The Hydrologic Forecast Centre of Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure is advising the public of hazardous ice conditions on rivers, lakes, drainage ditches and retention ponds throughout Manitoba as the spring thaw commences.
While ice may appear like normal winter ice, it may be very thin and no longer support people and objects, such as snowmobiles and vehicles.
Daily temperatures are warming gradually and deteriorating ice thickness and strength. The quality of river ice within communities is also uncertain and Manitobans are advised to stay off rivers, lakes, drainage ditches and retention ponds.
The Hydrologic Forecast Centre cautions:
- snowmobilers, skiers and others not to venture onto rivers and lakes due to the dangers of falling through;
- thin ice is often covered by snow, which produces weak spots due to its insulating effect;
- areas of fast-flowing water tend to have thinner ice than other areas, which may not be visible; and
- people living near waterways should prevent children and pets from wandering onto the ice.
