Flood risk still moderate to major after first 2017 flood forecast

Even with the mid-February melt, the flood forecast still remains high for southern Manitoba.

While future weather conditions are going to be a major contributing factor, the first flood outlook of 2017 suggests moderate to major flooding across many areas of Manitoba.

"At this time, we encourage communities to continue with preparatory measures such as ensuring emergency protocols are in place," Infrastructure Minister Blaine Pedersen said in a release. "The province's Hydrologic Forecast Centre will continue to closely monitor precipitation, spring melt and inflows from the northern United States in the Red River Basin and the Souris River basin in the west. As the flood outlook becomes clearer, we want to ensure the safety of our communities and all Manitobans."

At this time, the Red, Souris, Pembina, Roseau and Lower Assiniboine rivers plus the Whiteshell Lakes are at major risk for flooding. The overland flooding risk is moderate in the Interlake region, along with the upper Assiniboine River and the northern portion of the province.

The mid-February early melt diminished most of the snowpack south of Grand Forks, North Dakota, but has left soil saturated and prone to high run-off volumes from future precipitation.

The final flood outlook will be release in late March. The province is preparing for unfavourable weather conditions and planning for the highest flood risk.