Farmers in the Red River Valley will most likely be spared from flooding this spring.
But farmers in west-central Manitoba from the Pembina River watershed north to the Whitemud River watershed may see some significant flooding.
According to the latest government flood forecast, the snowstorm in late February, which dumped up to 80 centimetres of snow in some areas, has changed the flood outlook west of the Manitoba escarpment.
Snow cover is very heavy around the Pembina River, which will likely flood unless the weather is favorable during the melt.
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Depends on spring
Peaks on the Pembina should be similar to those in 1995, and somewhat lower than in 1997. But adverse weather could bring levels up to what they were last spring.
In the Whitemud River watershed, snow cover is well above average. Unless the melt is gradual, flooding in the low-lying farmland along the river and Dead Lake Drain is possible.
The Westbourne area may also see some flooding.
Farmers in the Souris River watershed may see some minor flooding, but most of the snow will be soaked into the relatively dry soil in the area.
Waskada, Medora and Elgin creeks will likely spill their banks.
Low-lying land from Hartney to the United States border will likely be flooded for a short time. Little runoff is expected in this region from Saskatchewan.
There’s a potential for minor flooding on the Deadhorse and Tobacco creeks, as well as the Boyne River upstream from Carman.
Weather conditions over the next several weeks will determine the location and severity of spring floods.
