Flooding is being forecasted for the Red River Valley at or marginally above the 2009 flood levels. That is with normal or unfavourable weather conditions.

 Ron Schuler, Minister of Manitoba Infrastructure said, "In 2009 we did see some closures of highway 75 and other roads as well as some of the ring dykes. And we suspect there will be the potential of closing highway 75 and some of the ring dykes as well."

Schuler said that the flooding risk in the Assiniboine River and Souris River is moderate.

"We don't see that as being as much the issue," Schuler said, "it's going to be the Red River Valley."

This flooding has a lot to do with the snow that fell just south of Fargo.

Schuler said that a lot of snow fell in that area. Some of it will go to the Mississippi basin and some will be headed this way.

"We're planning for the worst but hoping for the best."

Just above freezing temperatures during the day and freezing temperatures at night have been ideal with slowing the spring thaw.

"It melts during the day, puts the water into the Red River and then flows at night. In the meantime, everything freezes and no extra water gets in. And then it just repeats it every day," Schuler said. 

A lot of water has been moving through the Red River, getting into Lake Winnipeg, even though the water levels haven't been rising that much.

Schuler is pleased that the weather has been cooperating here and south of the border.

He said they expect the water to peak at Emerson between April 12 to April 23.

Schuler praised the municipalities across the province and said he's impressed at how they're prepared. He said they're working hard and they're diligent.

"I've been travelling a lot of the communities and I will continue to do so to see if they need any extra assistance. They're doing a great job," he said.

"We think we're in really good shape to take this on."