2010 flood forecast
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- Flood forecast #12 - June 30
- Flood forecast #11 - June 4
- Flood forecast #10 - May 28
- Flood forecast #9 - May 27
- Flood forecast #8 - May 5
- Flood forecast #7 - April 23
- Flood forecast #6 - April 16
- Flood forecast #5 - April 12
- Flood forecast #4 - April 6
- Flood forecast #3 - April 1
- Flood forecast #2 - March 24
- Flood forecast #1 - March 19
- Preliminary flood outlook - February 23
- Recent Winnipeg flood levels
- Historic Winnipeg flood levels
- Additional info
Flood forecast #12 - June 30
Manitoba Water Stewardship has issued another flood forecast 
for 2010.
Summary of Provincial flood forecast for the Winnipeg area
The Portage Diversion is being operated to reduce levels in Winnipeg. Currently the Red River level is at 11.5 feet James Avenue datum. The level is predicted to decline to about 10 feet by this Monday and stay between 9.5 and 10 feet for another 10 days. After that, levels will decline further unless heavy rain develops .
City's flood control plan
Flood control measures will be adjusted to match existing river levels. At 11.5 feet the following is be required:
- The activation of 4 permanent flood pumping stations
- The activation of about 60 sewer control gates
- The set-up of 2 temporary pump locations
During times of high river levels there is an increased risk of basement flooding from heavy rainfall events, especially at locations where rainfall runoff must be handled by pumping.
The normal summer water level is 6.5 feet James.
Flood forecast #11 - June 4
Manitoba Water Stewardship has issued another flood forecast for 2010.
Summary of Provincial flood forecast for the Winnipeg area
On Wednesday, June 2, the Province operated the floodway under rule #4 of the Floodway Operating Rules to reduce the chances of basement flooding from intense rainstorm events. This operation reduced the levels in Winnipeg by 2.4 feet in 24 hours. Currently the Red River level is 14.6 feet James Avenue datum. The level is predicted to decline to 13 feet next week and to 9 feet by mid-June based on favourable weather .
City's flood control plan
Flood control measures will be adjusted to match existing river levels. At 14.6 feet James Avenue, the following is be required:
- The activation of 12 permanent flood pumping stations
- The activation of about 90 sewer control gates
- The set-up of 6 temporary pump locations
During times of high river levels there is an increased risk of basement flooding from heavy rainfall events, especially at locations where rainfall runoff must be handled by pumping.
The normal summer water level is 6.5 feet James.
Flood forecast #10 - May 28
Manitoba Water Stewardship has issued another flood forecast for 2010.
Summary of Provincial flood forecast for the Winnipeg area
Two storms last weekend produced widespread rain over most of the Red River Valley watershed. The present storm system has brought 50 to 70 mm of rain to the LaSalle and Seine River watersheds overnight and this morning. Additional heavy rain of 25 to 40 mm is expected over much of southern Manitoba this Saturday and Sunday, with the possibility of 50 to 70 mm over the Red River Valley from Emerson to Winnipeg and eastern Manitoba.
As a result the Red River continues to rise and is currently at 11.2 feet James Avenue datum, which is a rise of about two feet from yesterday. The Province predicts that levels will reach 13.5 feet James by Monday and predict a crest of 16.0 feet on June 5. This peak is based on expected additional rainfall amounts .
City's flood control plan
Flood control measures will be adjusted to match existing river levels. Should levels reach 16.0 feet James Avenue, the following would be required:
- The activation of 18 permanent flood pumping stations
- The activation of about 118 sewer control gates
- The set-up of 11 temporary pump locations
During times of high river levels there is an increased risk of basement flooding from heavy rainfall events, especially at locations where rainfall runoff must be handled by pumping.
The normal summer water level is 6.5 feet James.
Flood forecast #9 - May 27
Manitoba Water Stewardship has issued another flood forecast for 2010.
Summary of Provincial flood forecast for the Winnipeg area
Two storms last weekend produced widespread rain over most of the Red River Valley watershed. The U.S. portion of the watershed received up to 125 mm in some areas. As a result, the Red River has started to rise and is currently at 9.2 feet James Avenue datum, which is a rise of about one foot from yesterday. The predicted crest of the Red River is 11.8 feet James Avenue on June 8. This peak does not include effects of the rainfall which is expected late this week .
City's flood control plan
Flood control measures will be adjusted to match existing river levels. Should levels reach 11.8 feet James Avenue, the following would be required:
- The activation of 4 permanent flood pumping stations
- The activation of about 70 sewer control gates
- The set-up of 4 temporary pump locations
During times of high river levels there is an increased risk of basement flooding from heavy rainfall events, especially at locations where rainfall runoff must be handled by pumping.
The normal summer water level is 6.5 feet James.
Flood forecast #8 - May 5
Manitoba Water Stewardship has issued another flood forecast for 2010.
Summary of Provincial flood forecast for the Winnipeg area
Until recently, levels on the Red River in Winnipeg were declining. However, the heavy rainfalls in southern Manitoba on April 28 – May 2 and May 4 - 5 have produced more rain than normally falls during the months of April and May combined. This has resulted in a rise of the Red River in southern Manitoba including Winnipeg. The river is currently at 8.0 feet James Avenue datum. It will continue to rise and is expected to exceed the forks walkway level of 8.5 feet tomorrow. The river will not rise above 10 feet James unless significant rainfall develops. The Province predicts the walkway will be flooded for 7 to 10 days. Environment Canada predicts no precipitation through to next Monday, except for a 30% chance of showers this Friday.
City's flood control plan
Flood control measures will be adjusted to match existing river levels. Should levels reach 10 feet James Ave. the following would be required:
- The activation of 2 permanent flood pumping stations
- The activation of about 55 sewer control gates
- The set-up of 0 temporary pump locations
- The protection of 0 properties with sandbags
During times of high river levels there is an increased risk of basement flooding from heavy rainfall events, especially at locations where rainfall runoff must be handled by pumping.
The normal summer water level is 6.5 feet James.
Flood forecast #7 - April 23
Manitoba Water Stewardship has issued another operational flood forecast for 2010.
Summary of Provincial flood forecast for the Winnipeg area
The Red River is currently at 14.1 feet James Avenue datum. River levels in the City are expected to decline more rapidly and, with continued dry weather, should reach the river walkway level at 8.5 feet James Ave. by May 1st. Environment Canada predicts a chance of showers next Monday and Thursday.
Operation of the Floodway began March 28 and the Assiniboine diversion was put into operation on April 1. Floodway operation ended yesterday.
City's flood control plan
Flood control measures will be adjusted to match existing river levels.
Flood levels of 14.1 feet James require:
- The activation of 11 permanent flood pumping stations
- The activation of about 95 sewer control gates
- The set-up of 8 temporary pump locations
- The protection of 0 properties with sandbags
Properties that previously required sandbag dikes have been notified to remove their dikes.
External agencies potentially affected by the high water levels have been notified and advised to initiate private flood control measures.
As river levels decline further, the City will reduce its flood control measures accordingly. The flood control measures will not be completely removed until levels fall below 8.5 feet James Ave. During times of high river levels there is an increased risk of basement flooding from heavy rainfall events, especially at locations where rainfall runoff must be handled by pumping.
Flood forecast #6 - April 16
Manitoba Water Stewardship has issued another operational flood forecast for 2010.
Summary of Provincial flood forecast for the Winnipeg area
The Red River is currently at 17.0 feet James Avenue datum. River levels in the City are expected to continue to decline slowly and should reach 14.8 feet James Ave. by next Friday. Levels will then decline more rapidly to 8.5 feet by about May 7, based on relatively dry weather conditions. Environment Canada predicts dry conditions through to next Thursday.
Operation of the Floodway began March 28 and the Assiniboine diversion was put into operation on April 1.
City's flood control plan
Flood control measures will be adjusted to match existing river levels. Flood levels of this magnitude require:
- The activation of 22 flood pumping stations
- The activation of about 120 sewer control gates
- The set-up of 12 temporary pump locations
- The protection of 0 properties with sandbags
Properties that required sandbag dikes have been notified to remove their dikes.
External agencies potentially affected by the high water levels have been notified and advised to initiate private flood control measures.
As river levels decline further, the City will reduce its flood control measures accordingly. The flood control measures will not be completely removed until levels fall below 8.5 feet James Ave.
Flood forecast #5 - April 12
Manitoba Water Stewardship has issued another operational flood forecast for 2010.
Summary of Provincial flood forecast for the Winnipeg area
The Red River is currently at 17.5 feet James Avenue datum. River levels in the City are expected to continue to decline slowly and should reach 16.0 feet James Ave. by next Tuesday. The forecast takes into account a rainfall of 5 – 15 mm expected over southern Manitoba during the next two days.
Operation of the floodway began March 28 and the Assiniboine diversion was put into operation on April 1.
City's flood control plan
In preparation for high river levels, the Water and Waste and the Public Works Departments have already developed and implemented a flood control plan for the previously predicted spring peak of 19.5 feet.
A flood of this magnitude requires:
- The activation of 26 flood pumping stations
- The activation of about 195 sewer control gates
- The set-up of 23 temporary pump locations
- The protection of 4 properties with sandbags
External agencies potentially affected by the high water levels have been notified and advised to initiate private flood control measures.
As river levels decline, the City will reduce its flood control measures accordingly. The flood control measures will not be completely removed until levels fall below 8.5 feet James Ave. This is expected to be 3-4 weeks from now.
Flood Forecast #4 - April 6
Manitoba Water Stewardship has issued another operational flood forecast for 2010.
Summary of provincial flood outlook for the Winnipeg area
The Red River is currently at 17.9 feet James Avenue datum. River levels in the City are expected to range from 17.5 to 18.2 feet until early next week after which levels will start to decline unless heavy rain develops. Currently, Environment Canada is calling for dry weather through to Monday
Operation of the Floodway began March 28 and the Assiniboine diversion was put into operation on April 1.
City's flood control plan
In preparation for the high river levels, the Water and Waste Department and the Public Works Department have already developed and implemented a flood control plan for the previously predicted spring peak of 19.5 feet James. A flood of this magnitude requires:
- activation of 26 flood pumping stations
- activation of about 195 sewer control gates
- set-up of 23 temporary pump locations
- protection of 4 properties with sandbags
External agencies potentially affected by the high water levels have been notified and advised to initiate private flood control measures.
The City’s current flood control measures will stay in place until river levels start to decline.
Flood Forecast #3 - April 1
Manitoba Water Stewardship has issued another operational flood forecast for 2010
Summary of provincial flood outlook for the Winnipeg area
The Province advises that a Colorado low will move through the Red River Valley from Grand Forks to Lake Winnipeg. Environment Canada expects rainfall amounts from tonight to Saturday morning to range from 20 to 30 mm with a possibility of 35 mm in some areas. The rain will not be intense, but significant runoff is expected to occur.
As a result, the Red is expected to peak in the range from 18.5 to 19.5 James Avenue datum sometime between April 2 to April 14. The current level in Winnipeg is 18.3 feet James.
Operation of the Floodway began March 28 and the Assiniboine diversion was put into operation earlier today.
City's flood control plan
In preparation for the high river levels, the Water and Waste Department and the Public Works Department have developed a flood control plan for a spring peak of 19.5 feet James. A flood of this magnitude will require the:
- activation of 26 flood pumping stations
- activation of about 195 sewer control gates
- set-up of 23 temporary pump locations
- protection of about 4 properties with sandbags
City crews have delivered sandbags to properties for dike construction. External agencies potentially affected by the high water levels have been notified and advised to initiate private flood control measures.
Flood Forecast #2 - March 24
Manitoba Water Stewardship has issued another operational flood forecast for 2010.
Summary of provincial flood outlook for the Winnipeg area
The Provincial forecast for the Red River indicates that levels will be lower than earlier forecasts. The previous range of 18.5 to 19.5 feet James Avenue datum has now been lowered to 17.5 to 19.0 feet James.
The current level in Winnipeg is 14.5 feet James and a level of 16 feet James is expected by this Friday. A level of 17.5 feet is predicted for Monday, March 29. The Province is predicting that river levels will peak in the city by April 7-8, 2010.
Operation of the Floodway is expected by March 25–26 depending on when the ice moves upstream of the floodway inlet.
City's flood control plan
In preparation for the high river levels, the Water and Waste Department and the Public Works Department has developed a flood control plan for a spring peak of 19.0 feet James. A flood of this magnitude will require the:
- activation of 26 flood pumping stations
- activation of 185 sewer control gates
- set-up of 23 temporary pump locations
- protection of about 4 homes with sandbags
City crews have surveyed and staked properties requiring sandbags for dike construction. External agencies potentially affected by the high water levels are being notified and advised to initiate private flood control measures.
Flood Forecast #1 - March 19
Manitoba Water Stewardship has issued their first operational flood forecast for 2010.
Summary of provincial flood outlook for the Winnipeg area
The forecasted river level within Winnipeg has decreased since the first Forecast Outlook was released on February 22, 2010. River levels on the Red are rising much earlier than normal due to the unseasonably warm weather over the past 10 days and the snowpack has almost melted in the Red River basin.
At this time, the Province is predicting that river levels will peak in the city by April 6, 2010 within the range of 18.5 and 19.5 feet James Avenue datum.
The current level in Winnipeg is 10.3 feet James and a level of 14 feet James is expected by Monday, March 22, 2010.
City's flood control plan
In preparation for the high river levels, the Water and Waste Department and the Public Works Department has developed a flood control plan for a spring peak of 19.5 feet James. A flood of this magnitude will require the:
- activation of 26 flood pumping stations
- activation of 195 sewer control gates
- set-up of 26 temporary pump locations
- protection of about 25 homes with sandbags
City crews will survey and stake properties requiring sandbags for dike construction. Residents requiring sandbags to manage local drainage concerns may pick them up from any local distribution centre located across the city. External agencies potentially affected by the high water levels will be notified and advised to initiate private flood control measures.
Preliminary flood outlook - February 23
Manitoba Water Stewardship has issued the first flood outlook indicating the flood potential across Manitoba for the spring of 2010. The flood outlook at this time 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 an updated determination of the 2010 spring flood potential.
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 indicates that the soil moisture content and the water content of the existing snow pack in the United States portion of the Red River watershed is well above average. 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 20.0 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 22.0 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 peak of 22.0 feet James. A flood of this magnitude will require the:
- activation of 33 flood pumping stations
- activation of 223 sewer control gates
- set-up of 41 temporary pump locations
- protection of about 220 homes with sandbags
The properties requiring sandbags will be notified as required. Sandbags will be stockpiled at selected sites and will be available for the public to pick-up in order to protect their homes from overland flooding.
The City’s flood control plan is based on the February flood outlook. The actual event will be influenced by highly variable weather related factors and as such the City’s plan will be revised as flood forecasts are updated.
Recent Winnipeg flood levels
(in feet James Avenue datum)
| Year | Date | Peak Red River spring flood levels | Date | Peak Red River summer flood levels |
| 2010 | April 2 | 18.5 | June 1 | 18.3 |
| 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 James. The river walkway level is 8.5 feet James.
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
- City of Winnipeg primary dike system and flood pumping stations (1950/1951)
- Red River Floodway (1968)
- Portage Diversion (also known as the Assiniboine River Floodway) (1970)
- Shellmouth Dam (1972)
| Year | Peak Red River flood levels | |
| 1966 | 26.2 | |
| 1956 | 21.9 | |
| 1950 | 30.3 | |
| 1948 | 23.4 | |
| 1852* | 35 | |
| 1826* | 37 | |
* Data from Sir Sanford Fleming commissioned surveys (c. 1879) of 1826 and 1852 high water marks. Data recorded in foot increments. Therefore, levels could be plus or minus 0.5 feet
- Protect your home from basement flooding
- Current Winnipeg river levels
- 2010 Winnipeg river levels
- 2009-1990 Winnipeg river levels
Provincial sites:
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This page was last updated on March 24, 2011 |
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