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The flows on the Assiniboine River is expected to be high this spring.

The province’s first flood outlook warns peak water levels will be below flood protection levels.

They are warning flows might produce some flooding of farmland and low-lying areas.

The Shellmouth Dam will be operated to store a portion of the spring run-off, thereby reducing downstream river flows.

Major lakes are expected to remain in their respective operating ranges this spring.

They say there is a low risk of overland flooding in the Interlake, upper Assiniboine and Whiteshell lakes areas.

The Saskatchewan River and Carrot River in northern Manitoba are at moderate risk of overland flooding.

Because below-normal temperatures are expected in March and April, there is the risk that delayed snowmelt could happen at the same time as spring rains.

March remains a crucial month in terms of snowmelt and weather conditions, and how that will affect the flood forecast going forward,” Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler said. “We expect to update Manitobans with more information as updated forecast data becomes available.”

Ice is also expected to be thicker than normal, which would increase the risk of ice-jam flooding.

Currently, Manitoba Infrastructure is collecting ice thickness samples across Manitoba basins.