Flood waters have now surpassed last spring’s level along the Red River at Ste. Agathe.

As of Friday, the level is at 765.1 feet, compared to last year when it reached 764.84 feet. Manitoba Infrastructure is projecting it could rise another three feet before it crests. Projections are that it will peak at a level between 768.0 and 768.7 feet. By comparison, it peaked at 771.29 feet in 2006.

A flood warning remains in effect along the Red River from Emerson to the Red River Floodway. Between Emerson and Letellier, the forecast is tracking near 2006 spring levels, whereas areas north of Letellier are below 2006 spring levels.

Since Thursday, the Red has gone up about five inches at Emerson, where it is expected to crest between April 19th and 20th. At Morris, the river level has risen seven inches since Thursday and should peak between April 22nd and 24th. While at Ste. Agathe, the river has climbed five inches during that same period and is expected to crest between April 23rd and 25th.

There are now eight road closures in Ritchot. They are the LaSalle Bridge on Waverley, Crown Valley Road at Provincial Road 200, Courchaine Rd Between PR 200 and Turnbull Drive, Alarie Road Between PR 200 and Crystal Springs, Levesque Road at PR 305, Prefontaine Road from PR 200 to Sood, Meyers Road from PR 200 to Red River and Twin Creek Road from PR 200 to Sood.

On the Ste. Agathe dike, pumping has started at the Gravity inlet (GS2) within the community to aid in interior drainage as the gate is now closed. Drainage will be continuously monitored.

Manitoba infrastructure has completed construction of a ramp on Highway 75 on the north side of Morris as part of efforts to keep the highway open for as long as possible. The peak water level on the Red River at Morris will determine if there is a need for a full closure over the next few days.

Meanwhile, the National Weather Service is calling for the Red River at Pembina to peak at 51.2 feet on Monday, which is about 21 inches higher than last spring.

Flooding at Ste. Agathe (Photo credit: S. McMahon)