Residents in the Interlake region are bracing themselves for the potential of flooding this spring, and this week's blizzard was only one of several alarms already sounding. Lake Manitoba Rehabilitation Committee chair Tom Teichroeb says there is a plus-side, though.

"I think the alarm was on already," explains Teichroeb. "I guess, not to speak lightly, but it certainly could have been a lot worse. It didn't drop as much snow in other parts that also feed into those same watersheds. The snow in many parts of the province is very minimal."

Although a lot of snow fell out west, he says the lack of usual amounts around the largest contributors to Lake Manitoba -- Lake Winnipegosis and the Waterhen -- is definitely favourable.

Teichroeb says the province has also taken the initiative this year, and they've considered whether or not Lake of the Prairies reservoir has potential for storage. They've also got the Fairford River Water Control Structure wide open at the other end all winter long to keep as much water out of Lake Manitoba as possible. He adds he's hopeful there'll be a little bit more of a buffer in those two lakes.