Manitoba activates Portage Diversion because of ice jam threat

WINNIPEG – Flood officials have opened the Portage Diversion due to the growing threat of ice jams.

In the Manitoba’s second flood update over the course of the weekend, officials said they hope opening the diversion will mitigate problems along the lower Assiniboine River and the surrounding area.

“The purpose of this operation is to control flows on the lower Assiniboine, Portage and Headingley,” said Steve Topping of Manitoba Water Stewardship. “The primary reason is to ensure we don’t get ice jams on the lower Assinboine, which could impact the Assiniboine dikes. If we see overtopping of Assinboine dikes, they are very difficult to control.”

A high-water advisory is in place for the Assiniboine River from St. Lazare to Portage la Prairie. An ice jam was reported near Spruce Woods Provincial Park.