WINNIPEG – With the high volumes of precipitation that are predicted over the next few day, residents are reminded to take proper precautions to protect their homes against flooding.

As of 10:28 a.m. on Wednesday, October 9, 2019, the river level at the James Avenue gauge was 14.03 feet. River levels are available online at City of Winnipeg – River Levels and updated in real time every 10 minutes.

This is the highest autumn crest we have seen since November 2010, when the Red River at the James Avenue gauge crested at 13.3 feet. The average autumn level for the Red River at the James Avenue gauge is around 6 to 9 feet.

At this time, there are no properties at risk of river flooding.

Weather conditions and river levels will be monitored regularly to determine required flood protection measures.

Basement Flooding

Basement flooding is a risk at any time of the year; however, the risk increases when river levels rise because the sewer system must rely heavily on pumping stations rather than gravity to carry the water runoff due to higher river levels.

Homeowners are reminded to take the following steps to protect their homes and property:

To ensure maximum protection against basement flooding, arrange for a licensed plumber to install a sewer line backup valve and a sump pit with pump in the basement.

Inspect backup valves and sump pump drainage systems to make sure they are functioning properly.

Ensure drainage is directed away from the home by extending downspouts away from the basement walls and ensuring the earth is built up around the house.

Property owners are reminded it is against the law to drain sump pump water into the basement floor drain or any other part of the house plumbing system, as it can overtax the sewer system placing their basement and those of their neighbours at risk of flooding and damage.