Parkland communities are on heightened alert after the province updated it spring flooding outlooks indicated an increased risk of overland flooding in the area.

Flood risk remains moderate to low elsewhere in the province.

The elevated risk is due to significantly above normal snowpack, a delayed spring melt and an increased likelihood of rapid runoff combined with spring precipitation.

Temperatures are expected to remain near zero through mid April, delaying the start of snowmelt and increasing the potential for a rapid, concentrated spring runoff period once melting begins.

In the Parkland, there is an elevated risk of overland flooding as temperatures are expected to rise above 10C in the coming days. Overland flooding can occur when rising temperatures trigger rapid snowmelt while ditches, culverts and drainage channels remain partially frozen or obstructed.

Spring flood risk remains high for the Interlake’s Fisher River basin, with elevated flood potential throughout the basin. Depending on weather conditions, peak flows are expected to reach levels similar to those observed during the 2014 spring flood, but if the melt happens faster, flows could approach levels seen during the 2022 flood, which were about two feet higher than 2014.

Based on the elevated flood risk, the province has arranged for tens of thousands of sandbags to be delivered to Peguis First Nation and surrounding communities.

In addition, provincial volunteers have been mobilized and are working with the community to begin preparations to protect homes at risk.

The province has provided regular updates to potentially impacted communities and remains committed to providing ongoing support to affected communities.