It is another sign of spring. Our province today announced that ice cutting will begin next week on the Red River in order to reduce the potential impacts of ice-jam flooding.
The ice-jam mitigation program, which consists of cutting and breaking river ice, was launched in 2006 to reduce the risk of flooding caused by ice jams on the lower Red River and several other rivers. Ice jams form when floating ice is blocked from moving downstream, forcing water to back up and overflow riverbanks.
"Our government is remaining vigilant by implementing the ice-jam mitigation program in order to protect Manitobans from the chance of flooding due to ice jamming," says Doyle Piwniuk, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. "As part of the mitigation strategy, the Manitoba government is committed to further advancing preparedness solutions including ice cutting operations in the province."
Remote-controlled ice cutting units and three Amphibex icebreakers are used each year to cut and break approximately 28 kilometres of ice on the Red River from Selkirk to Netley Marsh for an approximate width of 100 metres. Ice cutting and breaking operations are also often undertaken on the Icelandic River at Riverton and at the outlet of the Portage Diversion.
Currently, ice cutting operations are also planned on the Icelandic River in mid to late March but are not expected to be required at the Portage Diversion. Conditions in the Assiniboine River basin will continue to be monitored to determine whether icebreaking activities at the Portage Diversion become warranted.
Notices have been posted in areas where ice cutting machines will be working. River users are advised as a safety reminder to stay off ice where notices are posted or where evidence of recent ice cutting is apparent. Ice fishers are also reminded to remove huts or other materials in areas covered by the ice-jam mitigation program.
The icebreaking and ice cutting equipment is operated and maintained by Winnipeg Environmental Remediations Inc., a Manitoba company that provides comprehensive environmental services, general contracting and civil earthworks.