The next phase of Manitoba’s ice-jam prevention program has started, as three Amphibex AE 400 icebreaking machines moved onto the Red River north of Selkirk. This announcement was made by Premier Greg Selinger today near the confluence of the river and Netley Creek.
“The Amphibex machines will now start their journey south, breaking ice already weakened by the cutter crews that started earlier this month,” said Selinger. “This phase of the ice-jam prevention program is intended to break ice in advance of the spring melt and reduce the likelihood of ice jams.”
The three 24-ton (22-tonne) Amphibex machines will first focus on areas of the Red River that are historically prone to ice jamming. At this time, the machines are scheduled to work on the ice south to the city of Selkirk area, then be moved to other areas of concern as required later in the season. The units are operated by two-person crews with safety, support and supply crews nearby.
The premier also noted that new electronic equipment will assist with more precise targeting of ice-cutting and breaking efforts. Seven global position systems (GPS) have been installed on the ice cutters to track in real time exactly where the cuts have been made.
As well, ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is also being used to determine the thickness of the ice on sections of the Red River. The information will feed into an ice-jam, computer-based model to help optimize ice-jam prevention measures. An ice-jam prediction model based on satellite imagery will also be tested. Both models are being developed in collaboration with the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing and Environment Canada.
As the GPR is towed across the ice, the internal transmitter sends pulses of radio frequency waves into the ice. The pulse reflects or “pings” to the bottom of the ice and sends the signal back to the receiver allowing the operator to accurately measure the thickness of the ice. GPR has been used mainly on the Red River, but also on the Portage Diversion and Assiniboine River.
The provincial ice-mitigation fleet consists of two Amphibex AE 400 icebreaking machines, seven ice-cutting machines, and six amphibious transport and support vehicles. North Red Community Water Maintenance Inc., a tri-municipal organization, owns a third Amphibex and manages, maintains and deploys the equipment for the province.
Manitoba is also investing in multi-year programs in the north Red River area that will result in greater flood protection, said the premier. The $9.8-million Manitoba Individual Flood Proofing Initiative provides funding for protection of individual homes and businesses. Communities also have access to the $15.6-million Canada-Manitoba 2010 Community Flood Protection Program.
In January, the province announced almost $22 million in additional equipment and resources to support flood fighting and preparedness including additional sandbag machines, sandbags, portable diking systems, flood barriers, pumps and steamers. These investments supplement the significant existing inventory of provincial and municipal flood-fighting equipment already available to protect homes, businesses and communities across the province.
