Red River Surpasses 15-Foot Flood Threshold in Winnipeg for First Time in Nearly Three Years

# Red River Hits Minor Flood Level in Winnipeg The City of Winnipeg experienced minor flood conditions for the first time in nearly three years on Monday. , the Red River surpassed 15 feet above the normal winter ice level at James Avenue, the unofficial threshold for a minor flood.

Floods between 15 and 18 feet at the James level are considered minor and usually do not threaten homes or other structures, though they require the city to take some flood mitigation actions.

The Red River rose relatively quickly on Monday because of an ice jam in the southern portion of Winnipeg. " Dooley stated that levels should stabilize as the jams continue to let go and settle.

City Activates Flood Measures Amid Preparations for Higher Crest The city is preparing for a flood peak as high as 19 feet at the James level as a precautionary measure.

Lisa Marquardson, a spokesperson for the city's water and waste department, said the city has activated some flood pumping stations, deployed some temporary pumps, sealed manholes, and inspected and closed river gates. Manitoba's Hydrologic Forecast Centre issued a flood outlook on March 18. 2 feet James level under normal weather conditions.

It also projected the river could rise to 19 feet James level if unfavourable weather arrives with a lot of rain or snow in the Red River drainage basin. 9 feet James on April 30.

Broader Flooding Developments Across Manitoba The Red River has crested at Emerson this year but is still rising from Ste.

Agathe to Breezy Point, where it fans out into Netley-Libau Marsh, according to provincial hydrographs. The province expects more serious flooding this spring on the Fisher and Icelandic rivers in the Interlake region. Manitoba's Hydrologic Forecast Centre expects the Fisher River to rise to the level of the 2014 flood if the remaining snow melt happens slowly.

The centre expects the Fisher River flood could crest closer to the level of the 2022 flood if the melt is faster. Peguis First Nation is filling sandbags in anticipation of another Fisher River flood. The 2014 flood displaced more than 100 people at Peguis.

More than 1,000 people had to leave their homes in Peguis in 2022.

Risks on Icelandic River and in Parkland Region The Icelandic River flows through Arborg and Riverton and is at risk of ice jam-induced flooding, according to provincial officials.

Provincial officials warned of the potential for overland flooding in the Parkland region.