Flood concerns already rising in Manitoba

The mayor of Souris, Man., is looking nervously westward after Saskatchewan released its flood forecast.

SaskWater reports a snow pack more than twice the normal level there and in southwest Manitoba.

Souris Mayor Daryll Jackson said that could mean trouble because all that run-off is heading to his community and there isn't permanent flood protection in place.

"A real quick melt with all the snow that they say is over there, any kind of rainfall event in the spring could put us in some jeopardy," he said.

In 2011, residents in the town of about 1,700 people southwest of Brandonfought against a rising river that claimed their famous suspension bridge.

About 400 Canadian Forces reservists were called into sandbag vulnerable areas, helping to keep the town dry.

But officials were forced to sever the landmark bridge, built in 1904, due tofears the rushing waters could pull out the bridge's anchors and damage an important earth dike, putting the entire town at risk.

Jackson said the town hasn't been able to doany permanent floodwork since then becauseit mustwait until the province gives the go ahead.

"We're waiting once again on the report from the engineering firm and then the government," he said.

Alot can change by flood season, but it's good to start preparing, Jackson said.

Manitoba's flood forecast won't be out until the last week in February.