In southwestern Manitoba, precipitation was in the form of rain and heavy snow. There has been little additional snowfall since last Christmas. The Red River and many of its eastern tributaries were at record high levels last November and December. Flows and levels declined very rapidly in December 2000 due to very cold weather, but remained well above average. Flows are presently above average on the Assiniboine River, the Souris River, the Winnipeg River and the Nelson River.
Flows are below average on the Saskatchewan River and the Churchill River.
Unusual ice conditions were observed late last autumn particularly on the Red River and the Roseau River. Thick frazil ice and ice blockages raised water levels above flood stage at some locations. Manitoba Conservation investigated ice conditions in January to assess the potential for ice jamming next spring. It was found that the ice thickness on the Red River from St. Adolphe to Breezy Point was normal, ranging from one to two feet. The ice thickness on the Roseau River was also found to be in the normal range of 1.0 to 1.5 feet at most locations.