Winnipeg, MB - On Tuesday, the Province updated its spring flood outlook. It was indicated that under adverse weather conditions between now and the spring runoff event, river levels could reach 20.5 feet James (James Avenue Datum) within the city. This is approximately the same level reached in 2011. Under normal weather conditions, the Province has forecasted the peak water level to be 18.8 feet James.
City staff have been undertaking flood preparations for several weeks. As the river rises, the City will be activating flood pumping stations, checking flood control gates and setting up temporary pumps.
“The City estimates that there are 26 properties that will require sandbags,” said Grant Mohr, Flood Planning Engineer with the City’s Water and Waste Department. “Once there is a significant rise in river levels, City crews will be contacting residents of these properties. It is estimated that about 32,000 sandbags will be required for these properties.”
High river levels increase the risk of basement flooding across the city. When river levels are high, the normal capacity of the sewer system is reduced. With heavy rains, there is an increased risk of overloaded sewers backing up through house sewer lines and flowing into basements that aren’t protected.
Although basement flooding is a risk at any time of the year, the risk increases with high river levels because the sewer system must then rely heavily on pumping stations rather than gravity to carry the rainfall runoff.
Homeowners are reminded to take steps to protect their homes and property.
- Residents who live along the river should move or secure any structures or equipment near the water’s edge, such as docks, sheds, gazebos, irrigation pumps, and recreational equipment. The rising river level will affect each property owner differently.
- To ensure maximum protection against basement flooding, arrange for a licensed plumber to install a sewer line backup valve and a sump pit with pump in the basement.
- Inspect backup valves and sump pump drainage systems to make sure they are functioning properly.
- Ensure drainage is directed away from the home by extending downspouts away from the basement walls and ensuring the earth is built up around the house.
Property owners are reminded it is against the law to drain sump pump water into the basement floor drain or any other part of the house plumbing system, as it can overwhelm the sewer system placing their basement and those of their neighbours at risk of flooding and damage.
More information is available on the following web pages:
Protect Your Home from Basement Flooding
winnipeg.ca/waterandwaste/drainageFlooding/basementFlooding.stm
Basement Flood Protection Subsidy Program
winnipeg.ca/waterandwaste/drainageFlooding/basementFloodingProtectionSubsidyProgram.stm
Winnipeg river levels
winnipeg.ca/publicworks/pwddata/riverlevels/
James Avenue Datum
winnipeg.ca/history/flood/james_ave_datum.stm