We've already heard warnings that the flood situation could be bad come spring. But ice jams and rising waters are already causing problems, even forcing people from their homes in Western parts of the province.
Flood waters from the Assiniboine River cut off the only road leading to the Gelineau's house. The family has now been forced to evacuate with no idea when they'll be able to return.
"This is not something I ever expected, it's so surreal," says Rae Gelineau.
The icy waters surrounded their cornwallis farmhouse in a matter of days. Flooding their basement. And unless waters receed or freeze, the gelineau's two year old twins will be spending christmas in a hotel room.
"Nobody's seen anything like this happen."
Officials in the RM of Cornwallis are so worried about the abnormal winter flooding they've declared a state of emergency and concern is mounting over what this means come the spring flooding season.
"We're trying to anticipate and prepare the public with letters about the flood that may happen in the spring," says David Smith, with the RM.
The Assiniboine River near Brandon is at least eight feet higher than normal and showing no signs of freezing anytime soon. And while only a few homes are at risk of flooding, hundreds of acres of farmland could be washed out come spring.
The provincial flood forcaster is keeping a very close eye on these waters. "It's pretty wet out there and we're asking people to be vigilant, because it's difficult to predict where ice jams are going to occur," said Philiip Mutulu.
But in Rae Gelineau's opinion, this is dark preview of what's to come. "Whether its a slow or fast melt, it won't be anything but disastrous."
For now, they're just trying to stay positive in their makeshift home at the hotel.
"We just focus on making sure the kids are ok," she said.
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