The province released the February Flood Outlook and it reports a low-to-moderate risk of significant spring flooding in most southern Manitoba river basins. As well, water levels are expected to stay below dikes and other means of flood protection at all locations where they exist.
The water level on Dauphin Lake right now is 854.9 ft which is about 2 ft above its operating level of 853 ft. After spring runoff, the lake is expected to remain above the operating range, but below flood protection levels.
Lake Winnipegosis is currently about half a foot above normal at 830.96 ft, but the lake level is expected to be near normal after the spring runoff.
Lake Manitoba is within its operating range right now at 811.76 ft and is expected to stay at a similar level once spring runoff finishes.
In the Interlake region the risk of significant flooding is moderate. However, the risk of flooding due to ice jams on the Fisher River is high. As well, the outlook notes that flows are above normal for this time of year at the Dauphin River and Fairford River.
When it comes to winter precipitation so far, the outlook says it was generally below normal across most of southern and central Manitoba from November to February.
Looking forward, as we all well know, the risk of flooding could change depending on weather conditions between now and the spring melt.
