Annual Spring and High Water Preparations

Each year the city implements its standard spring high water preparedness plan and continuously monitors river levels to maintain the appropriate state of preparedness throughout the spring melt.

The City’s primary focus is the safety of our citizens. This page has been created to give you the resources you need to prepare in case of emergency, keep you informed of the measures we are taking and the notify you of the impacts both potential and current to our community.

PLEASE STAY AWAY FROM THE RIVER AS THE ICE IS UNSTABLE.

Red River Level

Red River flows are above normal for this time of year, and the predicted river crest dates are unknown at this time.

Standard Annual Preparedness

The City may take some or all of the following steps as part of it’s standard annual preparedness procedures:

Additional snow removal in areas of concern.
Clearing of ditches to allow water to flow into the drain system
Steaming of drains to allow water to flow into the drain system
Completing work on the permanent closure of the dike in Selkirk Park at the boat launch.
Working with the Province to gather information as it becomes available.
Preventative removal of wharf grates, light standards and garbage receptacles from the Waterfront (conducted end of March/early April when required based on predicted Red River levels).
Ensuring the Municipal Emergency Plan is up to date.
Permanent dikes monitored to ensure they are structurally sound.
Drainage basins are monitored by City staff.
Addition of signage related to dangerous ice and water conditions.
Pre-emptive placement and testing of pumps and flood related supplies.

Current Impacts:

Weather Statement

No Alerts in effect at this time.

For local up to date information visit: https://www.weather.gc.ca/warnings/report_e.html?mb14

Spring storm events & the City's drain system

Selkirk was built with combined sewers – an old system where both stormwater and sewer systems are merged into one pipe. It’s been proven that combined sewers have a limited capacity during high rainfall events, and can be harmful to the environment, and people’s homes.

In recent years, Selkirk, using its Capital Asset Management Program has been investing into separating the city’s sewer network. Separated Sewer Systems have two separate pipe systems. One set takes household and industrial waste to the wastewater treatment plant, and the other set of storm drain pipes routes rain water and snow melt from streets directly into the Red River, minimizing the impact on the city’s drainage system.

Sewer separation is a critical objective of the city’s award-winning Climate Change Adaption Strategy (CCAS) but achieving full separation will take tens of millions of dollars over the coming years. By using our asset management program we’re creating opportunities to link this work with other projects therefore making it as cost-effective as possible.

Basement and overland water

Basement water

This occurs when there are heavy rain events, rapid snowmelt and an abundance of water in the city’s sewer system. If it’s more water than the sewer system can handle, excess water can flow backward into your home’s sewer line and subsequently flow into your basement

Overland water

This can occur during any spring melt but is more common when water on the ground surface cannot be absorbed by the ground, does not have sufficient time or space to flow into drainage systems, finds a way info foundation cracks or the river is so high that it potentially causes water to cover roads and properties and in some cases seep into homes through the outside walls.

Overland water can also occur during heavy rainstorms when the ground is still frozen or cannot absorb the water at the rate at which the rain in falling.

Is your home at risk? What you can do to protect it.

It is impossible to predict whether or not your home is at risk so it’s best to make sure that the proper precautions have been taken to mitigate risk.

Protect your home

Raise items off the floor of your basement or garage to avoid water damage.
Check your insurance policy to ensure that you have appropriate water damage coverage for your area. For more information on insurance please contact your provider.
Make sure you have a sump pump and or backwater valve and that it is in working order.
Check to make sure your eavestroughs are not clogged with leaves or debris and that down spouts are placed appropriately.
Shovel snow away from your home.
Make sure your basement windows are sealed and that water wells are not full of debris.

Sand and bags

Sand and bags are always available to those who are in need during the high-water season. Supplies may be delivered directly to a home or to a central location where many homes could be or are being affected.

To request bags and sand please call 204-785-4900.

Sand and Dike Construction

*Poly is the responsibility of the homeowner

City preparedness

Each year the city implements its standard spring high water preparedness plan and continuously monitors river levels to maintain the appropriate state of preparedness throughout the spring melt.

Updated as preparedness begins.

Questions? please call 204-785-4900 or email CitizenSupport

Personal Preparedness

Preparedness For Your Home

Warmer temperatures, rain and snowmelt in Manitoba can have a number of effects on your home as ground water rises and spring thaw begins to flow.

Here are some ways you can help prepare your home for the effects of water in spring:

Raise items off the floor of your basement or garage to avoid water damage.
Check your insurance policy to ensure that you have appropriate water damage coverage for your area. For more information on insurance please contact your provider.
Make sure you have a sump pump and or backwater valve and that it is in working order.
Check to make sure your eavestroughs are not clogged with leaves or debris and that down spouts are placed appropriately.
Shovel snow away from your home.
Make sure your basement windows are sealed and that water wells are not full of debris.

Preparing your Family for High Water Events (Regardless of the risk)

Have an emergency kit ready to go. For more information on how to build an emergency kit click here.
Secure important items such as house information, certificates and family photos in a waterproof area off the floor.
It only takes 6 inches of water to knock an adult off their feet. Be sure to be safe around standing water as you may not know the depth or current beneath the surface.

Preparedness For Your Pet

If you have pets in your home it’s important to include them in your family’s emergency preparedness plan and you may want to consider creating them their own specialized emergency kit. Animal emergency kits may include: