2007 flood forecast
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- Flood forecast #22 - July 18 (final forecast)
- Flood forecast #21 - July 12
- Flood forecast #20 - July 6
- Flood forecast #19 - July 3
- Flood forecast #18 - June 29
- Flood forecast #17 - June 27
- Flood forecast #16 - June 22
- Flood forecast #15 - June 20
- Flood forecast #14 - June 14
- Flood forecast #13 - June 8
- Flood forecast #12 - May 28
- Flood forecast #11 - May 3
- Flood forecast #10 - April 28
- Flood forecast #9 - April 23
- Flood forecast #8 - April 19
- Flood forecast #7 - April 17
- Flood forecast #6 - April 13
- Flood forecast #5 - April 9
- Flood forecast #4 - April 4
- Flood forecast #3 - April 2
- Flood forecast #2 - March 30
- Flood forecast #1 - March 28
- Flood outlook #2 - March 22
- Preliminary flood outlook - February 27
- Recent Winnipeg flood history
Flood forecast #22 - July 18
This will be the final flood forecast for 2007 unless conditions warrant otherwise.
Current and predicted water levels
Currently the Red River is at 7.5 feet James Avenue datum. On Tuesday, July 10, the Province ceased operation of the Portage Diversion. Listed below are the forecasted 5-day Red River water levels at James Avenue:
| July 19 | 7.1 feet |
| July 20 | 6.7 feet |
| July 21 | 6.5 feet – normal Summer level |
The forecast is based on normal weather conditions. Environment Canada 
is predicting favourable weather.
City's flood control activities
The City's flood control activities will cease shortly. Currently, there are 2 flood pumping stations in operation.
Current and predicted water levels
Currently the Red River is at 8.9 feet James Avenue datum. On Tuesday, July 10, the Province ceased operation of the Portage Diversion. Listed below are the forecasted 5-day Red River water levels at James Avenue:
| July 13 | 9.0 feet |
| July 14 | 9.5 feet |
| July 15 | 10.0 feet |
| July 16 | 9.7 feet |
| July 17 | 9.4 feet |
The forecast is based on normal weather conditions. Environment Canada is predicting a few showers on Friday.
City's flood control activities
The City will implement flood control activities to correspond with the changing river levels. Currently, there are 2 flood pumping stations and 1 temporary pump in operation.
Current and predicted water levels
Currently the Red River is at 13.1 feet James Avenue datum. On Monday, June 25, the Province put the Portage Diversion into operation to reduce flows in the Assiniboine River and subsequently to reduce river levels in Winnipeg. Listed below are the forecasted 5-day Red River water levels at James Avenue:
| July 7 | 12.4 feet |
| July 8 | 11.8 feet |
| July 9 | 11.0 feet |
| July 10 | 10.2 feet |
| July 11 | 9.6 feet |
The forecast is based on normal weather conditions and continued operation of the Portage Diversion. Environment Canada is predicting a 40% chance of showers on Saturday and rain on Tuesday.
City's flood control activities
The City will implement flood control activities to correspond with the changing river levels. Currently, there are 9 flood pumping stations and 11 temporary pumps in operation.
Current and predicted water levels
Currently the Red River is at 14.9 feet James Avenue datum. On Monday, June 25, the Province put the Portage Diversion into operation to reduce flows in the Assiniboine River and subsequently to reduce river levels in Winnipeg. Listed below are the forecasted 5-day Red River water levels at James Avenue:
| July 4 | 14.7 feet |
| July 5 | 14.3 feet |
| July 6 | 13.9 feet |
| July 7 | 13.4 feet |
| July 8 | 12.9 feet |
The forecast is based on average weather conditions and continued operation of the Portage Diversion. Environment Canada is predicting favourable weather conditions through to Saturday.
City's flood control activities
The City will implement flood control activities to correspond with the changing river levels. Currently, there are 18 flood pumping stations and 18 temporary pumps in operation.
Current and predicted water levels
Currently the Red River is at 16.0 feet James Avenue datum. On Monday, June 25, the Province put the Portage Diversion into operation to reduce flows in the Assiniboine River and subsequently to reduce river levels in Winnipeg. Listed below are the forecasted 5-day Red River water levels at James Avenue:
| June 30 | 16.1 feet (predicted peak) |
| July 1 | 16.1 feet |
| July 2 | 16.0 feet |
| July 3 | 15.9 feet |
| July 4 | 15.8 feet |
The forecast is based on average weather conditions, but includes 10 mm of rainfall for Sunday. Environment Canada is predicting showers on Sunday and 60% chance of showers on Tuesday.
City's flood control activities
The City will implement flood control activities to correspond with the changing river levels. Currently, there are 21 flood pumping stations and 19 temporary pumps in operation.
Current and predicted water levels
Currently the Red River is at 15.7 feet James Avenue datum. Tuesday afternoon, the Province put the Portage Diversion into operation to reduce flows in the Assiniboine River and subsequently to reduce river levels in Winnipeg. Listed below are the forecasted 5-day Red River water levels at James Avenue:
| June 28 | 16.2 feet |
| June 29 | 16.6 feet (predicted peak) |
| June 30 | 16.6 feet |
| July 1 | 16.5 feet |
| July 2 | 16.3 feet |
The forecast is based on average weather conditions. Environment Canada forecasts for the next few days are favorable.
City's flood control activities
The City will implement flood control activities to correspond with the rising river levels. Currently, there are 14 flood pumping stations and 13 temporary pumps in operation.
Current and predicted water levels
Currently the Red River is at 13.1 feet James Avenue datum. Listed below are the forecasted 5-day Red River water levels at James Avenue:
| June 23 | 13.4 feet | |||
| June 24 | 13.8 feet | |||
| June 25 | 14.2 feet | |||
| June 26 | 14.5 feet | The peak Red River forecast level at James Avenue: | ||
| June 27 | 14.7 feet | July 3 | 16.0 feet (predicted peak) | |
The forecast is based on average weather conditions. Environment Canada is predicting 60% chance of showers tonight and on Monday and 30% chance of showers Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday.
City's flood control activities
The City will implement flood control activities to correspond with the rising river levels. Currently, there are 7 flood pumping stations and 5 temporary pumps in operation.
Current and predicted water levels
Currently the Red River is at 12.4 feet James Avenue datum. Listed below are the forecasted 5-day Red River water levels at James Avenue:
| June 21 | 12.5 feet | |||
| June 22 | 12.7 feet | |||
| June 23 | 13.2 feet | The longer-term Red River forecast levels at James Avenue: | ||
| June 24 | 13.7 feet | July 1-3 | 15.6 feet (predicted peak) | |
The forecast is based on average weather conditions. Environment Canada is predicting periods of rain on Sunday.
City's flood control activities
The City will implement flood control activities to correspond with the rising river levels. Currently, there are 3 flood pumping stations and 4 temporary pumps in operation.
Current and predicted water levels
Currently the Red River is at 10.8 feet James Avenue datum. Listed below are the forecasted 5-day Red River water levels at James Avenue:
| June 15 | 11.1 feet | |||
| June 16 | 11.4 feet | |||
| June 17 | 11.6 feet | |||
| June 18 | 11.9 feet | The longer-term Red River forecast levels at James Avenue: | ||
| June 19 | 12.3 feet | June 27-29 | 13.9 feet (predicted peak) | |
The forecast is based on average weather conditions. Environment Canada is predicting 60% chance of showers tomorrow and rain for Sunday.
City's flood control activities
The City will implement flood control activities to correspond with the rising river levels. Currently, there are 3 flood pumping stations in operation.
Current and predicted water levels
Currently the Red River is at 8.3 feet James Avenue datum. Listed below are the forecasted 5-day Red River water levels at James Avenue:
| June 9 | 8.0 feet | |||
| June 10 | 8.1 feet | |||
| June 11 | 8.4 feet | The longer-term Red River forecast levels at James Avenue: | ||
| June 12 | 8.9 feet | June 16-17 | 12.0 feet (predicted peak) | |
| June 13 | 9.4 feet | June 27-29 | 8.5 feet | |
The forecast is based on average weather conditions.
City's flood control activities
The City will implement flood control activities to correspond with the rising river levels. Currently, there are 3 flood pumping stations in operation.
Flood forecast #12 - May 28
Conditions have warranted further spring water level forecasts.
Current and predicted water levels
Currently the Red River is at 8.9 feet James Avenue datum. Water levels this spring peaked at 18.0 James Ave. on April 10. The Province ceased operation of the Red River Floodway on April 16. Listed below are the forecasted Red River water levels at James Avenue:
| May 29 | 9.5 feet |
| May 30 | 10.5 feet |
| May 31 | 10.5 feet |
| June 1 | 10.0 feet |
| June 2 | 9.5 feet |
The forecast assumes no significant precipitation this week. It will need to be revised upwards if additional heavy rain develops. Environment Canada is currently predicting the possibility of heavy rain in the Red River valley for the next few days. There is also a possibility of a heavy thundershower over the City in the next few days.
City's flood control activities
The City will implement flood control activities to correspond with the rising river levels. Shortly, there will be 3 flood pumping stations in operation.
Flood forecast #11 - May 3
This will be the final flood forecast for 2007 unless conditions warrant otherwise.
Current and predicted water levels
Currently the Red River is at 8.0 feet James Avenue datum. Water levels this spring peaked at 18.0 James Ave. on April 10. The Province ceased operation of the Red River Floodway on April 16. Listed below are the forecasted Red River water levels at James Avenue:
| May 4 | 7.7 feet |
| May 5 | 7.3 feet |
| May 6 | 6.9 feet |
| May 7 | 6.6 feet |
The forecast assumes no significant runoff from precipitation in the next four days. Currently Environment Canada is predicting some rain on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This is not expected to generate significant runoff in the Red River watershed.
City's flood control activities
Presently, there are 50 flood control gates in operation and 0 flood pumping stations activated. This year there were 37,000 sandbags produced. The City will continue reducing it's flood control activities to correspond with the lower river levels.
Flood forecast #10 - April 28
Conditions warrant a further water level forecast.
Current and predicted water levels
Currently the Red River is at 8.3 feet James Avenue datum. Water levels this spring peaked at 18.0 James Ave. on April 10. The Province ceased operation of the Red River Floodway on April 16. Listed below are the forecasted Red River water levels at James Avenue:
| April 29 | 8.4 feet |
| April 30 | 8.4 feet |
| May 1 | 8.4 feet |
| May 2 | 8.4 feet |
| May 3 | 8.5 feet |
These forecasted water levels are higher than the last forecasted levels due to rainstorms in the U.S. portion of the Red River watershed. After May 5, water levels should again begin to decline. The Environment Canada forecast assumes no significant precipitation in the next five days.
City's flood control activities
Presently, there are 50 flood control gates in operation and 3 flood pumping stations activated. This year there were 37,000 sandbags produced. The City will continue reducing it's flood control activities to correspond with the lower river levels.
Flood forecast #9 - April 23
This will be the final flood forecast for 2007 unless conditions warrant otherwise.
Current and predicted water levels
Currently the Red River is at 9.2 feet James Avenue datum. Water levels this spring peaked at 18.0 James Ave. on April 10. The Province ceased operation of the Red River Floodway on April 16. Listed below are the forecasted Red River water levels at James Avenue:
| April 24 | 8.7 feet |
| April 25 | 8.1 feet |
| April 26 | 7.6 feet |
| April 27 | 7.2 feet |
| April 28 | 6.9 feet |
Forecasted water levels are based on average weather conditions. The weather forecast is favourable with Environment Canada predicting no precipitation through to this Friday.
City's flood control activities
Presently, there are 92 flood control gates in operation and 5 flood pumping stations activated. This year there were 37,000 sandbags produced. The City will continue reducing it's flood control activities to correspond with the lower river levels.
Current and predicted water levels
Currently the Red River is at 13.1 feet James Avenue datum. Water levels this spring peaked at 18.0 James Ave. on April 10. Listed below are the forecasted Red River water levels at James Avenue:
| April 20 | 12.0 feet |
| April 21 | 10.9 feet |
| April 22 | 9.9 feet |
| April 23 | 9.0 feet |
| April 24 | 8.3 feet |
The Province ceased operation of the Red River Floodway on April 16. Based on average weather conditions, the Red River is expected to return to normal summer levels in early May.
City's flood control activities
Presently, there are 102 flood control gates in operation and 15 flood pumping stations activated. This year, there were 37,000 sandbags produced. The City will continue reducing its flood control activities to correspond with the lower river levels.
Environment Canada calls for a 60% chance of showers this Friday, rain on Sunday and 70% chance of showers on Monday. Risk of basement flooding does increase substantially when rainfall occurs concurrently with high river levels.
Current and predicted water levels
Currently the Red River is at 15.7 feet James Avenue datum. Water levels this spring peaked at 18.0 James Ave. on April 10. Listed below are the forecasted Red River water levels at James Avenue:
| April 18 | 15.0 feet |
| April 19 | 14.3 feet |
| April 20 | 13.2 feet |
| April 21 | 12.2 feet |
The Province ceased operation of the Red River Floodway yesterday. Based on average weather conditions the Red River is expected to return to normal summer levels in early to mid May.
City's flood control activities
Presently, there are 112 flood control gates in operation and 20 flood pumping stations activated. This year there were 37,000 sandbags produced. The City will continue reducing it's flood control activities to correspond with the lower river levels.
Environment Canada calls for a 60% chance of showers this Friday. Risk of basement flooding does increase substantially when rainfall occurs concurrently with high river levels.
Current and predicted water levels
Currently the Red River is at 16.6 feet James Avenue datum. Water levels this spring peaked at 18.0 James Ave. on April 10. Listed below are the forecasted Red River water levels at James Avenue:
| April 14 | 16.5 feet |
| April 15 | 17.2 feet |
| April 16 | 16.8 feet |
| April 17 | 16.2 feet |
| April 18 | 15.6 feet |
An ice run on the Assiniboine River is anticipated to occur on the weekend and is the reason for the increased forecasted levels. However, as river flows are decreasing, the Province is anticipating ceasing Floodway operations on Monday. The water levels are based on average weather conditions and the weather forecast is favourable as Environment Canada is predicting little chance of precipitation to next Tuesday.
City's flood control activities
Presently, there are 138 flood control gates in operation, 9 temporary pumps set up and 27 flood pumping stations activated. There have been 37,000 sandbags produced. Sandbags to protect against river flooding were required at a handful of properties and delivery to these properties has taken place. The City will commence reducing its flood control activities to correspond with the lower river levels. The City will continue to monitor water levels, as well as our pumps and flood control gates will remain in operation. The Province is continuing to monitor water levels and flows and operate their flood control works as required.
Current and predicted water levels
Currently the Red River is at 17.1 feet James Avenue datum. The peak water level was 17.8 which occurred on April 4 this year. Water levels are forecasted to decrease from 17.1 today to 16.5 on Thursday and then increase to 17.0 on Saturday. An ice run on the Assiniboine is anticipated to occur later this week and is the cause of the increasing forecasted levels.
Red River forecast levels:
| April 10 | 16.9 feet James |
| April 11 | 16.7 feet James |
| April 12 | 16.5 feet James |
| April 13 | 16.8 feet James |
| April 14 | 17.0 feet James |
Water levels are based on average weather conditions. The weather forecast is favourable as Environment Canada is predicting slightly cooler than normal temperatures with freezing at night and a possibility of some precipitation tomorrow and Wednesday.
City's flood control activities
Presently, there are 138 flood control gates in operation, 9 temporary pumps set up and 27 flood pumping stations activated. There have been 37,000 sandbags produced. Sandbags to protect against river flooding were required at a handful of properties and delivery to these properties has taken place. The City will continue to monitor water levels as well as our pumps and flood control gates. The Province is continuing to monitor water levels and flows and operate their flood control works as required.
Current and predicted water levels
Currently the Red River is at 17.8 feet James Avenue datum. This is forecasted to be the peak water level. Water levels should start to decline after tomorrow as the five day forecast shown below indicates. Operation of the Red River floodway began yesterday morning.
Red River forecast levels:
| April 5 | 17.8 feet James |
| April 6 | 17.6 feet James |
| April 7 | 17.6 feet James |
| April 8 | 17.6 feet James |
| April 9 | 17.5 feet James |
Water levels are based on average weather conditions. The weather forecast is favourable as Environment Canada is predicting cooler temperatures with little chance of precipitation through to Sunday.
City's flood control activities
Presently, there are 138 flood control gates in operation, 9 temporary pumps set up and 27 flood pumping stations activated. There have been 37,000 sandbags produced. Sandbags to protect against river flooding were required at a handful of properties and delivery to these properties has taken place.
For the upcoming long weekend, the full complement of local wastewater crews will be on duty. In addition, a crew from the regional wastewater section will be on duty, as well as one crew on standby. The City will continue to monitor water levels as well as our pumps and flood control gates. The Province will also continue to monitor water levels and flows and operate their flood control works as required.
Current and predicted water levels
Currently the Red River is at 17.1 feet James Avenue datum. The peak is forecasted to occur April 3 or April 4 with water levels rising to between 17.5 and 18.5 James Ave. Operation of the Red River floodway has not yet begun due to ice at the control structure at St. Norbert. The upper end of the predicted peak range is possible if the ice does not move prior to peak flows occurring on the Red River. Once the ice starts moving, the floodway can be operated. The Province is considering possible actions to start the movement of ice.
The weather forecast is favourable as Environment Canada is predicting below freezing temperatures with little chance of flurries up to Friday.
City's flood control activities
Presently, there are 121 flood control gates operational and 20 flood pumping stations have been activated. There have been 37,000 sandbags produced. Sandbags to protect against river flooding are required at a handful of properties and delivery to these properties has begun. Residents requiring sandbags to manage local drainage concerns may pick them up from any of the four distribution centres located across the city. External agencies potentially affected by the high water have been advised to initiate private flood control measures.
Current and predicted water levels
Spring runoff is well underway in the Red River watershed. Levels on the Red River will continue to rise over the next few days. This is one of the earliest crests predicted from snowmelt on record. Currently the Red River is at 13.7 feet James Avenue datum. Forecasted levels to April 4 are as follows:
| March 31 | 15.5 feet James |
| April 1 | 16.1 feet James |
| April 2 | 16.6 feet James |
| April 3 | 17.0 feet James (predicted peak) |
| April 4 | 17.0 feet James |
Actual river levels are dependent upon weather events and ice behaviour and would increase with a significant rainfall over the watershed. Currently, Environment Canada is predicting some showers mixed with snow tonight, rain beginning tomorrow afternoon and 60% chance of showers on Sunday.
City's flood control activities
Presently, there are 74 flood control gates operational and 10 flood pumping stations have been activated. There have been 37,000 sandbags produced. Sandbags to protect against river flooding are required at a handful of properties and delivery to these properties has begun. Residents requiring sandbags to manage local drainage concerns may pick them up from any of the four distribution centres located across the city. External agencies potentially affected by the high water have been advised to initiate private flood control measures. Floodway operation is expected this weekend, but remains dependent on the clearing of ice from the river channel in the area of the floodway inlet.
• News release - City continues to monitor river levels
Current and predicted water levels
Spring runoff is well underway in the Red River watershed. Levels on the Red River will continue to rise at a fairly rapid rate over the next few days. This is one of the earliest crests predicted from snowmelt on record. Currently the Red River is at 7.7 feet James Avenue datum. Forecasted levels to April 1 and for the predicted peak are as follows:
| March 29 | 10.0 feet James |
| March 30 | 13.0 feet James |
| March 31 | 15.0 feet James |
| April 1 | 15.5 feet James |
| April 2 - 6 | 16.5 feet James (predicted peak) |
Actual river levels are dependent upon weather events and would increase with a significant rainfall over the watershed. Currently, Environment Canada is predicting showers today and continuing through to Thursday afternoon with a 40% chance of more precipitation forecasted for Saturday.
City's flood control activities
Presently, there are 22 flood control gates operational and 1 pumping station has been activated. There have been 37,000 sandbags produced. Delivery of sandbags to properties will begin this week. Residents requiring sandbags to manage local drainage concerns may pick them up from any of the four distribution centres located across the city. External agencies potentially affected by the high water are being advised to initiate private flood control measures. Floodway operation is expected next week, but remains dependant on the clearing of ice from the river channel in the area of the floodway inlet.
Flood outlook #2 - March 22
Manitoba Water Stewardship has issued the second flood outlook indicating the flood potential across Manitoba for the spring of 2007. The flood outlook at this time is preliminary and is based on soil moisture analysis and the water content in the snow pack within the Red River watershed. Flood forecasts based on actual runoff conditions and river flows will be issued once the spring melt actually begins.
Summary of Provincial flood outlook for the Winnipeg area
A low to moderate potential for flooding exists on the Red River. At this time the spring flood potential is still very dependent on weather conditions from now until the end of the spring event. Currently soil moisture conditions in southern Manitoba are well below average and should absorb much of the meltwater. Snow cover conditions in the U. S. portion of the Red River watershed are below average.
With average weather, the Red River is expected to crest in Winnipeg at 15.5 feet James. With unfavourable weather conditions such as a rapid melt and 50 mm of rain (1 in 10 chance) between now and the peak flow, the Red River would be expected to crest at 17.5 feet James. Serious ice jamming appears unlikely due to below average ice thicknesses. An extreme event, such as a heavy snowfall or an early heavy rainfall, could result in a significant upward revision to expected flooding for this spring.
City's flood control plan
In preparation for the potential flood, the Water and Waste and Public Works Departments have developed a flood control plan, which will now be revised for a spring flood peak of 17.5 feet James. A flood of this magnitude would require the activation of 22 flood pumping stations and 155 sewer control gates as well as setting up 15 temporary pump locations. Sandbagging at a limited number of homes within Winnipeg would also be required to protect against river flooding. As in past years, stockpiled sandbags at selected sites will also be available for the public's use to protect their homes from overland flooding.
The City's flood control plan is based on the March flood outlook. The actual event will be influenced by highly variable factors and as such the City's plan will be revised as more precise flood forecasts become available.
Preliminary flood outlook - February 27
Manitoba Water Stewardship has issued the first long range flood outlook indicating the flood potential across Manitoba for the spring of 2007. The flood outlook at this time is preliminary and is based on soil moisture analysis and the water content in the snow pack within the Red River watershed. A second flood outlook in late March is expected and will provide a better determination of the 2007 spring flood potential.
Summary of provincial flood outlook for the Winnipeg area
A moderate potential for flooding exists on the Red River. However, the spring flood potential is still very dependent on weather conditions from now until the end of May. Currently soil moisture conditions in southern Manitoba are well below average. Snow cover conditions in southern Manitoba are slightly above average but conditions in the U. S. portion of the Red River watershed are below average.
With average weather, the Red River is expected to crest in Winnipeg at 15.0 feet James. With unfavourable weather conditions (1 in 10 chance) between now and May, the Red River would be expected to crest at 18.0 feet James. Serious ice jamming appears unlikely due to below-average ice thicknesses. An extreme event, such as a heavy snowfall or an early heavy rainfall, could result in a significant upward revision to expected flooding for this spring.
City's flood control plan
In preparation for the potential flood, the Water and Waste and Public Works Departments have developed a flood control plan for a spring flood peak of 18.0 feet James. A flood of this magnitude would require the activation of 22 flood pumping stations and 157 sewer control gates as well as setting up 15 temporary pump locations. Sandbagging, to protect from river flooding, at a limited number of homes within Winnipeg would also be required. As in past years, stockpiled sandbags at selected sites will also be available for the public to pick up to protect their homes from overland flooding.
The City's flood control plan is based on the February preliminary flood outlook. The actual event will be influenced by highly variable factors and as such the City's plan will be revised as more precise flood forecasts become available.
| Year | Date | Peak Red River Spring flood levels (in feet James Avenue datum) | Date | Peak Red River Summer flood levels (in feet James Avenue datum) |
| 2006 | April 7 | 20.4 | no summer flood | |
| 2005 | April 7 | 19.2 | July 3 - 4 | 20.1 |
| 2004 | April 4 | 19.0 | June 9 | 15.3 |
| 2003 | no spring flood | no summer flood | ||
| 2002 | no spring flood | June 15 | 17.3 | |
| 2001 | April 7 | 18.5 | no summer flood | |
| 2000 | no spring flood | July 8 - 9 | 15.6 | |
| 1999 | April 10 | 17.4 | no summer flood | |
| 1998 | March 31 | 17.2 | no summer flood | |
| 1997 | May 3 | 24.5 | no summer flood | |
| 1996 | April 28 | 19.4 | no summer flood | |
| 1995 | March 28 | 17.9 | no summer flood | |
Only peaks over 15 feet James Avenue datum are shown.
As reference, normal summer river level is 6.5 feet. River walkway level is 8.5 feet.
Source: Diking Commissioner's Reports
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This page was last updated on April 11, 2024 |
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