Communities in western Manitoba are preparing for rising river levels following chaotic rainfall and widespread flooding, according to municipal officials. In Minnedosa, volunteers are filling sandbags to protect the town from the Little Saskatchewan River, while Brandon is implementing dike closures to fend off the Assiniboine River, which is forecast to peak near July 12.
Why is Minnedosa preparing for floods?
The town of Minnedosa, which has a population of about 2,500, is located in a valley along the Little Saskatchewan River. Water from the central part of Riding Mountain National Park flows south into this river, and provincial forecasting projects spiking water flow levels over the coming weekend.
Katianna Polejewski, the municipal emergency co-ordinator, stated there is a possibility the river will rise 2.5 feet, or roughly three-quarters of a metre, in the coming days. To manage this, the town is consulting with the province regarding the operation and regulation of the Minnedosa dam, which holds back water at the south end of Minnedosa Lake.
Local residents are taking proactive measures based on past experiences. Esther McLaughlin, a longtime homeowner, placed sandbags around her property after her basement flooded with six feet of water in 2020.
How is Brandon managing the Assiniboine River?
Brandon is preparing for the Assiniboine River to rise early next week. According to a city news release, the river is expected to peak around July 12.
The city has implemented a temporary dike closure on Grand Valley Road, west of 18th Street N., for protection work. While Brandon is not currently in a state of emergency, Mayor Jeff Fawcett said the city is “going full-in” to be prepared.
Tobin Praznik, the city’s emergency manager, noted that the city is utilizing a dike system and established mitigation strategies. Officials are urging the public to avoid riverbank areas, closed trails, and parks because the river is moving fast and is expected to accelerate.
What may happen next?
Water levels in Minnedosa could rise by nearly a metre soon, which may require the activation of emergency social service teams currently on call. The town’s ability to prevent a threat depends in part on the regulation of water flow from the Minnedosa dam.
In Brandon, the city will continue checking off mitigation items as river levels increase over the next week. If the “best-case scenario” occurs, Mayor Fawcett indicated the city may have performed unnecessary preparations that will later be dismantled.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Assiniboine River expected to peak near Brandon?
According to a city news release, the forecast peak is near July 12.
How much is the Little Saskatchewan River expected to rise?
Municipal emergency co-ordinator Katianna Polejewski said there is a possibility the river will rise 2.5 feet, or roughly three-quarters of a metre.
What measures has Brandon taken on Grand Valley Road?
The city implemented a temporary dike closure to the west of 18th Street N. for flood protection work.
Do you live in a flood-prone area, and have your local preparations changed over the years?