The National Weather Service based in the U.S. is warning of significant flooding along the Red River.
It says the Red River basin runoff risk has increased substantially, and all main-stem points will see significantly higher flows.
The National Weather Service said the increased risk is partly due to higher streamflow, soil moisture and runoff from the south valley, coupled with much higher snowmelt runoff potential across the Red River basin. It also said the risk is exacerbated by deep frost and a potentially delayed thaw cycle.
Source: National Weather Service (U.S.)
The agency released the details in its 2019 spring flood outlook, which is for the U.S. portion of the basin and is based on conditions through Feb. 19.
It said there were significant snowfalls in late January and February, meaning widespread, above normal runoff is now likely.
The United States Geological Survey indicates that the Red River and its North Dakota and Minnesota streams are covered with thick ice or are flowing with normal ranges north of Fargo.
Amphibex operations in Manitoba set to begin Monday
Larry Johannson, Selkirk mayor and chairperson of the North Red Waterway Maintenance board, said he’s been keeping a close eye on the weather south of the border and for good reason.
“In this business you just never know what’s coming, you never know what’s around the corner. That scares us,” said Johannson. “Everything comes here, everything dumps into the Red and of course, in Selkirk, we’re the last community before the big lake.”
Southern Manitoba has also had a cold and snowy winter.
According to Environment Canada, Winnipeg has received 33 cm of snow so far this month and the average, mean temperature has been -20 C.
“This year there’s a few other things that are a little bit worrisome, too; while it’s not the thickest ever, ice is very, very thick. We’re getting reports, we did some testing, 30 inches is kind of the average now on the river which is a lot,” said Johannson.
There’s no exact date available but the province said Manitoba’s first spring flood outlook will be released “soon” by the Hydrologic Forecast Centre.
Three Amphibex are scheduled to start Monday breaking ice on the north section of the Red River where ice-jam related flooding is a big concern.
The community of Morris is also watching closely.
While the town is well-protected by a ring dike, deputy Mayor Chris Hamblin said if there’s significant flooding on the Red it could result in the closure of Highway 75.
“It’s one of the reasons we feel Highway 75 needs to be raised,” said Hamblin.
Manitoba Infrastructure said it’s working toward having flood-proofing of Highway 75 completely finished by 2020.
-With files from CTV Winnipeg
