Winnipeg, MB – City of Winnipeg crews are hard at work and engaged in a wide range of activities around the clock, and based on level of priority, related to the recent heavy rainfall, including clearing ditches, catch basins, and culverts of debris so that water can drain more effectively.
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)
- 1090 Thomas Ave. (Entrance approach)
- 1539 Waverley St. (Visitor parking lot, next to recycling 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.
River flooding
Crews are monitoring our pumping and lift stations around the clock.
As per the Province’s Water Information and Flood Conditions forecast, water levels within Winnipeg are estimated to be in the range of 18 to 19 feet James Avenue, with an anticipated peak arriving between May 5 – May 9 at the Floodway inlet.
The City continues to meet with provincial flood forecasters on a daily basis, and are monitoring weather and river conditions continuously, in order to update our flood response as necessary. All 16 properties that were identified as being at-risk have been notified and surveyed. The City is ready to deliver sandbags to properties if/when necessary.
At this time, one of the at-risk properties is being notified to begin constructing a dike.
As of 1:13 p.m. on Sunday, April 24, 2022, the river level at the James Avenue gauge was 17.54 feet. River levels are available online at City of Winnipeg – Current river levels and updated in real time every 10 minutes.
Residents are reminded to use extreme caution around all waterways throughout the city, as banks may be unstable.
Kildonan Park flooding
Lord Selkirk Creek has breached flood mitigations in place at Kildonan Park. Residents are asked to avoid the duck pond and all areas with open water, and to use caution near creeks and bridges. The lower level of the pavilion is closed until further notice due to flooding.
Standing water on roadways
Motorists are reminded to drive to road conditions, and use caution if they encounter water covered roadways. If residents encounter a significant amount of standing water on roadways, they are advised to contact 311 to report the issue. Residents are reminded to only contact 911 for emergencies.
Crews are continuing to address areas of concern based on reports as quickly as possible.
Ice control activities
Crews are applying salt to bridges, overpasses, and main roads to improve traction, as required. Motorists are reminded to stay back from heavy equipment working.
311 service requests
The City’s 311 Contact Centre is currently experiencing longer than average wait times. We thank residents for their patience as we address calls as quickly as possible in the order they are received.
As of 10 a.m. this morning, 311 has received 896 storm-related service requests since Friday, April 22.