The province’s ability to prevent or break up river ice jams has increased with the addition of a third Amphibex AE 400 icebreaking machine, Premier Greg Selinger announced today.
“The new Amphibex will be ready in March to join the two existing machines that have proven to be good investments in reducing the formation of ice jams by removing or breaking up ice in threatened areas,” said Selinger. “Ice jams are unpredictable, but we do know from experience that these machines can make a difference and are an important part of our overall flood-fighting efforts.”
The new Amphibex will cost $1.2 million including about $60,000 to improve structural strength and hydraulics. The province has also acquired a trailer to transport the 22-ton machine between launch sites and assignments.
Before the spring run-off begins, ice-cutting machines will be used ahead of the icebreakers to make cuts along and across rivers to weaken the ice. An Amphibex will then break a channel in the middle of the river to allow the ice to move freely.
The current fleet of ice breaking equipment in Manitoba includes:
• three Amphibexes,
• five ice cutters,
• three Argo amphibious crew shuttle vehicles, and
• three trailers.
Signs will be posted as a safety reminder to ice fishers and snowmobile enthusiasts in areas where the machines will be working to break up river ice.
Ice jams most frequently occur with higher flows during the spring run-off and can result in significant localized flooding. Ice-jam-related flooding can also develop quickly and without warning.
In 2009, ice-jam-related flooding in the north Red River area damaged homes and cottages, cut off roads, and put some residents and emergency rescue workers at significant risk due to a sudden rise in water levels caused by ice. The possibility of another dangerous ice-jam event resulted in a buyout of 60 homes and cottages in the affected area.
More recently, Manitoba’s two icebreakers were deployed in the fall of 2010 at Sapotaweyak Cree Nation and Waterhen to help break up ice jams that caused localized flooding.
The amphibious Amphibex icebreakers are a key part of Manitoba’s ice jam mitigation strategy, the premier said. The first Amphibex was acquired by North Red Community Water Maintenance Inc. in 2006 and the Manitoba government purchased a second Amphibex in 2009. The corporation runs all the equipment and was formed with provincial assistance by the rural municipalities of St. Andrews and St. Clements and the City of Selkirk.
“The addition of a third Amphibex is the latest investment we’ve made in Manitoba’s considerable flood-fighting abilities,” said the premier. “We are working with municipalities, refining our plans, and assessing equipment needs in preparation for a potentially significant flood this spring. Manitobans have a successful history of pulling together to fight previous floods and already have the plans, resources and experience to tackle what the spring of 2011 may bring.”
