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Archived 2020 Flood Info

2020 Flood Archive Information
  
April 15, 2020
10:00 a.m. Update - Water levels have dropped 15" overnight on the creek.  The threat of the spring flood has passed.

 

This flood season, Council chose facts over fears.  We did not tube dike or protect any properties but were diligent and watchful as the water levels rose.  Efforts were doubled in identifying homes with floor elevations lower than 721.5 feet, which is above the historic high water level.  Only 3 homes were identified with 2 of those being self protected.  One resident placed a permanent dike while the others sandbagged their home.  One chose to accept the inconvenience of high water.


 

Our public works staff were working around the clock on Easter weekend, watching water levels and manning pumps when needed and closing roads as warranted.  Office staff worked in the office and at home throughout the days and nights to ensure callers received immediate and knowledgeable answers to their concerns.  We engaged surveyors for the past two weeks to develop clear bench marks on water levels.


 

This year we utilized video from drones provided by an independent contractor as well as the RCMP.  This assisted us in staying ahead of the event.  The videos were posted on our website frequently through our new YouTube Channel.


 

Lastly, we communicated early, often through multiple channels.  A letter was distributed by hand several days prior to the arrival of peak water.  We used a new program called CONNECT to text, email or call residents in high risk areas.  We had a designated Flood Information webpage which provided frequent updates and information to keep residents feeling safe and informed as well as posted frequent updates on Twitter.


Members of Council are thankful to all the employees of the R.M. that contributed to the success of this year's effort.


Years from now we will look back on 2019 as the last year unnecessary temporary flood protection was placed.  We will recognize the efforts of the Provincial Government that so generously contributed funds for individual and community flood protection and recognize that residents took efforts to protect their own properties.  It has been a challenging spring with both the COVID-19 crisis and rising flood waters, but with the knowledge and efforts of everyone involved, we were able to watch the waters rise and fall without any threat to people's lives or homes.

 

April 14, 2020
7:30 p.m. Update - Water levels are now dropping and it appears the flood risk is now behind us.
 
6:00 p.m. Update - The ice jam has moved further north 300 meters past Netley Creek.  It's approximately 100 meters from the cut into Netley Lake.  The Red River is still flowing into Netley Lake.  Breezy Point Road (PR #320) is now open north to the campground.  Clandeboye Road was re-opened today; the road is soft but driveable.  We continue to monitor all water levels.
 
1:00 p.m. Update - Water levels are currently rising along Netley Creek due to ice accumulation.  The ice is currently 150 meters south of the cut to Netley Creek.  Water should soon flow to the cut and remove any threat and then we will start to see water levels subside.  Watch a short video clip of the current ice jam location at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvb9D60xf6M&feature=youtu.be.  We are monitoring the situation closely. 
 
12:00 p.m. Update - The ice jam has moved north and is causing water to rise rapidly in the creeks around Petersfield.  Clandeboye Road remains closed at Breezy Point Road (PR #320).
 
8:30 a.m. Update - Water levels still remain stable along the creeks around Petersfield.  Ice jam remains alongside Willow Springs Campground on Breezy Point Road.  Hydro has been restored to homes along Breezy Point Road.  The RCMP will be flying their drone over Petersfield again today.
 
April 13, 2020
4:00 p.m. Update - Water levels remain stable along the creeks around Petersfield and are receding on Breezy Point Road, Clandeboye Road and Medicine Creek Road.  Water levels are now rising on Wavey Creek Road and road closed signs will be posted.  Staff are continuing to work throughout the night checking pumps, monitoring water levels and answering phones.  View RCMP drone video footage from today of the high water and ice along the Red River for the following areas:  Lockport Floodway South, McIvor Lane North, Breezy Point North and Chesley's Resort/Netley Creek East.
 
April 12, 2020

9:00 p.m. Update - Water levels are holding at Chesley's Resort in Petersfield as well as the Breezy Point area.  Barricades are in place and being manned on Clandeboye Road at Whiskey Ditch Road and also at PR #320 (Breezy Point Road).  The water is running from Winnipeg up to Clandeboye Road and is not rising.  A flyover will take place tomorrow morning as well as the RCMP will be flying their drones in the morning starting from Lockport heading north.  Water levels will continue to be monitored throughout the night.
 
4:30 p.m. Update - Water levels are rising slowly on the creek.  A fly over was done today and the ice jam is still at Willow Springs Campground. It has been there for more then 24 hours.  Another fly over is planned for this evening. 
 
12:00 p.m. Update - Medicine Creek Road will be closed and barricades put up due to rising water levels.  Clandeboye Road and Breezy Point Road remain closed and barricades are being manned.  Water continues to rise on Netley Creek, about 6" in the last 90 minutes. 
 
8:00 a.m. Update - Breezy Point Road (PR #320) still has several inches of water on it, with water also extending westward onto Clandeboye Road.  Clandeboye Road has water coverage up to Fillmore Road and road barricades are in place.  Medicine Creek Road may also have to be closed as water levels continue to rise in that area.  Petersfield water levels have been rising slowly the past 18 hours, less than 6".  The water appears to be less than 720 ft., well below the 721.5 level of current protection.
 
April 11, 2020
2:00 p.m. Update - Water levels are dropping south of the Highway #4 bridge and rising north of the bridge in the creek areas around Petersfield.
 
April 10, 2020
7:20 p.m. Update - The Province advised that the floodway gates were raised 10.0 feet at 7pm.  The gate setting is now 738.04 ft.  Current floodway flow is calculated to be 4,550 cfs and increasing. 

 
5:00 p.m. Update - The Province has advised that it will be opening the floodway gates at 7:00 p.m. tonight and it is anticipated the additional water flow could impact Lockport by 7:00 a.m. tomorrow and the Netley Creek/Petersfield area sometime after lunch.  Water is currently flowing freely north of the #4 Bridge.  Home owners with a past history of high water affecting their homes & properties should take appropriate measures.  We will be monitoring water levels and will provide updates to area residents as the situation progresses and will post additional progress reports in this section throughout the day as the ice and water move north.
 
1:30 p.m. Update - The ice has stopped moving past the #4 Bridge.  Still no movement north of McIvor Lane South.
 
12:30 p.m. Update - The ice just north of Heap Avenue has broken away and is moving very quickly.  It is now passing the #4 Bridge with lots of momentum.  No movement at McIvor Lane South as of yet.

9 a.m. UpdateThe water is still running fast in areas and the ice jam that was at Craig Avenue/1111 River Road moved approximately 50 yards north.  It opens up again at Heap Avenue and is clear until the bend.  There is then another ice jam until the Selkirk Bridge.
 
April 9, 2020 Update
The Province has advised that the Floodway Gates will not be open until late Saturday or possibly Sunday.  We will be monitoring water levels throughout the weekend and will provide further updates as information becomes available.  
 
April 8, 2020 Update
Please be advised that the ice jam has now moved north of the Lockport Dam and is sitting at Craig Avenue.  The floodway gates still remain closed for at least the next 24 hours, however water from spring runoff is in the floodway and is spilling over into the Red River.   We are monitoring the situation and will provide updates as information becomes available.   Please be prepared and ensure your property is protected and that all valuables are moved to higher ground.



Drone Video Footage Of Red River High Water Levels And Ice
 
April 13, 2020 - RCMP Drone Video Footage
April 11, 2020 - RCMP Drone Video Footage
Canada Sky Drone Video Footage



Flood Response Safety, COVID-19 Pandemic And Your Responsibilities
 

The R.M. is complying with all provincial direction and orders implemented to protect public health and safety in light of COVID-19, and this includes changes to this year's flood response.  Protection of your property is your responsibility and we are encouraging you to take action now.

  • As in years previous, individuals are responsible for building their own dikes.
  • The R.M. will not be installing sandbags or tube dikes on your property.
  • Empty sandbags can be picked up at the Public Works Shop in Clandeboye between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
  • There is a limit of 200 empty bags per person.  There is sand available in the Public Works yard where you can fill bags.  Social distancing measures will be put in place for your safety.
  • You should have an emergency plan and enough supplies on hand for 72 hours.
Dealing with potential spring flooding while adhering to the safety measures required for the COVID-19 crisis is a challenge we are facing together.  Thank you for your patience, understanding and cooperation.


 
Sand And Sandbags


 
For Petersfield and Netley Creek Area Residents
Empty sandbags can be picked up at the Public Works Shop in Clandeboye between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.  There is a limit of 200 empty bags per person.

There is sand available in the public works yard where you can fill bags.  
 
Flood Response Activity Summary Based on COVID-19 Constraints
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic this flood season, Safe Work Procedures are being finalized to ensure safety of all flood response workers.  Please click here to read more on safety procedures for sandbag dike construction and sandbag production.
 
If you have any questions or are experiencing overland flooding or frozen culverts, contact the Public Works Department at 204-738-2076 or email carole@rmofstandrews.com.
 
Check out our webpage Flood Protection for more information.


 
Emergency Planning For Residents Flyer
 
Click on the following link to view the March 2, 2020 Emergency Planning for Residents flyer mailed out to residents.