Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre is advising the public to stay off the Assiniboine River between Shellmouth Dam and Portage la Prairie as the ice surface may weaken or crack and become hazardous following the reduction in flows from the Shellmouth Reservoir.

Flow was being released from the Shellmouth Reservoir since the fall in order to increase its capacity for anticipated spring runoff. As the target level on the reservoir has been achieved, it is necessary to reduce the outflow to 100 cfs from the current 1,035 cfs (cubic feet per second) starting Wednesday March 30. Outflow will be reduced to 500 cfs today Wednesday, March 30 and to 100 cfs on Thursday, March 31.

The reduction on flows in the Assiniboine River could break the ice and create hazardous conditions. It is strongly advised that individuals are careful due to potential weak ice conditions on rivers and lakes.