expected to stay within stream banks depending on how fast the snow melts.

Water levels in Brandon are now the second highest in recorded history, surpassed by 1923 peak water levels. Flood protection dikes in the area are at 1,184 feet, well above the upper range of the forecasted peak at 1,181.2 feet.

Flood warnings have been issued for the Souris River from Melita and all downstream reaches; the Assiniboine River downstream of Shellmouth Bridge to Portage la Prairie; the Pipestone Creek, all reaches; Oak Lake and Plum Lakes; and Plum Creek to the Souris River (including the town of Souris).

Flood watches are in place for the Assiniboine River downstream of Portage la Prairie and the Qu’Appelle River in the St-Lazare area.

Overland flooding is expected in areas that received significant precipitation.