Brandon closes dike in preparation for Assiniboine River crest

Overland flooding and tributary flows are beginning to subside across southern Manitoba.  Flows in the Assiniboine River are continuing to rise with a crest in Brandon expected within then next few days.

Workers in Brandon are busy installing a clay plug to close off Grand Valley Road at 18th Street to avoid flooding. First street is another area of concern for Brandon and in an effort to keep it open during the crest aquadams are being installed. City officials say that they also have a number of pumps situated along their dike system should the need arise

Ice is still in place on northern rivers and tributaries, while most rivers in southern Manitoba are ice free.

The Assiniboine River forecast has been revised based on the forecast of the Assiniboine and Souris rivers peaking simultaneously at the Portage Reservoir. Municipal governments are currently working to put temporary flood protection measures in place to meet the expected flows on the lower Assiniboine River.

Water levels at James Avenue in Winnipeg were measured at 17.82 feet as of 1:30 pm Saturday April 8, 2017.  With the floodway in operation, water levels at James Avenue are expected to remain within the range of 17 to 18 feet for the next week as flows on the Red River recede and flows on the Assiniboine River increase.

A flood watch remains in effect for the area between Portage La Prairie and Headingley as flows will gradually be increased to about 15,000 cfs by Monday.

Up-to-date flood information can be found at www.gov.mb.ca/flooding

-News4 Staff-

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