Winnipeg, MB - Today, the City provided an update on its flood preparations, including revised numbers of properties that require sandbag dikes.
The operation of the Red River Floodway, which began today, has reduced the need for sandbag dikes in Winnipeg, but, as a cautionary measure, the City will continue to plan using Thursday’s forecasted peaks (between 18.6 to 20.8 feet James).
City flood planning and operations will be modified as necessary, as the benefits of floodway operations begin to take effect.
Current river levels are available at City of Winnipeg - River Levels.
Update: Number of Properties Requiring Sandbag Dikes
With operation of the Red River Floodway taken into consideration, City engineers have determined that the number of properties needing sandbag dikes has decreased from 50 to 25. The number of sandbags has been reduced accordingly from 75,000 to 20,000.
The City currently has enough sandbags made to address the needs of at-risk properties, but will continue making sandbags until the end of today as a precaution.
Additional precipitation or a change in ice conditions could alter the number of properties at risk. City of Winnipeg staff will continue to monitor river levels, weather conditions and floodway operations, while working closely with the Province of Manitoba, to adapt protection measures accordingly.
Update: Notifications and Dike Construction
The most at-risk property began constructing its dike yesterday.
With the reduction of properties needing sandbag dikes, City officials will be revisiting the 25 identified properties who may still need to build a dike, to update survey readings and consult with property owners.
The City will be advising those property owners who no longer need to construct dikes and will continue to monitor their need for flood protection.
If you are not contacted by the City of Winnipeg regarding the need to build a sandbag dike, your property has not been identified as being at risk of river flooding. If a property owner has not heard from the City and believes their property is at risk of river flooding, they can contact 311, open 24 hours every day, by phone at 311 or by email at 311@winnipeg.ca.
The City does not require volunteers to assist in the construction of dikes.
Update: Overall City Operations
The City’s current flood operations and river levels have had no impact on the delivery of city services.
General Flood Information
The public is encouraged to follow the City of Winnipeg on Facebook and Twitter (#WpgFlood) for flood updates as well as reviewing flood information on winnipeg.ca/EmergWeb/.
Springtime thaws also 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 overtax 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 River Levels
James Avenue Datum
City of Winnipeg Emergency Preparedness Program