[Excerpts from Feb. 28 Manitoba Government News Release]
The potential for spring flooding is quite low across most of southern Manitoba because of below average snow cover, according to the Manitoba Conservation Water Branch's first spring run-off outlook for the year, based on watershed conditions as of late February.

A flood potential exists in portions of western Manitoba where soil moisture and snow cover are above average. The area west of PTH 10 from Hamiota north to Mafeking could experience localized flooding of low-lying agricultural lands with normal weather conditions from now on.

Flooding is not expected on the Red River and its tributaries this spring. The chance of flooding due to possible adverse weather is less than one in ten. Minor flooding is possible on the Assiniboine River from Shellmouth to Brandon and along the Souris River from Coulter to Hartney with normal weather conditions from now through April. There is a one in ten chance that adverse weather could result in more significant flooding similar to that of 2001.

Levels of many Manitoba lakes are below average for this time of year. Levels of Lake Manitoba, Lake Winnipegosis, Lake Winnipeg, Lake Of The Woods as well as some smaller lakes could be significantly below desirable levels after spring run-off unless above average precipitation develops between now and June.

Weather conditions during the next few months will have a significant effect on the chances for spring flooding or possible water shortages.

Full Release
2003 Spring Flood and Water Supply Outlook

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