Minnedosa declares state of emergency amid rising water level

A dam near Minnedosa, Man. is seen on July 3, 2020. (Scott Andersson/CTV News Winnipeg)

The Town of Minnedosa declared a state of emergency due to the rising water level on its portion of Little Saskatchewan River.

This comes after Sioux Valley Dakota Nation and the City of Brandon declared states of emergency Saturday evening.

In a social media post Sunday afternoon, the town said the state was declared Sunday morning, allowing officials to access resources. The declaration will remain in place until Aug. 4.

The town said as of Sunday, it is one inch away from reaching full supply in Minnedosa Lake.

The forecasted peak has decreased from Saturday’s forecast based on the last 24 hours of observations at the upstream flow gauge.

Officials said the peak is expected between Monday and Wednesday, according to the post.

They also said residents should prepare for the water to rise by up to 0.6 metres (1.97 feet) above the current observed river level. Additional stop logs at the spillway won’t be removed on Sunday and will be reassessed on Monday.

The town previously requested volunteers on Friday for sandbagging due to “forecasted increased flow in the river from the north” over the weekend.

Provincial representatives are inspecting and observing in the field.

Town staff, emergency personnel and volunteers are working to prepare for the peak. Sandbagging and super sandbagging are complete in Heritage Village and Second Avenue N.E.

“Tiger tubes have been deployed on the southwest side of the bridge with addition tubes being deployed at Victoria Bay,” the post read.

More 24-inch tiger tubes arrived Sunday afternoon and will be sent to the needed areas by the fire department.

Sunday morning, the town sent out a notification requesting volunteers to fill sandbags. Volunteers will fill sandbags until 6 p.m. Sunday and the town will reassess after its 1 p.m. meeting on Monday.

“Reminder that water levels and conditions can change quickly and significant rises may occur with little to no warning,” the town asked the community.

Officials are asking residents to stay up to date with the latest information shared through the town’s social media channels, website, in-person community information sessions and urgent emergency messages via the Connect system.

“We urge all residents to remain alert, stay informed and take this situation seriously. Community preparedness over the next few days will be essential as we face the anticipated rise in water levels together.”