Snowmelt and warm temperatures drive flood threat along Manitoba’s Icelandic River

Homeowners in Arborg and Riverton say they haven't seen the Icelandic River this high since 2022. Jeff Keele reports.

Communities along the Icelandic River are flood proofing because of rising water.

The province says with warmer temperatures and continued snowmelt, the Icelandic River is under a flood warning. Levels have spilled over the banks in some locations.

Water is creeping into John Duek’s yard in Arborg. The river runs through the town.

“It’s higher than it’s been in quite a few years,” said Dueck. “But in 2022, it was a little bit higher than this now.”

Town and municipal officials say the water level was holding Thursday, but Warren Toderan, the area’s emergency coordinator, says they’re watching the forecast.

“From what we see forecasted, yes there’s a good potential that more water can come, and nobody wants to let their guard down,” said Toderan.

That could impact a number of homes. Toderan says some have already been sandbagged and tiger dams have been set up too.

“There’s homes here along the river that you know those waters are right up to their shed so if it increases that increases our numbers,” said Toderan.

Thousands of sandbags are being made available for homeowners. Officials are cautioning people if you need them don’t wait until the last minute.

There is also overland flooding, roads are closed, and ice had to be broken up along the river in Arborg to prevent ice jams.

In Riverton, ice was flowing and then got caught up on the bridge in that community, so a crew started breaking it up.