An ice jam north of Selkirk on the Red River, Monday, March 21, 2016. (DAVE BAXTER / SELKIRK RECORD FILE)
Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure has launched its annual ice-cutting program on the Red River to reduce the risk of ice-jam-related flooding.
The initiative, set to run from February 18 to March 15, involves cutting and breaking river ice to prevent blockages that could cause water to overflow riverbanks.
The ice-jam mitigation program utilizes remote-controlled ice-cutting units and three Amphibex icebreakers to clear approximately 28 kilometres of ice from Netley Marsh to Selkirk, covering a width of about 100 metres. Additional operations are planned for the Icelandic River at Riverton, while the Portage Diversion will be monitored for potential action.
Officials are advising the public to stay off the ice in areas where notices are posted or recent ice-cutting activity is visible. Ice fishers are being asked to remove huts and equipment from affected areas.
