Flood far from over

A fresh layer of snow Saturday has officials re-evaluating the flood threat, but so far, it’s expected to have little impact.

"Recent snowfall in southern part of Manitoba and northern U.S is not expected to affect crest predictions but may result in a long period of flooding," said Steve Topping, with Manitoba Water Stewardship.

The cold weather is prolonging the flood season, which officials are calling a record flood because it is geographically larger than in 2009.

"This year’s flooding covers an unprecedented area of the province, from the Saskatchewan border to eastern Manitoba and from The Pas to south to the U.S border," said Topping.

On Saturday, the Red River Floodway was adjusted to allow for increased flows from the rising Assiniboine River but it will still cause river levels in Winnipeg to rise by more than a foot.

"Throughout today, there will be gradual river level increases in the City of Winnipeg, levels will be maintained at 20 feet James by tomorrow," said Topping.

The city has put its sandbagging efforts on hold, until further notice.

Outside the city, 25 rural municipalities have declared a state of emergency and 576 people have been forced to leave their homes from flood waters.

Peguis First Nation has called in more help to fight flood waters that has forced nearly 700 people to evacuate.

During a tour of Peguis on Friday, Premier Greg Selinger pledged $1.5 million for short term flood fighting equipment.

At last count over 180 homes are affected in the community and an extra sandbag machine has been brought to help save them.

“Our ultimate goal with in the next few days is to have 500,000 sandbags going out," said William Sutherland, the emergency coordinator for Peguis First Nation. "Everybody is trying to address those homes.”

In western Manitoba, precautions are being taken against the rising Assiniboine River.

"In Brandon, a dike is being construction across PR459 near 18th Street and PR459 will be closed west of the city." said Chuck Sanderson, executive director of Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization. "The dikes in the Brandon area are now being monitored on a 24 hours basis."

Overland flooding has washed out and closed over 700 rural roads in Manitoba and 67 provincial roads.

"Road closures can occur quickly and motorists are advised to be cautious and avoid driving on water covered roads," said Sanderson.

Highway 75 south of Morris is being monitored daily but remains open.

A crest along the Red River is expected to hit Emerson around April 26th and in Winnipeg by early May.