Manitoba's Flood Picture Remains Challenging

Manitoba News Release - May 8, 2011 - FLOOD BULLETIN #38 - Manitoba Water Stewardship reports:
*    A three-day unstable weather system is expected to bring widespread rain ranging from 20 to 50 millimetres across the entire southern Manitoba watershed. 

The Assiniboine River, just below the Shellmouth Dam.

Due to recent rain, soils have a reduced capacity to retain water and any further rain will likely run off into streams and rivers. 
*Communities along the Assiniboine River between Portage la Prairie and Headingley are advised that water levels along the river will be increasing in approximately two to four days.  The unprecedented flows are a result of last week's weekend storm, the timing of the melt from the storm and additional rainfall forecast for this week.  
*Water levels on the Assiniboine River at the First Street Bridge in Brandon are 1,182.17 ft., an increase of 0.87 ft. since yesterday. 

*    Protective dikes in Brandon are being raised another two feet today in preparation for heavy rains expected in the next two to three days.

*    In Brandon, PTH 110 is being protected by large flood-barrier tubes put in place yesterday.  The road is open but down to one lane and is flagged and marked.

*    Dikes are being raised at 18th Street to add a third super-sandbag layer.  Dikes are being closely monitored on First Street, which may need to be closed later today as a safety precaution.  Pumps are also running at both locations.

*    Provincial sandbags are being delivered to Brandon to support flood-fighting efforts.   

*    Water levels on the Assiniboine River at the First Street Bridge in Brandon are 1,182.17 ft., an increase of 1.18 ft. since yesterday.

 Without the Shellmouth Reservoir, (r.) water levels at Brandon would be three ft. higher.  
 Natural flows on the Assiniboine River at Brandon today would be comparable to the 1882 flood without the benefits provided by the reservoir.