Nuclear Impact Analysis · Canada

Is Winnipeg safe from a nuclear strike?

We modelled the most plausible strategic targets around Winnipeg and simulated blast, thermal, radiation and fallout effects against its 830,000 metro residents.

100/100
MINIMAL RISK

Winnipeg city centre sits 287.1 km from Minot silo cluster NE, the most plausible strategic target in the area (high targeting confidence). Modelled strike: 800 kt surface burst.

Estimated survival chance at city centre: 99%

Run the interactive simulation for Winnipeg →

What a strike on Minot silo cluster NE would mean

A 800 kt detonation produces a fireball 1.1 km across in radius. Reinforced concrete fails out to 2.5 km (20 psi). Most residential buildings collapse within 5.1 km (5 psi), and windows shatter dangerously out to 11.5 km (1 psi). Anyone in line of sight within 10.3 km suffers third-degree burns from the thermal pulse.

Because military and hardened targets are typically attacked with surface bursts, fallout matters here: with prevailing winds the dangerous plume would stretch roughly 134 km east of ground zero. Winnipeg city centre lies outside the projected corridor under these wind assumptions.

Most plausible targets near Winnipeg

TargetTypeDistanceAssumed yieldConfidence
Minot silo cluster NEmilitary287 km800 kthigh
Minot AFB ICBM field (ND)military341 km800 kthigh
Minot AFB (ICBM/B-52)military348 km800 kthigh
Minot silo cluster NWmilitary373 km800 kthigh
Malmstrom silo cluster NEmilitary955 km800 kthigh

Key blast radii (800 kt surface burst)

EffectRadiusWhat happens
Fireball1.1 kmComplete vaporisation
20 psi blast2.5 kmHardened structures destroyed, ~100% fatalities
5 psi blast5.1 kmMost buildings collapse, widespread fatalities
3rd-degree burns10.3 kmFull-thickness burns to exposed skin
500 rem radiation2.8 kmLethal dose without medical care
1 psi blast11.5 kmWindow breakage, light damage, glass injuries

How Winnipeg can prepare

With a population density of 1,400 people/km², Winnipeg's outcome would hinge on the first hour. The guidance is identical everywhere: get inside, stay inside, stay tuned. A basement or the core of a large concrete building cuts fallout exposure by a factor of 10 or more, and radiation decays fast — dose rates fall ~90% within the first 7 hours and ~99% within two days.

Check your exact address in Winnipeg →
Model disclaimer: These are research-grade estimates from open scaling laws (Glasstone & Dolan, 1977), not predictions. Actual outcomes depend on burst height, weapon choice, weather, terrain and sheltering. In any real emergency follow official civil-defence guidance.

Compare with other cities

Xi'anIncheonNew YorkMiamiVancouverFrankfurtMilanCopenhagen