Two Manitoba regions under higher risk of flooding

Flooding is shown in Peguis First Nation, Man., Wednesday, May 4, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski

The province updated its spring flood outlook on Saturday, adding Parkland region and Icelandic River in flood risk areas.

In a media release, Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure said the forecast for Icelandic River was updated to a high risk of flooding. The province said the ice-jam related flooding is a concern along the river, as it was for previous years.

The province also updated the outlook for Parkland region, now putting it in an elevated risk of overland flooding – something that can occur when fast snowmelt happens, but ditches, culverts and drainage channels remain partially frozen or blocked.

The flood risk for Fisher River basin remains at high level, as mentioned in the centre’s March update.

According to the release, peak flows are expected to reach similar levels from the 2014 spring flood, subject to weather conditions. If the melt happens faster, it can approach levels of 2022 flood – about two feet higher than 2014.

Thousands of sandbags are to be delivered to Peguis First Nation and surrounding communities, with provincial volunteers mobilized for protection for homes at risk, according to the province.

The province added it continues to work with local communities, such as reviewing emergency plans, ahead of flood season.

The hydrologic forecast centre asked Manitobans to stay informed as it updates forecasts based on evolving weather and spring runoff conditions.

With files from CTV News’ Charles Lefevbre