The Assiniboine River crested at Portage la Prairie Thursday at flows slightly lower than forecast.

In its latest flood bulletin, Manitoba Infrastructure's Hydrologic Forecast Centre says the river crested at 38,600 cfs. Flows as high as 43,000 cfs at crest were forecast earlier this week. Flow on the Portage Diversion was 23,761 cfs as of yesterday and flow downstream of the diversion was 14,797 cfs. 

"Due to some fortunate events, from contributions from smaller tributaries and the weather co-operated, our forecast did come in lower than those earlier projections," says Manitoba Infrastructure assitant deputy of water management Doug McMahon.

A flood watch remains in effect for the area between Portage la Prairie and Headingley. Flood officials say temporary flood protection measures are complete on the lower Assiniboine River.

"At the flows that we're seeing the municipalities downstream are prepared for the 15,000 cfs level," McMahon explains. "...The Portage Diversion is operating close to its design capacity. Crews at the Portage Diversion have completed preparations to accomodate emergency flows above the design capacity of 25,000 cfs. But, it should be noted, we're not expecting that at this time."

"Don't get me wrong this is a lot of water," continues McMahon. "It's a one in 35 year flood frequency on the Assiniboine River at Portage. But the system is handling the flows that we're seeing."

Lake Manitoba levels were at 812.9 feet as of yesterday's crest at Portage.