2009 flood forecast
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- Flood forecast #21 - July 10
- Flood forecast #20 - July 3
- Flood forecast #19 - June 29
- Flood forecast #18 - June 26
- Flood forecast #17 - June 12
- Flood forecast #16 - June 9
- Flood forecast #15 - June 4
- Flood forecast #14 - May 29
- Flood forecast #13 - May 26
- Flood forecast #12 - May 22
- Flood forecast #11 - May 19
- Flood forecast #10 - May 15
- Flood forecast #9 - May 12
- Flood forecast #8 - May 8
- Flood forecast #7 - May 6
- Flood forecast #6 - May 1
- Flood forecast #5 - April 28
- Flood forecast #4 - April 21
- State of local emergency declared - April 16
- Flood forecast #3 - March 31
- Flood forecast #2 - March 28
- Flood forecast #1 - March 25
- Second flood outlook - March 17
- Preliminary flood outlook - February 19
- Recent Winnipeg flood levels
- Historic Winnipeg flood levels
- Additional info
Summer weather conditions have warranted further level forecasts.
Summary of Provincial flood forecast for the Winnipeg area
The Red River is currently at 11.9 feet James Avenue datum. Yesterday's rainfall caused a temporary rise in the river but levels are again declining. The Province forecasts the river will decline steadily from its current level to 8.5 feet by mid to end next week unless significant rainfall develops. The river walkway is at 8.5 feet James. The normal summer water level is 6.5 feet James.
City's flood control plan
Currently the City of Winnipeg has 3 flood pumping stations, 2 temporary pumps and 60 sewer control gates in operation. The City of Winnipeg will continue to monitor river levels and operate flood control works as required.
All citizens are reminded that with high river levels, the risk of basement flooding from intense rainstorms is even higher than with normal summer levels. Environment Canada 
predicts favorable weather through the weekend with rainfall predicted for next Tuesday.
Summer weather conditions have warranted further level forecasts.
Summary of Provincial flood forecast for the Winnipeg area
The Red River is currently at 14.9 feet James Avenue datum. The Province's five-day forecast for the Red River at James is:
| July 4 | 15.0 |
| July 5 | 15.0 |
| July 6 | 14.8 |
| July 7 | 14.6 |
| July 8 | 14.2 |
With favourable weather conditions, levels are expected to decline to 8.5 feet by July 16. The river walkway is at 8.5 feet James. The normal summer water level is 6.5 feet James.
City's flood control plan
Currently the City of Winnipeg has 14 flood pumping stations, 7 temporary pumps and 110 sewer control gates in operation. The City of Winnipeg will continue to monitor river levels and operate flood control works as required.
All citizens are reminded that with high river levels, the risk of basement flooding from intense rainstorms is even higher than with normal summer levels. Environment Canada predicts mainly favourable weather from now to next Thursday with a 30% chance of showers on Saturday and Monday.
Summary of Provincial flood forecast for the Winnipeg area
The Red River is currently at 12.8 feet James Avenue datum. With the widespread rainfall that occurred last weekend, the Province predicts levels to rise to 16.0 feet by this weekend or early next week. With favourable weather conditions the levels could decline to 8.5 feet by mid-July.
The river walkway is at 8.5 feet James. The normal summer water level is 6.5 feet James.
City's flood control plan
Currently the City of Winnipeg has 6 flood pumping stations, 3 temporary pumps and 80 sewer control gates in operation. The City of Winnipeg will continue to monitor river levels and operate flood control works as required.
All citizens are reminded that with high river levels, the risk of basement flooding from intense rainstorms is even higher than with normal summer levels. Environment Canada predicts favorable weather from now to this Sunday.
Summer weather conditions have warranted a further level forecast.
Summary of Provincial flood forecast for the Winnipeg area
The Province advises that weather forecasts indicate a high probability of 50 mm of rain over portions of the Red River watershed between Grand Forks and Winnipeg from tonight through to Saturday. Thunderstorms may bring even greater amounts in some areas.
The Red River is currently at 7.9 feet James Avenue datum. With the predicted rainfall, levels could rise to 10 feet James by late next week.
The river walkway is at 8.5 feet James. The normal summer water level is 6.5 feet James.
City's flood control plan
The City will monitor river levels and operate flood control works as required.
All citizens are reminded that there is a risk of basement flooding, at any river level, from intense rainstorms.
This will be the final flood forecast for this year's spring flood event. Other forecasts may be necessary if summer weather conditions result in elevated river levels.
Summary of Provincial flood forecast for the Winnipeg area
The Red River is currently at 8.9 feet James Avenue datum. A peak level of 22.6 feet occurred on the afternoon of April 16.
The Province's forecast is:
| June 13 | 8.6 |
| June 14 | 8.3 |
| June 15 | 7.8 |
| June 16 | 7.2 |
The river walkway is at 8.5 feet. The normal summer water level of 6.5 feet is expected about June 19.
City's flood control plan
Currently the City of Winnipeg has 1 flood pumping station and 50 sewer control gates in operation. All citizens are reminded that there is a risk of basement flooding, at any river level, from intense rainstorms.
Summary of Provincial flood forecast for the Winnipeg area
The Red River is currently at 10.2 feet James Avenue datum. A peak level of 22.6 feet occurred on the afternoon of April 16.
The Province's five day forecast is:
| June 10 | 9.9 |
| June 11 | 9.6 |
| June 12 | 9.3 |
| June 13 | 8.9 |
| June 14 | 8.5 (river walkway level) |
City's flood control plan
Currently the City of Winnipeg has 3 flood pumping stations, no temporary pumps and 60 sewer control gates in operation. The City will continue to monitor the river levels and, as they drop, will adjust flood control works accordingly.
As we get later into the spring season, the risk of more intense rainstorms increases. Combined with high river levels, the risk of basement flooding from rainfall events is still increased. Environment Canada predicts 30% chance of showers tomorrow and Saturday.
Summary of Provincial flood forecast for the Winnipeg area
The Red River is currently at 12.9 feet James Avenue datum. A peak level of 22.6 feet occurred on the afternoon of April 16.
The Province indicates that, with favorable weather, the Red River will return to the river walkway level (8.5 feet James) by about June 11 and normal summer levels about four days after that. Their five day forecast is:
| June 5 | 12.4 |
| June 6 | 11.8 |
| June 7 | 11.2 |
| June 8 | 10.6 |
| June 9 | 10.0 |
City's flood control plan
Currently the City of Winnipeg has 6 flood pumping stations, 4 temporary pumps and 80 sewer control gates in operation. Sandbagging for this event has taken place at about 300 properties. Utilizing private contractors, the City began the process of sandbag removal on May 8 and is now complete.
The Province ended operation of the Red River Floodway on May 24. The City will continue to monitor the river levels and, as they drop, will adjust flood control works accordingly.
As we get later into the spring season, the risk of more intense rainstorms increases. Combined with high river levels, the risk of basement flooding from rainfall events is still substantially increased. Environment Canada predicts showers until this evening and then a 30% chance of precipitation this evening and tomorrow.
Summary of Provincial flood forecast for the Winnipeg area
The Red River is currently at 14.9 feet James Avenue datum. A peak level of 22.6 feet occurred on the afternoon of April 16.
The Province indicates that recent heavy rainfalls have slowed the decline of the Red River. They indicate that with favorable weather, the River will return to the river walkway level (8.5 feet James) by mid-June and normal summer levels about five days after that. The five day forecast is:
| May 30 | 14.8 |
| May 31 | 14.7 |
| June 1 | 14.5 |
| June 2 | 14.2 |
| June 3 | 13.8 |
City's flood control plan
Currently the City of Winnipeg has 14 flood pumping stations, 7 temporary pumps and 105 sewer control gates in operation. Sandbagging for this event has taken place at about 300 properties. Utilizing private contractors, the City began the process of sandbag removal on May 8 and is now complete.
The Province ended operation of the Red River Floodway last Sunday. The City will continue to monitor the river levels and, as they drop, will adjust flood control works accordingly.
As we get later into the spring season, the risk of more intense rainstorms increases. Combined with high river levels, the risk of basement flooding from rainfall events is substantially increased. Environment Canada predicts little chance of precipitation through to mid-next week.
Summary of Provincial flood forecast for the Winnipeg area
The Red River is currently at 15.3 feet James Avenue datum. A peak level of 22.6 feet occurred on the afternoon of April 16.
The Province indicates that with average weather, the Red River at James Ave. will return to near normal summer levels by mid-June. The five day forecast is:
| May 27 | 14.6 |
| May 28 | 14.1 |
| May 29 | 13.6 |
| May 30 | 13.2 |
| May 31 | 12.9 |
City's flood control plan
Currently the City of Winnipeg has 17 flood pumping stations, 10 temporary pumps and 110 sewer control gates in operation. Sandbagging for this event has taken place at about 300 properties. Utilizing private contractors, the City began the process of sandbag removal on May 8 and is now essentially complete.
The Province ended operation of the Red River Floodway last Sunday. The City will continue to monitor the river levels and, as they drop, will adjust flood control works accordingly.
As we get later into the spring season, the risk of more intense rainstorms increases. Combined with high river levels, the risk of basement flooding from rainfall events is substantially increased. Environment Canada predicts no precipitation throughout this week.
Summary of Provincial flood forecast for the Winnipeg area
The Red River is currently at 15.6 feet James Avenue datum. A peak level of 22.6 feet occurred on the afternoon of April 16.
The river levels are forecasted to range between 15.8 and 15.3 feet throughout the weekend and will decline more rapidly next week. The Province indicates that with average weather, the Red River at James Avenue will return to near normal summer levels by early to mid-June.
City's flood control plan
Currently the City of Winnipeg has 18 flood pumping stations, 10 temporary pumps and 125 sewer control gates in operation. Sandbagging for this event has taken place at about 300 properties. Utilizing private contractors, the City began the process of sandbag removal on May 8 and is now essentially complete.
The City will monitor the river and, as levels drop, will adjust flood control works accordingly. The Province anticipates that floodway operation will end during this weekend.
Due to the high river levels, the risk of basement flooding from rainfall events is substantially increased. Environment Canada predicts possible thundershowers this afternoon and then possible precipitation next Monday and Tuesday.
Summary of Provincial flood forecast for the Winnipeg area
The Red River is currently at 16.4 feet James Avenue datum. A peak level of 22.6 feet occurred on the afternoon of April 16.
The river levels are forecasted to range between 16.0 and 16.5 feet for the next five days. The Province indicates that with average weather, the Red River at James Avenue will return to near normal summer levels by mid-June.
City's flood control plan
Currently the City of Winnipeg has 22 flood pumping stations, 11 temporary pumps and 130 sewer control gates in operation. Sandbagging for this event has taken place at about 300 properties. Utilizing private contractors, the City began the process of sandbag removal on May 8 and is currently about 95% complete.
The City will monitor the river and, as levels drop, will adjust flood control works accordingly. The Province will also continue to adjust the Floodway gates according to river flows and levels.
Due to the high river levels, the risk of basement flooding from rainfall events is substantially increased. Environment Canada predicts possible showers this afternoon and then no further precipitation through to next Monday.
Summary of Provincial flood forecast for the Winnipeg area
The Red River is currently at 17.1 feet James Avenue datum. A peak level of 22.6 feet occurred on the afternoon of April 16.
The river levels are forecasted to stay close to 17.0 feet James for the next four days. The Province indicates that with average weather, river levels will decline gradually and return to near normal summer levels by mid-June.
City's flood control plan
Currently the City of Winnipeg has 22 flood pumping stations, 12 temporary pumps and 140 sewer control gates in operation. Sandbagging for this event has taken place at about 300 properties. Utilizing private contractors, the City began the process of sandbag removal on May 8.
The City will monitor the river and, as levels drop, will adjust flood control works accordingly. The Province will also continue to adjust the Floodway gates according to river flows and levels.
Due to the high river levels, the risk of basement flooding from rainfall events is substantially increased. Environment Canada predicts drizzle today with no further precipitation up to next Tuesday.
Summary of Provincial flood forecast for the Winnipeg area
The Red River is currently at 16.6 feet James Avenue datum. A peak level of 22.6 feet James occurred on the afternoon of April 16.
The river levels are forecasted to range from 16.5 to 16.7 feet James for the next five days. The Province indicates that with average weather, river levels will decline gradually and return to normal summer levels by early to mid-June.
City's flood control plan
Currently the City of Winnipeg has 22 flood pumping stations, 12 temporary pumps and 140 sewer control gates in operation. Sandbagging for this event has taken place at about 300 properties. Utilizing private contractors, the City began the process of sandbag removal on May 8.
The City will monitor the river and, as levels drop, will adjust flood control works accordingly. The Province will also continue to adjust the Floodway gates according to river flows and levels.
Due to the high river levels, the risk of basement flooding from rainfall events is substantially increased. Environment Canada predicts 60% chance of showers tonight with a risk of a thundershower and showers for Wednesday.
Summary of Provincial flood forecast for the Winnipeg area
The Red River is currently at 17.4 feet James Avenue datum. A peak level of 22.6 feet James occurred on the afternoon of April 16. The river levels are forecasted to range from 17.0 to 17.5 feet James for the next five days. The Province indicates that river levels will decline gradually over the next few weeks.
City's flood control plan
Currently the City has 22 flood pumping stations, 15 temporary pumps and 150 sewer control gates in operation. Sandbagging for this event has taken place at about 300 properties. The City has begun the process of sandbag removal today.
The City will monitor the river and, as levels drop, will adjust flood control works accordingly. The Province will also continue to adjust the Floodway gates according to river flows and levels.
Due to the high river levels, the risk of basement flooding from rainfall events is substantially increased. Environment Canada predicts little to no precipitation for the next three days with showers likely next Tuesday.
Summary of Provincial flood forecast for the Winnipeg area
The Red River is currently at 17.7 feet James Avenue datum. A peak level of 22.6 James occurred on the afternoon of April 16. The Province indicates that river levels will decline gradually over the next few weeks. The river levels are forecasted to range from 17.8 to 17.4 feet James from now through to the weekend.
The Province notes that the Red River watershed is saturated and river levels would quickly respond if heavy rains develop.
City's flood control plan
Currently the City has 22 flood pumping stations, 18 temporary pumps and 160 sewer control gates in operation. Sandbagging for this event has taken place at about 300 properties. The City will begin the process of sandbag removal this weekend.
The City will monitor the river and, as levels drop, will adjust flood control works accordingly. The Province will also continue to adjust the Floodway gates according to river flows and levels.
Due to the high river levels, the risk of basement flooding from rainfall events is substantially increased. Environment Canada predicts 60% chance of showers tomorrow and Friday with a risk of a Thursday morning thundershower.
Summary of Provincial flood forecast for the Winnipeg area
The Red River is currently at 18.3 feet James Avenue datum. A peak level of 22.6 James occurred on the afternoon of April 16. The Province indicates that river levels will decline gradually over the next few weeks. Their long term forecast predicts levels should decline to 17.0 feet James by mid-May with average weather conditions.
Five day Red River forecast levels at James Avenue:
| May 2 | 18.2 |
| May 3 | 18.1 |
| May 4 | 18.0 |
| May 5 | 17.9 |
| May 6 | 17.9 |
The Province notes that the Red River watershed is saturated and river levels would quickly respond if heavy rains develop.
City's flood control plan
Currently the City of Winnipeg has 23 flood pumping stations, 20 temporary pumps and 170 sewer control gates in operation. Sandbagging for this event has taken place at about 300 properties. As river levels drop, the City will begin the process of sandbag removal and disposal in coordination with property owners.
The City will monitor the river and, as levels drop, will adjust flood control works accordingly. The Province will also continue to adjust the Floodway gates according to river flows and levels.
Due to the high river levels, the risk of basement flooding from rainfall events is substantially increased. Environment Canada predicts little to no precipitation for the next 5 days.
Summary of Provincial flood forecast for the Winnipeg area
The Red River is currently at 19.2 feet James Avenue datum. A peak level of 22.6 James occurred on the afternoon of April 16. The Province indicates that river levels will decline gradually over the next few weeks. Their long term forecast predicts levels as high as 16.0 feet James by mid-May with average weather conditions.
Five day Red River forecast levels at James Avenue:
| April 29 | 19.1 |
| April 30 | 18.9 |
| May 1 | 18.6 |
| May 2 | 18.3 |
| May 3 | 18.1 |
The Province notes that the Red River watershed is saturated and river levels would quickly respond if heavy rains develop.
City's flood control plan
Currently the City of Winnipeg has 27 flood pumping stations, 26 temporary pumps and 200 sewer control gates in operation. Sandbagging for this event has taken place at about 300 properties. As river levels drop, the City will begin the process of sandbag removal and disposal in coordination with property owners.
The City will monitor the river and, as levels drop, will adjust flood control works accordingly. The Province will also continue to adjust the Floodway gates according to river flows and levels.
Due to the high river levels, the risk of basement flooding from rainfall events is substantially increased. Environment Canada predicts a 60% chance of a small rain tomorrow.
Flood forecast #4 - April 21
In order to not duplicate information previously available in the daily news releases from the City of Winnipeg and Province of Manitoba Water Stewardship regarding this year's high river level event, this flood forecast was suspended from April 1 until April 20.
Summary of Provincial flood forecast for the Winnipeg area
The Red River is currently at 20.5 feet James Avenue datum. A peak level of 22.6 James occurred on the afternoon of April 16. The Province indicates that river levels will decline gradually over the next few weeks. Their long term forecast predicts levels as high as 15.0 feet James by mid-May with average weather conditions.
Five day Red River forecast levels at James Avenue:
| April 22 | 20.4 |
| April 23 | 20.3 |
| April 24 | 20.1 |
| April 25 | 19.8 |
| April 26 | 19.6 |
The Province notes that the Red River watershed is saturated and river levels would quickly respond if heavy rains develop. Currently, there is no forecast for heavy rains.
City's flood control plan
Currently the City of Winnipeg has 34 flood pumping stations, 27 temporary pumps and 210 sewer control gates in operation. Sandbagging has taken place at about 300 properties. A plan for removal of the sandbag dikes is currently being developed.
The City will monitor the river and, as levels drop, will adjust flood control works accordingly. The Province will also continue to adjust the Floodway gates according to river flows and levels.
Due to the high river levels, the risk of basement flooding from rainfall events is substantially increased.
State of local emergency declared for properties on the river side of primary dike
Declaration enables City to respond quickly to changing flood conditions
The City of Winnipeg has declared a State of Local Emergency covering all properties on the river side of the primary dike, as of 11:13 a.m., Thursday, April 16, 2009. This declaration is authorized under the Province of Manitoba's Emergency Measures Act, and has been made to allow the City to respond quickly to an evolving flood situation.
"This activation gives us the ability to respond rapidly and decisively to changing conditions," said Mayor Katz. "It is not a cause for citizens to be anxious; it simply enables our flood-fighting team to respond quickly should localized issues develop."
Randy Hull, the City's Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, explained that this activation enables the City to respond without delay in areas of concern. "So far, our flood-fighting efforts are going well, but this is obviously a major flood event – and we need to be able to act quickly."
Residents of Winnipeg along the river side of the primary dike are asked to cooperate with Police, Fire, Paramedic personnel and other City officials for the duration of the emergency. Your cooperation with will greatly assist in the flood-fighting effort.
The State of Local Emergency is in effect until April 29, 2009.
Summary of Provincial flood forecast for the Winnipeg area
The Red River is currently at 17.3 feet James Avenue datum. For the next few days, levels will only increase between 1 to 2 tenths of a foot per day. A peak of 19.0 to 20.5 James is forecast to occur on the Red River in Winnipeg between April 8–17. The Province has indicated that the risk of a serious ice jam this year is greater than usual. Ice jams can cause a rapid and unpredictable increase in local water levels.
City's flood control plan
The City of Winnipeg is preparing for peak water levels forecast by the Province with a freeboard allowance of three feet throughout the City except for the Kingston Crescent area and areas south of the South Perimeter Highway. These areas are historically more prone to ice jamming and a four foot freeboard allowance will be used in preparations. As levels rise, flood pumping stations, temporary pumps and flood control gates will be operated as required. The City is also raising some low areas on the primary dike.
City crews are continuing to notify at-risk property owners as well as to survey and stake these properties. City employees have approached at-risk property owners to determine residents' needs for assistance in building or raising sandbag dikes. As a result, the City has activated the volunteer component of its emergency plan.
The City of Winnipeg is still producing additional sandbags. Sandbags will be delivered to impacted properties to enable those at-risk property owners to build sandbag dikes to the required levels.
Residents requiring sandbags to manage local drainage concerns may pick them up from any of the three distribution centres located across the city.
External agencies potentially affected by the high water have been advised to initiate private flood control measures.
Summary of Provincial flood forecast for the Winnipeg area
Currently the river is at 16.7 feet James. A peak of 20.5 James Avenue datum could occur on the Red River in Winnipeg as early as Friday, April 3 if the ice has not moved out of the city and the Floodway is not yet operational. The Province has indicated that ice jams are possible within the city. Ice jams can cause a rapid and unpredictable increase in local water levels.
City's flood control plan
The City of Winnipeg continues to prepare for a water level of 20.5 feet James. For that level, 33 flood pumping stations will be activated and about 220 flood control gates will be operational. There will be about 35 temporary pumps deployed. The City is also raising some low areas on the primary dike.
An ice cover currently exists on the river within Winnipeg. When this ice begins to move, there is the potential of an ice jam developing that would cause river levels to rise very quickly. Accordingly, the City is notifying all at-risk homeowners to increase their dikes by about one foot.
City crews will survey and stake those properties to the new required dike level. Based on the current flood forecasts, the number of properties at risk within the City is approximately 80.
The City of Winnipeg is working to produce additional bags. Sandbags will be delivered to impacted properties to enable those at-risk property owners to build sandbag dikes to the new levels. External agencies potentially affected by the high water have been advised to initiate private flood control measures.
Residents requiring sandbags to manage local drainage concerns may pick them up from any of the three distribution centres located across the city.
Summary of Provincial flood forecast for the Winnipeg area
Spring runoff is well underway in the Red River watershed. The Red has risen rapidly and will continue to rise rapidly until the ice clears from the Floodway Inlet. Ice is expected to clear tomorrow or Friday. The water is expected to peak at about 20 feet James Avenue datum before the ice clears. Currently the river is at 16.7 feet James.
A second peak on the Red River for an open water condition is expected from April 12 - 17. The crest on the Red is expected to be between 19.0 and 20.5 feet James at that time.
City's flood control plan
In preparation for the immediate potential flood peak expected tomorrow or Friday, the Water and Waste and Public Works Departments are enacting a flood control plan for a level of 20.0 feet James in the downtown and north areas of the City and 21 feet James in the south areas of the City where the potential for ice effects are the greatest. A flood of this magnitude will require the activation of 31 flood pumping stations and 200 sewer control gates as well as setting up 33 temporary pump locations. City crews have been surveying and staking the 34 properties at risk. It's estimated that 24,000 sandbags will be required for these properties.
Residents requiring sandbags to manage local drainage concerns may pick them up from any of the three distribution centres located across the city. External agencies potentially affected by the high water have been advised to initiate private flood control measures.
Second flood outlook - March 17
Summary of provincial flood outlook for the Winnipeg area
A potential exists for very high river levels to occur this spring on the Red River in Winnipeg. Manitoba Water Stewardship stated that the:
"March 10 blizzard in the US portion of the Red River watershed was significant due to the high soil moisture conditions and above average snow cover which already existed in the US prior to the storm."The peak Red River level is still very dependent on weather conditions from now through to spring.
With average weather, the Red River is expected to crest in Winnipeg at 19.5 feet James Avenue datum. With unfavourable weather conditions (1 in 10 chance) between now and spring, the Red River would be expected to crest at 22.2 feet James.
City's flood control plan
In preparation for the potential flood, the Water and Waste and Public Works departments will develop a flood control plan for a spring flood peak of 22.2 feet James. A flood of this magnitude would require the activation of 33 flood pumping stations and 223 sewer control gates as well as setting up 41 temporary pump locations. Sandbagging at 292 homes within Winnipeg would also be required at this high level to protect from river flooding. The departments will ramp up flood preparations as the spring event progresses. Properties requiring sandbags will be notified as 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 will be based on the Spring 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 19
Manitoba Water Stewardship has issued the first long range flood outlook indicating the flood potential across Manitoba for the spring of 2009. 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 2009 spring flood potential.
Summary of provincial flood outlook for the Winnipeg area
An above average potential for high river levels exists on the Red River in Winnipeg. Manitoba Water Stewardship indicates that the soil moisture content in the Red River Valley is at near record levels. Wet frozen soils impede infiltration of melt water and increase spring runoff. The moisture content of the snow pack is about average in Manitoba and above average in the U.S. portion of the Valley. However, the potential for flooding is still very dependent on weather conditions from now through to spring.
With average weather, the Red River is expected to crest in Winnipeg at 19.0 feet James Avenue datum. With unfavourable weather conditions (1 in 10 chance) between now and spring, the Red River would be expected to crest at 20.0 feet James.
City's flood control plan
In preparation for the potential flood, the Water and Waste and Public Works Departments will develop a flood control plan for a spring flood peak of 20.0 feet James. A flood of this magnitude would require the activation of 32 flood pumping stations and 201 sewer control gates as well as setting up 35 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.
Recent Winnipeg flood levels
(in feet James Avenue datum)
| Year | Date | Peak Red River spring flood levels | Date | Peak Red River summer flood levels |
| 2009 | April 16 | 22.6 | July 4 | 15.0 |
| 2008 | no spring flood | no summer flood | ||
| 2007 | April 11 | 17.9 | June 29 | 16.1 |
| 2006 | April 7 | 20.4 | no summer flood | |
| 2005 | April 7 | 19.2 | July 3 - 4 | 20.2 |
| 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, the normal summer river level is 6.5 feet. The river walkway level is 8.5 feet.
Source: Diking Commissioner's Reports
Historic Winnipeg flood levels
(in feet James Avenue datum)
| Year | Peak Red River flood levels | Calculated peak Red River flood levels without flood control works |
| 2009 | 22.6 | 32.5 |
| 1997 | 24.5 | 34.4 |
| 1979 | 19.2 | 30.3 |
Flood control works began operation starting as early as 1969
- Red River Floodway
- Shellmouth Dam
- Portage Diversion (also known as the Assiniboine River Floodway)
| Year | Peak Red River flood levels | |
| 1966 | 26.2 | |
| 1956 | 21.9 | |
| 1950 | 30.3 | |
| 1948 | 23.4 | |
| 1852 | (estimated +/- 0.5) 34.5 | |
| 1826 | (estimated +/- 0.5) 36.5 | |
| 1776 | (estimated +/- 0.5) 36.5 | |
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What to do before, during and after a flood - Protect your home from basement flooding
- Sandbag information
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This page was last updated on October 4, 2018 |
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