A flood warning remains in effect for the City of Brandon as elevated water levels continue along the Assiniboine River following significant rainfall across western Manitoba.
The warning, issued by the province’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre, applies from the Shellmouth Dam to Brandon. Recent precipitation has pushed water levels higher, with some areas exceeding channel capacity and increasing the risk of flooding along riverbanks, agricultural land, and low-lying areas.
Additional rainfall and unsettled weather conditions may further contribute to rising levels and prolong the current situation. Officials say rivers across western Manitoba are still responding to runoff and saturated ground conditions, which can lead to continued high water in the days ahead.
Assiniboine River looking westward near Wheat City Golf Course. Captured Tuesday June 23 at at 8 p.m.
(Photo credit: Frank McGwire)
While current levels are elevated, they remain well below some of the most significant floods in the region’s history. The Assiniboine River has experienced multiple major flood events over the past century, including in 1976, 1995, 2011 and 2014.
The 2011 flood stands as the largest on record. During that event, water levels near Brandon reached heights not seen in centuries, with flows about 60 percent higher than previous records and flooding that persisted for months. Pressures from extreme rainfall, heavy snowpack, and saturated soils combined to create one of the most severe flood events in Manitoba’s history.
Even earlier, floods such as the 1882 event caused widespread damage and demonstrated the Assiniboine River’s potential to overflow dramatically under extreme conditions.
Today, flood management infrastructure such as the Shellmouth Reservoir and Portage Diversion helps reduce peak flows and protect downstream communities, including Brandon.
Residents are urged to remain cautious near waterways and follow all safety advisories. Conditions can change quickly, and officials will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves.
Brandon’s Flood History at a Glance
🌊 A River with a Long Memory
The Assiniboine River has a well-documented history of flooding, with major events recorded for well over a century.
📍 1882 — Early Devastation
One of the earliest major floods saw widespread overflow affecting farmland and infrastructure, even without modern measurement systems in place.
📍 1976 — Modern Benchmark
This flood was the largest recorded in the Assiniboine basin since the 1800s and became a key reference point for future events.
📍 1995 — Significant High Water
A notable flood year that, along with 1976, helped define expectations for flood management before the 2011 event.
📍 2011 — Largest on Record
The most severe flood in centuries, with flows near Brandon far exceeding previous records and impacts lasting for months.
📍 2014 — Continued Risk
Another major flood year underscoring the ongoing vulnerability of the basin to high water events.
🛠️ Flood Protection Today
Infrastructure like the Shellmouth Reservoir and Portage Diversion now plays a critical role in reducing peak flows and helping protect communities such as Brandon.
⚠️ What It Means Now
While current conditions are elevated, they are part of a long pattern of river fluctuations—closely monitored and managed with far more tools than in the past.
Assiniboine River near First Street Dam. Captured Tuesday June 23 at at 8 p.m.
(Photo credit: Frank McGwire)
📌 Did You Know?
🌧️ Major floods are rare
The Assiniboine River has experienced only a handful of major flood events in modern history, including 1976, 1995, 2011 and 2014.
❄️ Conditions have to align
Severe flooding usually requires several factors to occur at the same time, including a heavy winter snowpack, saturated soils and either rapid spring melt or significant rainfall.
🛠️ Protection has improved
Infrastructure such as the Shellmouth Reservoir and the Portage Diversion now helps store and redirect water, reducing peak flows and lowering flood risk for downstream communities.
📈 Rising rivers don’t always mean major floods
The Assiniboine rose numerous times between 1976 and 1995, but did not reach major flood levels. Less extreme weather conditions and improved water management helped keep those events from becoming disasters.
