Posted on: May 12, 2022 | Environment, Roads and Highways, Water Levels
Manitoba Parks has shared the following update today.
Water levels remain high throughout Whiteshell Provincial Park. Water levels are expected to continue to rise on the on lakes throughout the park and the Winnipeg River. Cottagers in this area should be aware that due to the natural restriction of water flow along the river system water may fluctuate quickly in these areas.
PR 307 between Betula Lake and White Lake remains closed.
PR 312 near Caddy Lake is closed.
Water is covering the highway on PTH 44 near McGillivray Falls and PR 309 near Meditation Lake.
Water is present on several block roads through out the park. High Rock road at West Hawk, Inverness Falls road, Jessica Lake block 5-6-7-8 and White Lake Block 4 have larger areas of water on the roadways. Caution should be used when travelling through flooded areas.
The following boat launches are closed due to flooded access and unstable launch conditions: the White Lake Boat Launch, Jessica Lake Boat Launch, Rennie River/ Heart Lake Boat Launch on PR 307 near Betula, South Shore Big Whiteshell Boat Launch, Toniata, and Falcon Beach Campground Boat Launch. Nutimik Block 1 Boat Launch is accessible by small vessels only. Boat Traffic on Jessica Lake should be aware of debris and large areas of floating bog present on the lake.
The following hiking trails are closed: Alfred Hole, Whiteshell River, the Marsh Trail (between Falcon Lake Marina and Beach Campground) and Falcon Creek. Mantario Hiking Trail remains open however the south trailhead is closed. Hikers should use the north trailhead for both the start and end of their trip. Hikers should be prepared to encounter high water especially at McGillivray Falls, Pine Point Rapids and Rainbow Falls. Water is still very cold and extra caution should be used near shorelines.
Campers should check the Manitoba Parks homepage for the status of campgrounds prior to coming to the park this weekend. Several campgrounds have full or partial closures.
We encourage everyone to check manitoba511.ca before travelling (you can also call 511 anywhere in Manitoba to get updates by phone).
Manitoba Parks staff are working in conjunction with staff from the department of Manitoba, Transportation and Infrastructure to monitor lake levels and adjust control structures where possible.
Sandbags for filling and sand are available for cottage owners to protect cottages or weigh down docks on a proactive basis across from Nutimik Maintenance Yard, Otter Falls Ball Diamond, Betula Ball Diamond, the parking lot across from Brereton Lake Resort, West Hawk maintenance yard and the causeway at Falcon Lake. The location across Brereton Lake Resort has a limited amount of pre-filled sand bags available.
If cottagers have any questions, concerns or urgent matters please contact Manitoba Parks at 204-340-6769. To report an emergency please contact 911 if located in the South Whiteshell and if in the North Whiteshell contact the Whitemouth RCMP detachment at 204-348-7177.