An Amphibex icebreaker operates on the Red River north of Selkirk on Tuesday, February 17, 2015. (CHRISD.CA)
Heavy machinery is on the Red River north of Selkirk, Manitoba to break up ice and prevent spring ice jams.
The province has placed four Amphibex icebreakers on the river with a crew of 30 operating 24/7.
“Once again the Manitoba Amphibex team will lead an important part of our overall flood-fighting effort to reduce ice-jam-related flooding on the north Red,” said Premier Greg Selinger.
“The province’s advanced flood infrastructure protects Manitobans who are affected by flooding. We have seen how quickly ice-jam related flooding can develop, and the icebreaking machines and personnel will cut a path for river ice to move.”
The province’s four Amphibex AE 400 icebreaking machines will be operating this season. (CHRISD.CA)
Ice-cutting machines have already been at work since early February.
Selinger says the province’s first flood outlook of the season will be released next week.
“Government officials are working with municipalities to refine plans and assess equipment needs to prepare for what may be coming this spring.”
The Amphibex fleet crushes more than 25 km of river ice annually and is operated by the North Red Waterway Maintenance Inc.
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