WINNIPEG (The Canadian Press) - Officials in Manitoba are considering the unusual step of operating the Winnipeg floodway before ice has melted to save the city from a serious deluge when the Red River crests next week.
Steve Topping, director at Manitoba Water Stewardship, said activating the floodway Wednesday as river levels rise to just over six metres could spare some neighbourhoods.
But he said using the floodway early creates the potential of ice jams around city bridges and rising water levels south of the city.
"There are risks - unknown risks - because we're in territory we've never been in before," Topping said Friday. "This is an unusual year with unprecedented ice conditions, so contingency plans have been developed to address these unique circumstances."
Officials plan to make the call Wednesday morning if thick ice on the river hasn't started to melt, he said.
Flood forecasters are predicting the province will see water levels slightly below Manitoba's second worst flood in 1979. Winnipeg is expected to be hit with a series of crests - the first and highest around April 9.
The city has never had to deal with such stubborn ice at the same time as a crest on the Red River, Topping said.
"The floodway was put in place to protect the city of Winnipeg," Topping said. "The intention is to operate the floodway should imminent flooding potentially take place within the city of Winnipeg."
Officials may operate Winnipeg floodway before ice melt
- Published on April 4, 2009
- Published on July 10, 2009
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