Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre is advising the public that spring thaw has begun 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 across Manitoba.
Ice may appear similar to normal winter conditions but may be very thin and unable to support people or heavy objects such as snowmobiles and vehicles.
Use of the rivers, lakes, waterways and drainage ditches for activities such as skiing, sledding and snowmobiling could be hazardous at this time and should be avoided. People living near waterways should be especially careful to prevent children and pets from wandering onto the ice.
Daily temperatures are gradually warming and ice thickness and strength are deteriorating. The quality of river ice within communities is also uncertain. Manitobans are advised to stay off rivers and retention ponds.
The Manitoba Emergency Management Organization continues to work with local authorities, First Nations 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.
As the melt continues, updated flood information will be available at manitoba.ca.
