Water watchers expect normal amount of flooding in Manitoba this year

WINNIPEG – Manitoba is looking at normal flooding this spring unless Mother Nature decides to dump a lot of snow and rain on the flood-prone province.

Officials say there is a lot of snow on the ground, but there isn’t much moisture in the soil so much of the run-off can be absorbed.

Emergency Measures Minister Steve Ashton says the province may not even need to operate the floodway which diverts high water around Winnipeg.

Ashton says there is still a potential for overland flooding and ice jams in some isolated areas.

He says the forecast could change quickly if there is an unusual amount of precipitation.

Ashton says the province is ready with flood-fighting tools if the outlook worsens.