AFTER HOURS EMERGENCIES
If high water levels are impacting you or your property, please submit a service request so that the appropriate staff receive the request immediately and there is a record of the request being made and action taken. If it is an after hours emergency where your home is at immediate risk, call (204) 904-9286. Please always call 911 if you are in a life threatening situation.
Posted: December 18, 2024
The 2024 Manitoba Basins Fall Conditions Report describes the hydrologic conditions of Manitoba basins at the time of freeze-up. The 2024 Fall Conditions Report describes the current state of two hydrologic factors for which data is available at the time of reporting.
These two known factors covered in this report are the soil moisture at the time of freeze-up and base flows in rivers and water levels on lakes prior to freeze-up. The report also contains long term forecasted winter precipitation as a general indication of probable future weather and forecasted flows and levels throughout the winter for various rivers and lakes.
Below is an overview highlighting the information that would be most relevant.
2024 Precipitation and Soil Moisture at Freeze up
- Most basins received near normal to below normal precipitation throughout the summer and fall of 2024; except for parts of southern Manitoba and the Red River basin in the northern United States that received above normal to well above normal precipitation and northwestern Manitoba, including areas near The Pas that received below normal precipitation.
- Recorded precipitation from November 1 to December 9 was significantly higher than normal precipitation for nearly every basin in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and the Red and Souris river basins in the United States with some basins receiving the highest amount of precipitation on recent record, dating back to 1981.
- Soil moisture is generally near normal to below normal for most Manitoba basins, except for portions of the Red River basin in Manitoba and the United States, which have above normal to well above normal soil moisture, and portions of northwestern Manitoba, which have well below normal soil moisture conditions.
- Near normal to below normal soil moisture levels thus far indicate a potential for near normal to below normal spring runoff within these river basins; however, the extent of spring runoff is still largely dependent on future weather conditions, including the amount of winter and spring precipitation, as well as snow melt conditions.
River Flows and Lake Levels
- Base flows and levels on most Manitoba rivers are near normal for this time of the year.
- Lake Manitoba is within its operating range of 810.5 ft – 812.5 ft.
- Lake Winnipeg is within its operating range of 711 ft – 715 ft.
- Lake St. Martin is within its operating range of 797.0 ft – 800.0 ft.
- Dauphin Lake is operating just above its operating range of 853.0 ft – 854.8 ft and is tracking 0.7 feet above normal for this time of year.
- Lake Winnipegosis and Whiteshell Lakes are currently tracking near normal conditions for this time of the year.
- Inflow into Lake of the Prairies (Shellmouth Reservoir) is tracking near normal condition for this time of the year.
- The Shellmouth dam is being operated in consultation with the Shellmouth Reservoir Regulation Liaison Committee to drawdown the reservoir in preparation of spring runoff.
Long-term Precipitation Outlook
- Environment and Climate Change Canada’s latest long-term precipitation forecast indicates a potential for above normal precipitation from December to February for most Manitoba basins.
- Global weather prediction centres indicate that a weak La Nina climate condition is expected to persist through the winter and spring.
- The effect of La Nina is variable across the globe, but generally, for Manitoba, it is characterized by below-normal temperatures and above-normal precipitation from December to March.
Forecasted Winter Flows and Levels
- Lake Winnipeg is expected to be near 712.5 feet by the end of March
- Lake Manitoba is expected to remain near 811.4 feet throughout the winter.
- Flows and levels on the Assiniboine, Red, Waterhen, Fairford, and Dauphin rivers are forecasted to remain at near normal in the period prior to the spring runoff.
- Lake Winnipegosis will remain near the current level of 830.4 feet throughout the winter.
- Lake St. Martin is expected to be near 799.0 feet before the spring runoff.
Emergency Management
- Manitoba Emergency Management Organization continues to review current operating procedures to ensure effective and efficient operations for the upcoming hazard season. This includes:
- Providing continuous coordination and collaboration with emergency management stakeholders.
- Maintain overall situational awareness by disseminating relevant up to date information.
- Providing education opportunities to local authorities and emergency management partners.
- Providing guidance and support to local authorities and emergency management partners throughout the province on preparedness and response related activities.
- Preparing for the annual spring conditions seminars with key partners.
The Hydrologic Forecast Centre will continue working collaboratively with Environment and Climate Change Canada, the National Weather Service and flood forecasters in neighbouring jurisdictions to monitor watershed conditions and winter precipitation patterns.
A detailed flood outlook will be published with updated information towards the end of February when further precipitation and other factors are available.
To read the full 2024 Fall Conditions Report, visit: https://gov.mb.ca/floodinfo/pdf/2024/2024_fall_conditions_report.pdf.
Duty Officer
Manitoba Emergency Management Organization
Posted: April 15, 2024
Interlake Drone ServicesOur final drone flight was conducted today and the imagery shows open water along the river as far south as we can see. There are still some patches of ice and snow along the riverbanks as well as some of the tributaries, including Wavey Creek, Goldeye Lake and Netley Lake, but nothing concerning. The bend at the Cut is open heading into Netley Lake which is always are biggest problem area for jamming.
Mother Nature was definitely on our side this spring and we managed through without any major incidents.
Our aerial drone footage was a great asset in ensuring there were no issues with the ice as we can only see so much from the ground. This is our third year using drone technology to monitor the river's ice conditions and it has definitely proven to be a benefit in our emergency response program.
Posted: April 12, 2024
We conducted another drone flight today to check on the latest ice conditions on the river and creeks. The weather has definitely proven favourable this spring, and everything is melting nicely. There are still some small ice patches scattered about as well as some smaller frozen areas, but otherwise, the rest is mainly open water. The problem spot is generally 'The Cut' where it bends to enter Netley Lake, and that area is open water. Netley Lake still has some snow and ice but with the warm temperatures coming this weekend, it is expected that much of it will melt. There appears to be no large ice floats on the river which generally cause the ice jams which is good news.
There is precipitation forecasted for next week but we don't foresee it causing any impacts to these areas but we will continue to monitor the situation.
Nothing concerning has been spotted along any of the waterways but we will conduct one final drone session on Tuesday, April 16 (weather permitting).
Posted: April 9, 2024
The drone flew again today to capture the latest imagery of the ice conditions on the river and creeks so we could see what changes have transpired since our first flight 1 week ago.
There is open water north of the Highway #4 bridge, and patches of open water here and there along the river as well as the creeks. Some of this water is wide open and some water is on top of the ice. In areas where there is open water, there is still ice along the riverbanks. Some areas of the river and creeks still have solid stretches of ice so it is quite a mixture of conditions out there right now with these warm temperatures we have been receiving.
Everything is melting gradually and the ice is rotting nicely and there are no concerns at this time.
The next drone launch is scheduled for April 12 (weather permitting) to see what changes transpire over the next couple of days.
Posted: April 3, 2024
Today we launched a drone into the air to capture some great aerial imagery of the current ice conditions on the Red River north of Selkirk as well as the Netley/Wavey Creek areas. You can check them out on our Flood 2024 Photos and Videos page.
There are no concerns at this time as the river is still frozen with no ice movement. There is open water south of the Liss Road area.
With the warmer temperatures in the forecast, we expect to see a significant amount of the snow melting in the drains and ditches and along the waterways. Some of the main drains have been cleared to help with any spring runoff. Many fields have very little snow cover so there aren’t any overland flooding concerns at this time. Public Works staff will be steaming culverts as deemed necessary.
There will be empty sandbags available at our Public Works Shop in Clandeboye as well as empty bags at the South Fire Hall (5610 Highway #9) for residents experiencing any water problems. Sand is available at our Public Works Yard in Clandeboye (sand/salt mixture) if required.
There is no significant amount of precipitation in the forecast to cause any concern.
Another drone flight is planned for April 9, 2024 (weather permitting). Flights will become more frequent as ice conditions change.
Photos and Videos courtesy of Interlake Drone Services.
Posted: March 26, 2024
Media Bulletin - Manitoba - March 26, 2024
PROVINCE ISSUES MARCH FLOOD OUTLOOK - Low-to-Moderate Risk of Spring Flooding, Rising Water Levels on the Red River
Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre has released its March Flood Outlook Report, which indicates a low-to-moderate risk of significant spring flooding across Manitoba basins.
With normal- to below-normal soil moisture at freeze-up and well-below-normal to above-normal winter precipitation for most Manitoba basins, the risk of significant spring flooding is low to moderate for most Manitoba basins. Water levels are expected to remain below dikes and community or individual flood protection levels. However, the risk of flooding could change depending on future weather conditions including rate of snow melt and the timing and amount of snow and rain received between now and the spring runoff.
The spring flooding risk is low for the Red River and tributaries, low to moderate for the Assiniboine River and tributaries and the Interlake region including the Icelandic and Fisher rivers; and generally low for the Souris, Qu’Appelle, Rat, Roseau, Pembina, Saskatchewan and Churchill river basins, and the Whiteshell Lakes region. As in most years, there is a risk of ice jam-related flooding on areas historically susceptible to ice jamming.
Most Manitoba lake levels are normal to below normal and forecasted to remain within their operating range after the spring runoff.
The Red River Floodway is not expected to be operated during this spring flood season based on forecasted conditions. Minimal operation of the Portage Diversion may be necessary under unfavourable weather conditions to control water levels on the lower Assiniboine River. The Shellmouth Reservoir is being operated to reduce the risk of flooding downstream on the Assiniboine River while also providing sufficient storage for water supply and recreation.
This forecast could change depending on weather conditions between now and the spring melt. There is no significant precipitation in the forecast for much of Manitoba over the next seven days. However, the Hydrologic Forecast Centre is monitoring a potential system that could bring up to 25 millimetres of precipitation to the United States’ portion of the Red River Basin.
Gradual run-off has started in some southern Manitoba basins including the Red River Valley. Levels are starting to rise along the main stem of the Red River and residents are cautioned about the impact of rising water levels as well as weak ice on the river. The Hydrologic Forecast Centre will start issuing daily flows and level forecasts once run-off fully begins, which will likely be by the end of March or first week of April.
The Manitoba government, local authorities and First Nations communities are continuing to prepare for spring flooding. This includes reviewing existing emergency plans, sharing information and preparing flood-response resources. Ice cutting and breaking is complete on the Red River and Iceland River. Further work is planned for portions of the Fisher River.
The 2024 spring flood outlook report is available at https://manitoba.ca/mti/floodinfo/pdf/2024/march_2024_flood_outlook_report.pdf
Posted: March 13, 2024
On March 1st, 2024, Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre released its February Flood Outlook Report which indicates a low-to-moderate risk of significant spring flooding across Manitoba basins.- Culverts will be steamed where necessary.
- Drone footage will be done of the ice breakup on the river and posted on our YouTube Channel.
- The main drains will be opened up along with other problematic areas to allow the ditches to carry off the snow melt. The following policy contains a list of all the drains we open and can be found here: Snow Removal & Drain Openings Policy. Drain opening commenced on March 11, 2024.
- Empty sandbags and sand will be available for those who require them.
If you do experience water problems, please submit a service request so it gets into our tracking system. These requests get submitted immediately to our Public Works staff via email and it makes it easier for them to prioritize the submissions based on risk levels. If using your phone to submit a service request, you must download our App first and submit it through the App. A service request cannot be submitted on the phone without the App.
Please note that the RM does not look after ditches or blocked culverts along any provincial road or highway. Contact the Highways Dept. (MTI) at 204-346-6266 if you have concerns.
Any important updates will be posted on this page along with links to the drone footage of the ice movement along the river. These videos and images assist us in monitoring the ice as it moves north for the potential risk of any ice jamming.
What you need to do if your property is at risk this spring
- Empty sandbags will be available at the Public Works Shop in Clandeboye as well as our South Fire Hall at 5610 Highway #9. Sand will be available at the Public Works Yard in Clandeboye. Note: You will require your own shovel to fill the bags. Contact the RM Office at 204-738-2264 in advance if requiring bags and/or sand.
- Monitor the spring melt and watch for anything abnormal in your area and protect your home and property as necessary; empty sandbags and sand will be available
- Know the notification/warning systems the RM uses:
- Municipal website (www.rmofstandrews.com)
- Media (Selkirk Record)
- CONNECT Notification System (Text/Email/Phone Call - only if you have registered; if you haven't registered, sign up now here: Register for CONNECT
- Protect your pets and livestock
- Take special precautions to safeguard electrical, natural gas or propane heating equipment. This may include turning off electricity to the affected areas of your home
- Move furniture, electrical appliances, valuables and personal belongings to floors above ground level
- Contact your insurer to make sure you are covered for flood insurance if your property is at risk
- The RM is not responsible for individual property protection, does not deliver sandbags and will not provide staff to install them
- Protect all openings, holding tanks, drinking water supply and septic fields that may be at risk
There are some great fact sheets and resources of information on our Flood Fact Sheets page that can provide guidance and assistance in preparing for possible flooding situations.
Province's Flood Outlook Information
To view the Province's latest flood outlook information and news releases, please click on the following link:
https://www.gov.mb.ca/flooding/index.html
To view the Government of Canada's Real-Time Hydrometic Data Graph for Netley Creek near Petersfield, please click on the following link: https://wateroffice.ec.gc.ca/report/real_time_e.html?stn=05OJ008
To view the Government of Canada's Real-Time Hydrometic Data Graph for Breezy Point, please click on the following link:
https://wateroffice.ec.gc.ca/report/real_time_e.html?stn=05OJ022
Posted: March 1, 2024
March 1, 2024 - Media Bulletin - Manitoba
FLOOD OUTLOOK PREDICTS LOW-TO-MODERATE RISK OF SPRING FLOODING
Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre has released its February Flood Outlook Report, which indicates a low-to-moderate risk of significant spring flooding across Manitoba basins.
Normal- to below-normal soil moisture at freeze-up and normal- to well-below-normal winter precipitation for most Manitoba basins have contributed to the low-to-moderate risk of spring flooding across the province. Water levels are expected to remain below dikes and community or individual flood protection levels. However, the risk of flooding may change depending on weather conditions including amount of precipitation between now and the spring melt.
The spring flooding risk is low to moderate for the Red River and tributaries including the Roseau River and the Pembina River. The spring flooding risk is low for the Assiniboine, Souris and Qu’Apelle Rivers and in northern Manitoba including the Saskatchewan and Carrot Rivers. The risk of spring flooding is generally low for the Whiteshell Lakes Region including the Winnipeg River system. The spring flood risk is moderate for the Interlake region. As in other years, there is a risk of ice jam-related flooding on the Fisher River and the Icelandic River.
Most Manitoba lake levels are normal to below normal for this time of year and within their capacity ranges. The risk of lakes flooding is low for most Manitoba lakes.
The Red River Floodway is not expected to be operated under normal and favourable future weather scenarios. However, in the event of unfavourable weather conditions, the floodway could be operated to mitigate water levels in Winnipeg. The Shellmouth Reservoir is being operated to reduce the risk of flooding downstream on the Assiniboine River, while providing sufficient storage for water supply and recreation.
This forecast could change depending on weather conditions including amount of precipitation between now and the spring melt. The Hydrologic Forecast Centre is monitoring a potential precipitation system that could impact Manitoba basins in the first week of March. The next flood outlook will be released in late March and will have a better assessment of Manitoba’s spring runoff conditions at that time.
The Manitoba government, local authorities and First Nations communities are proactively preparing for any spring flooding. This includes ice cutting and breaking on the Red River in late February, reviewing emergency plans, information sharing between governments and preparing resources used in flood responses.
The 2024 spring flood outlook report is available at: https://gov.mb.ca/mti/floodinfo/pdf/2024/february_2024_flood_outlook_report.pdf.
Posted: February 22, 2024
The Manitoba Government started it's annual ice-jam mitigation program on Feb. 20, 2024 and will be cutting ice along the Red River from Selkirk to the Netley-Libau Marsh to reduce the chances of flooding caused by ice jams.
Work is expected to be completed on March 15, 2024.
These amphibex machines will open up a channel about 100 metres wide, spanning for 28 kms from Selkirk north.
Notices will be posted in areas where ice cutting operations are occurring and the public is advised to stay off the ice in these areas.
Ice fishers are also reminded to remove any shacks in these areas.
Read full article by CBC News here: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/ice-breaking-operations-amphibex-red-river-manitoba-1.7120156
Posted: December 15, 2023
Manitoba EMO on behalf of the Hydrological Forecast Centre has provided the 2023 Manitoba Basins Fall Conditions Report, this report provides the conditions of the basins at freeze up.
Below is an overview highlighting the information that is most relevant to the RM of St. Andrews:
- The Interlake region, including the Fisher and Icelandic River basins and southeastern Manitoba have near normal soil moisture, while most other basins – including western and northern basins – have generally below normal soil moisture levels.
- Normal to below normal soil moisture levels thus far indicate a potential for normal to below normal spring runoff within these river basins, however, the extent of spring runoff is still largely dependent on future weather conditions, including the amount of winter and spring precipitation, as well as snow melt conditions.
- Base flows and levels on most Manitoba rivers are normal to below normal for this time of the year.
- Lake Winnipeg is within its operating range of 711 ft – 715 ft.
- All the three lakes are tracking between 0. 5 ft to 1.0 ft below normal levels for this time of year.
- Environment and Climate Change Canada’s latest long-term precipitation forecast indicates a potential for equal chances of above normal, below normal or near normal precipitation from December to February for most Manitoba basins.
- Global weather prediction centres indicate that an El Nino climate condition is expected to persist through the winter and spring.
- The effect of El Nino is variable across the globe, but generally, for Manitoba, it is characterized by above normal temperatures and below normal to near normal precipitation from December to April.
- Flows and levels on the Red River are expected to maintain below normal conditions in the period prior to the spring runoff.
- Lake Winnipeg is expected to be near 712.5 ft by end of March.
For more details, you can view the report here: 2023 Manitoba Basins Fall Conditions Report
The Hydrologic Forecast Centre will continue working collaboratively with Environment and Climate Change Canada, the National Weather Service and flood forecasters in neighbouring jurisdictions to monitor watershed conditions and winter precipitation patterns.
A detailed flood outlook will be published with updated information towards the end of February when further precipitation and other factors are available.
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