Spring flooding levels will depend on future weather conditions as the first 2017 flood outlook suggests the risk of moderate to major flooding in many areas of the province.

Infrastructure Minister Blaine Pedersen says there are also a few other contributing factors.

"Inflows from the northern United States in the Red River Basin and the Souris River Basin remain a concern. The Lower Assiniboine River to the west of Winnipeg continues to be a concern too. At this time the flood models suggest the Red, Souris, Pembina, Roseau, lower Assiniboine, and the Whiteshell lake areas are at major risk of flooding."

Blaine Pedersen expects a lot of water around the province this spring. (file photo)

Pedersen says the overland flooding risk is moderate in the Interlake region along the Upper Assiniboine River, and the northern portion of the province including the Saskatchewan River. Major lakes do remain a concern, and current river flows and lake levels are normal to above normal for this time of year.

He explains what sort of factors will contribute to possible flooding in the province. "As noted the magnitude of spring flooding is still very dependent on weather until the spring melt, flood potential is significantly affected by the amount of additional snow and spring rain, frost depth at the time of runoff, the timing and rate of the spring thaw, and the timing of peak flows in MB the US and other provinces."

At this time, the forecast models suggest:
- the Red, Souris, Pembina, Roseau and Lower Assiniboine rivers and the Whiteshell Lakes areas are at major risk of flooding;
- the overland flooding risk is moderate in the Interlake region, along the upper Assiniboine River and the northern portion of the province including the Saskatchewan River; and
- major lakes remain a concern and current river flows and other lake levels are normal to above normal for this time of year.

The Manitoba government and municipalities are continuing to prepare for spring flooding. The province’s practice is to plan and prepare for unfavourable weather conditions and the scenario of highest flood risk.

This includes working with municipal emergency management teams to review existing emergency response plans and sharing information through conference calls and flood information seminars in Morris, Brandon and Selkirk, the minister added.