Winnipeg, MB – Last Friday, the Province of Manitoba released its latest update on potential spring flooding. Based on weather conditions and current flows, it downgraded its previous forecast, tracking now towards 2017 levels.
The peak Red River level in Winnipeg at James Avenue is expected to range from 15.5 to 20 feet, depending on future weather conditions. The forecasted river levels are below the level of the City of Winnipeg’s flood protection infrastructure, and the City is well prepared to deal with the upcoming water levels.
At this time, the City has identified 16 properties that may be at risk of river flooding and may require dikes. The number of sandbags required is estimated at 10,000.
The City is hand-delivering notices to affected property owners and will be surveying each of the identified properties to determine the location of potential dikes. We will provide further instructions directly to property owners who may, at some point, be required to build a dike. If a property owner has not heard from the City and believes their property is at risk of river flooding, they can contact 311.
The City is not putting a call for volunteers to assist property owners with sandbagging efforts at this time.
Crews have been working on annual spring preparations for several weeks. We are continually reviewing our river flood protection measures and activities, including monitoring river levels, preparing for temporary and permanent pumping, closing river gates, sealing manholes, and filling sandbags.
As of 10:46 a.m. on Monday, March 28, 2022, the river level at the James Avenue gauge was 10.52 feet. River levels are available online at City of Winnipeg – Current river levels and updated in real time every 10 minutes.
The City will continue to work closely with the Province of Manitoba to determine whether additional properties may require dikes to protect against river flooding.
Residents are encouraged to follow the City on Facebook and Twitter (#wpgflood) for flood updates.
Basement, overland & snowmelt flooding
Property owners should be alert to the various other types of flooding, including: basement, overland, and snowmelt.
Sandbags are available 24 hours per day to residents who may be expecting or experiencing overland flooding to protect their properties at the following locations:
- 1220 Pacific Ave. (east approach)
- 1539 Waverley St. (entrance approach)
- 960 Thomas Ave. (visitor parking lot, next to recycle bins)
Residents must bring identification to demonstrate that they live in Winnipeg.
Homeowners are reminded to take precautions to protect their homes and property, as springtime thaws increase the risk of basement flooding. While basement flooding is a risk at any time of the year, the risk increases in the spring and 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.
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.
For more information on river, basement, overland, and snowmelt flooding, see: winnipeg.ca/flood.
Thin Ice Safety
Residents are advised that thin ice conditions are present on Winnipeg waterways, including drainage ditches, culverts, streams, creeks, retention ponds, and rivers. In addition, all skating ponds and outdoor rinks are closed for the season.
The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service responded to 147 water and ice rescue calls in 2021. First responders are urging parents and teachers to speak to children and students about the dangers of waterways and the need to stay away from the banks of all waterways. The ice surfaces are thin and fragile, and falling into ice-cold water can be deadly.
The public is also reminded that while the Winnipeg Police Service’s River Patrol Unit places “Danger - Thin Ice” signage at specific locations including outfalls, retention ponds, and other potentially dangerous areas, ALL ice should be considered unsafe even if warning signage is not present.
For information on thin ice and water safety, please visit Winnipeg Police Service – River Patrol and Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service – Water Rescue.