CBC News - Red River expected to spill its banks in Manitoba this spring as flood outlook worsens
“Precisely how high the river gets depends on weather from now until the spring melt. If conditions are dry and the snow melts gradually, the flood risk along the Red River could be downgraded to moderate.”
This article in CBC News highlights the possible flood danger to Manitoba communities along the Red River. The Red River originates at the confluence of the Bois de Sioux and Otter Tail rivers between the U.S. states of Minnesota and North Dakota, flows northward through the Red River Valley and into Manitoba. It empties into Lake Winnipeg, whose waters join the Nelson River and ultimately flow into Hudson Bay. With heavier snowstorms south of the border this winter, the flood risk is increased. Despite the river being predicted to flood, it is not expected to exceed the ring dikes; meaning it is not likely that communities will be directly impacted. The increased snow leads to more snow melt, thus testing the capacities of the river. The Red River is predicted to rise to 2019 levels and if there is an increase in the average precipitation in the coming weeks, the 2020 river levels will likely be matched. Neither of those years saw levels surpassing the ring dikes. Many people live on the floodplain surrounding this river, but the water has yet to reach that level. Nearby infrastructure is also expected to be safe from flooding. A report by the MB Hydrologic Forecast Centre has published forecasting flood conditions for March and announcing that the floodway will be opened to control water levels.
“In its March flood outlook, Manitoba’s hydrologic forecast centre said the storms that swept across North Dakota and Minnesota during the latter portion of the winter left behind more snow than usual across much of the U.S. portion of the Red River drainage basin.”
Park benches along the Red River in Winnipeg's Churchill Park are seen surrounded by water during a previous spring flood. (Meaghan Ketcheson/CBC)
The Canada1Water project will include decision-support tools to inform on long-term streamflow trends for rivers across Canada including the Red River and give flood forecasting centers a helpful tool in projecting flood risk to the end of century (as well as other climate change-induced disasters). Additionally, this project will give policymakers and communities an added level of information to ensure the safety of all residents.
“The Red River Floodway is expected to be put into operation this spring to reduce water levels in Winnipeg. With the floodway in operation, the Red is expected to crest between 17.5 and 19.5 feet above normal winter ice levels at Winnipeg’s James Avenue, depending on the weather in the coming weeks.”