Lake Manitoba - 2011 Flooding

2011 Flooding

Due to above average snowfall over the winter of 2010-2011, and above average precipitation in the spring in the Lake Manitoba watershed, forecasted water levels on Lake Manitoba called for levels above the regulated upper range of 812.5 feet (247.7 m) above sea level and around the flood stage of 814 feet (248 m) above sea level. With the added inflows of the Portage Diversion due to high water levels on the Assiniboine River and it tributaries, of up to 34,000 cu ft/s (960 m3/s) of water, the forecast for Lake Manitoba was revised on numerous occasions until the predicted peak was between 817.3–817.5 feet (249.1–249.2 m) above sea level in mid-July. On May 31, 2011 a strong wind storm occurred on the lake with winds from the north and the north-west of 70 km/h gusting to 90 km/h causing major damage to beaches and communities on the south basin of the lake including Twin Lakes Beach, St. Laurent, St. Ambroise, Delta Beach, Lynch's Point, Big Point, and large areas of farmland.