Manitoba spring flood risk low in most areas
In its first flood forecast for the year, the Manitoba government says the level of most major lakes and rivers are well-above normal for this time a year.
However, the risk of flooding still depends entirely on what happens between now and the spring melt.
"This first outlook estimates the potential for overland flooding is normal to above normal in the western areas of the province and normal to below normal in the rest of the province," the province stated on Friday.
"This could change depending on weather conditions between now and the spring melt. The second outlook at the end of March will further define the flood potential."
The province also said the winter blanket across Manitoba is thin this year, so those river and lake levels shouldn't rise much unless some big storms blow in.
Winter precipitation is above normal to well-above normal in central and western Saskatchewan, though, which could impact the Souris, Assiniboine and Qu'Appelle rivers if that province gets a significant snow or rain in the next couple of months.
There is also a downside of not having much snow on the rivers. The ice thickness is above normal due to a lack of insulation from snow cover.
"When warmer temperatures arrive and runoff starts, there is a chance of localized flooding due to ice jams or snow blockages in drains, ditches and small streams. Major ice jams are difficult to predict as to location and magnitude and cannot be ruled out," the province stated.
On mobile? Read the full flood outlook here
