He isn't hitting the panic button yet, but the transportation manager for Border Land School Division is closely monitoring the spring flood potential in the region.

With normal weather conditions predictions are for a 2009 size event along the Red River which runs through the division's Emerson-area catchment.

Based on the flood 10 years ago, Todd Nichols says he is expecting some overland flooding with a few road closures in the Municipality of Emerson-Franklin this spring, but notes overall there should be minimal impact to bus routes.

"Drivers would make the odd detour due to some of the road closures or washouts if that were to happen," he explained.

Nichols noted in 2009, flood waters did not prevent buses from getting kids to school.

"We'll look for all-weather roads and which way can we get around. Maybe if it's required we would take some students from one route to another and accommodate them that way," he said.

On the other hand, he says a 2009 level flood or higher on the Red River would likely impact extra-curricular bus trips to communities along Highway 75, which was closed for several weeks that year.

"So then it's a matter of detour and whether we'd have to go west to Highway Three or come through Dominion City and take (PTH) 59 into Winnipeg. We just look at depending on where they're going and making those adjustments as needed."

In addition, Nichols will also be keeping an eye on the rural areas that tend to flood near local low-level crossings.