The Hydrologic Forecast Centre of Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure is advising the public the spring thaw has partially started in southern Manitoba basins including the United States portion of the Red River basin. As temperatures rise, river flows and water levels are expected to gradually increase, leading to potentially hazardous ice conditions on rivers, lakes and drainage ditches throughout Manitoba.
While the ice may appear like normal winter ice, it may be very thin and will no longer support people and heavy objects such as snowmobiles and vehicles.
The Hydrologic Forecast Centre also advises outflows from the Shellmouth Dam are being reduced from the current 680 cubic feet per second (cfs) to 300 cfs as part of the normal operation of the dam. This reduction in outflow is expected to weaken the ice along the Assiniboine River from Shellmouth to Brandon.
Use of the rivers, lakes, floodways or drainage ditches for activities such as skiing, sledding and snowmobiling could be hazardous at this time and should be avoided. Persons living near such waterways should be especially careful to prevent children and pets from wandering onto the ice.
Daily temperatures are warming gradually and deteriorating ice thickness and strength. The quality of river ice within communities is also uncertain. Citizens are advised to stay off rivers and retention ponds.
The Manitoba Emergency Management Organization (EMO) continues to work with all local authorities and emergency management partners to provide guidance and support to prepare for and respond to spring flooding. This includes reviewing existing emergency plans, sharing information and preparing resources used in flood response. Additionally, Manitoba EMO continues to work with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and Municipal and Northern Relations (MNR) to support ISC and MNR-led preparation activities for First Nations and Northern Affairs communities.
As the melt continues, updated flood information will be available at:
www.manitoba.ca/floodinfo/.
(Government of Manitoba news release)