Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation advises ice cutting is scheduled to begin on the Red River north of Selkirk today as part of the provincial flood-fighting effort to reduce ice-jam flooding. The Amphibex icebreakers will take to the ice the next day. River users are asked to observe warning signs and stay clear of the equipment as cutting machines weaken ice to help Amphibex breakers open channels.
The ice-cutting machines will be on the Red River in the area between Netley Creek and Netley Lake, cutting and scoring the ice to help enable ice movement and reduce ice jamming.
The ice breaking and ice-cutting equipment is operated and maintained by North Red Waterway Maintenance Inc., a corporation formed by the rural municipalities of St. Andrews and St. Clements, and the City of Selkirk.
Notices have been posted in areas where the ice-cutting machines will be working as a safety reminder for ice fishers, snowmobile enthusiasts and other river users. Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts are advised to stay off the ice where notices are posted or where evidence of recent ice cutting is apparent. Ice fishers are also reminded to remove huts or other material in the areas covered by the ice-mitigation program.
