Flood Bulletin #1

Press Release

April 14, 2026

Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre continues to monitor the potential for spring flooding. With warmer weather forecasted for this week, there is an increased flood risk in the Interlake region including the Icelandic River and Fisher River basin, as well as an elevated risk of overland flooding in the Parkland region. Flood risk remains moderate to low elsewhere in the province.

Snow water content in parts of Manitoba, including the Parkland and Interlake regions and the Shellmouth Reservoir basin in Saskatchewan is normal to above-normal. An additional moderate precipitation system is forecasted to impact parts of central and northern Manitoba, including the Saskatchewan portion of the Shellmouth basin this week.

With warmer temperatures expected in the coming two days, snowmelt may occur and create overland flooding in parts of southern and central Manitoba, including the Parkland region. Temperatures are forecasted to fall below-freezing levels from Thursday to Sunday, slowing the snowmelt rate. However, temperatures are forecasted to return to seasonal normals of above-zero degrees starting early next week (April 20) and increasing the potential for a rapid, concentrated spring runoff period once melting begins.

Runoff in the Fisher and Icelandic River basins may begin around April 20 to 21, with peak flows anticipated between April 23 and 28. Spring flood risk remains high for the Fisher River basin, with elevated flood potential throughout the basin. Depending on weather conditions, peak flows are expected to reach levels similar to those observed during the 2014 spring flood, but if the melt happens faster, flows could approach levels seen during the 2022 flood, which were about two feet higher than 2014.

Runoff is ongoing in southern Manitoba basins, including the Red River. A second peak along the Red River is expected to occur south of Winnipeg starting April 20 to 26 with peak flows ranging from 32,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) to 45,000 cfs depending on future weather conditions. Levels may exceed bankfull capacities at some locations along the Red River valley, leading to minor flooding. The Red River is expected to peak at 17.7 ft James avenue in the city of Winnipeg between April 21 to 25 under normal future weather conditions. The Red River Floodway may start operation this weekend to control water levels in the city of Winnipeg. Runoff is partially underway along the Assiniboine River but peak levels are not expected until April 25. By that time, levels could exceed bankfull capacities at some locations and create minor flooding of low-lying areas.

Based on the elevated flood risk, the province has been working closely with potentially affected communities, including Peguis First Nation, Fisher River Cree Nation and the Rural Municipality of Fisher, as well as the surrounding local authorities. As of April 13, nearly 110,000 filled sandbags have been delivered to Peguis First Nation. Volunteers and community members are also working to fill sandbags on site and to protect homes at risk in the community. The province has also delivered thousands of larger, super sandbags that can be filled and quickly deployed to protect local infrastructure and homes.

In addition to the work of volunteers with sandbags, the province is working with Peguis to build larger clay dikes to protect other homes and properties as needed. Multiple agencies and volunteers are supporting the flood protection efforts, including the Canadian Red Cross which has a sandbag filling machine set up in Selkirk that will continue to supply sandbags for affected areas.

The province has provided regular updates to potentially impacted communities and remains committed to providing ongoing support to affected communities.

As spring snowmelt progresses, conditions can change rapidly, particularly if warm temperatures or rainfall occur over a short period. Overland flooding may develop in low-lying areas, especially where drainage systems remain partially frozen or obstructed. Manitobans, particularly those in flood-prone areas such as the Interlake, Parkland region, and communities along the Fisher River and Assiniboine River, are encouraged to stay informed and take appropriate precautions.

The Hydrologic Forecast Centre will continue to update forecasts as weather and spring runoff conditions evolve. Manitobans are encouraged to stay informed as spring runoff approaches, particularly anyone living near rivers, streams and low‑lying areas.

The Manitoba Emergency Management Organization continues to work with local authorities, First Nations and emergency management partners to provide guidance and support to prepare for and respond to spring flooding. This includes reviewing existing emergency plans, sharing information and preparing resources used in flood response.

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For more information:

• Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: mgi@gov.mb.ca or 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
• Media requests for general information, contact Communications and Engagement: newsroom@gov.mb.ca.
• Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Cabinet Communications: cabcom@manitoba.ca.

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