More rain threatens Red River flooding, water could reach 2009 levels

Yet another weekend of rain for Manitoba, and this time around the storm could raise Red River water levels to those seen in 2009 – which was the second-worst flood on record since 1826.

Another Colorado Low system could bring 30 to 80 millimetres of rain to southern and central Manitoba. The province says Winnipeg has received just over 110 millimetres in precipitation on average.

“So taking account into account this morning, Environment Canada precipitation into forecast and knowing what we know so far, we are looking at levels could go up to 2009 levels for the Red River Valley and the mainstream,” said Fisaha Unduche, the executive director of Manitoba’s hydrologic forecasting.

“So, this will put southern Manitoba in the order of 200 per cent to 500 per cent of normal for April 1 to 28 as an example, as a normal precipitation for the entire Red River basin for this time in April is only 28 millimeters. But the basin average this year already is about 80 millimetres, which is about 300 percent of normal on the Red River Basin.”

By Sunday morning, the ground is expected to be fully saturated, and since most creeks and rivers are already full of previous rain and snow melt, this could lead to more overland flooding.

“Because of this, we just issued a flood watch for most of southern Manitoba basins,” said Unduche. “The reason being is the rain comes and fills a ditch and some ditches are still clogged.”

Manitobans who are in flood-prone areas are being told to pay close attention to prepare for the possibility of more flooding.

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“Some people may need to do sandbagging if their property is at high risk,” said Scott Kehler, the president and chief scientist at Weatherlogics. “Other people will want to check their sump pumps because even if you’re not seeing water around your house, that doesn’t mean it can’t still get in the basement through the ground.

“So, make sure that your sump pump is working, and you may even want to consider having a backup in case there’s a power outage.”

Some drier weather is expected soon. According to Kehler, the forecast is clear right now, but May is still considered a wet month.