Winnipeg, MB – As a result of the high volume of precipitation that has fallen in the region over the past few weeks and with more precipitation in the form of rain or snow predicted over the next few days, the City of Winnipeg reminds residents to take necessary precautions to protect their homes and property against flooding.
As of 10:28 a.m. on Wednesday, October 9, 2019, the river level at the James Avenue gauge was 14.03 feet. River levels are available online at City of Winnipeg – River Levels and updated in real time every 10 minutes.
This is the highest autumn crest we have seen since November 2010, when the Red River at the James Avenue gauge crested at 13.3 feet. The average autumn level for the Red River at the James Avenue gauge is around 6 to 9 feet.
At this time, there are no properties at risk of river flooding.
The City continuously reviews its flood preparation measures and activities, including monitoring river levels and weather conditions, preparing pumping stations, deploying temporary pumps to protect the sewer system, and closing outfall gates, as needed.
We will continue to monitor weather conditions and river levels to determine required flood protection measures.
Basement Flooding
Basement flooding is a risk at any time of the year; however, the risk increases when river levels rise because the sewer system must rely heavily on pumping stations rather than gravity to carry the water runoff due to higher river levels.
Homeowners are reminded to take the following steps to protect their homes and property:
- 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.
State of Readiness for Snow
City crews are ‘ready-to-serve’ and prepared to deal with the potential snow in the forecast for Winnipeg this week. Crews will be monitoring road conditions and have salting operations in a ready-to-deploy status. Any accumulations of snow will be monitored and further decisions will be made as the weather system passes through the city. There are no winter parking bans currently in effect.
Motorists are reminded to drive to road conditions at all times and to use extreme caution when driving near heavy equipment.