It doesn't appear that flooding will be an issue for most areas of the province this spring.

The Government of Manitoba issued its first flood outlook for the 2018 season and Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler announced that the threat of widespread major spring flooding remains low.

"The combination of drier soil conditions in the fall and below-average winter precipitation means there is currently a low risk of major flooding across southern Manitoba," said Schuler. "Of course, while there is reason for cautious optimism, Manitobans know first-hand that significant winter storms can blow in on a moment’s notice at this time of year and rapidly alter our spring flood projections."

The outlook indicated that the risk of major flooding is low for the Interlake region and most of Manitoba’s southern river basins including the Red, Assiniboine, Souris and Qu’Appelle rivers and tributaries.

Minister Schuler added that the risk of major flooding is currently low for all lakes including Lake Manitoba, Lake Winnipegosis and Dauphin Lake and the Whiteshell lakes. The risk remains low to moderate for northern basins including the Churchill River. The Carrot and Saskatchewan rivers near The Pas are also considered to be at low to moderate risk.

Schuler noted however there is one potential trouble spot and it has to do with the thickness of the ice on some of Manitoba’s rivers and streams. He explained that due to the cold winter experienced throughout the province and lack of sufficient snow to shield the cold in southern Manitoba, ice thickness is above normal on many rivers, meaning ice jam-related flooding could become an issue in some areas.

Meantime, the Province indicated that the use of flood management infrastructure may be limited, adding the Red River Floodway is unlikely to be used under normal weather conditions. The Portage Diversion however, will likely be used for ice control along the Lower Assiniboine River. The Shellmouth Dam will continue operations to reach summer levels after the spring run-off.

"Manitoba Infrastructure and its team of flood forecasters will continue to monitor conditions and influences along the province’s watersheds as we move into spring and peak flood season," said Schuler. "While our government is encouraged at the prospects of a below-normal flood season, we will be prepared for whatever comes Manitoba’s way."

The next flood outlook will be issued at the end of March.