With the spring thaw now underway across the Red River basin, the RM of St. Andrews is urging residents in the Selkirk area to stay off local waterways as ice conditions deteriorate.
According to the provincial Hydrologic Forecast Centre, the spring melt has officially begun in southern Manitoba. While ice may appear solid and similar to winter conditions, officials warn that it is likely dangerously thin and unable to support the weight of people, vehicles, or snowmobiles.
To monitor these changing conditions, the municipality is using drones to survey the ice on the Red River as well as Netley and Wavey creeks. Residents living near water are asked to be particularly vigilant and keep children and pets away from rivers and retention ponds as rising temperatures continue to weaken the ice.
Despite the onset of the melt, the outlook for spring flooding remains low to moderate for most Manitoba rivers this year, thanks in part to below-normal soil moisture and winter precipitation levels. Ice-cutting and breaking activities have already been completed along the Red River and Icelandic River to help prevent ice jams from forming.
While the risk is currently lower than in past years, the municipality maintains its emergency procedures. Residents who find that high water levels are affecting their property can submit a service request through the RM of St. Andrews website. For after-hours emergencies where a home is at immediate risk, residents should call 204-904-9286.
