Manitoba: Major flooding possible in 2015
Digital Reporter
Thursday, December 18, 2014, 9:28 AM - Manitoba is at risk of major flooding in 2015, according to flood forecasters.
The province's Hydrologic Forecast Centre, in its 2014 fall conditions report released Tuesday, notes most major rivers and lakes are at above normal water levels for this time of year.
They say soil moisture conditions are also higher than normal.
The Assiniboine, Qu'Appelle and Souris rivers will be closely monitored, the report said. Officials say those watersheds could see major flooding next spring if there is a fast melt or heavy rain.
They say that could happen even with normal winter precipitation.
SEE ALSO: Attention turns to 'significant' weather system arriving December 24
A number of factors are considered in making long-term predictions for potential floods or droughts, and Infrastructure Minister Steve Ashton cautions it's much too early to say what may happen next year.
"At this time, rivers and lakes are higher than average, so we want to ensure Manitobans and municipal officials are aware of what we are dealing with, even at this early stage with a full winter to come," he said in a statement.
CLICK BELOW TO WATCH: The Manitoba government has pledged to raise two bridges as well as sections of Highway 75 near the town of Morris in an effort to keep a crucial route to the United States open during times of major floods.
With files from The Canadian Press
