Province to begin ice cutting on Manitoba waterways

Ice-cutting equipment is pictured on the Red River on Feb. 18, 2025. (Jamie Dowsett/CTV News Winnipeg)

Although current temperatures may not give much indication that warmer temperatures are on the way, the province is set to begin ice-cutting to stave off flooding during the spring melt.

The province said in a news release its annual ice-cutting program will begin on the Red River Tuesday and is expected to finish by March 15.

According to the province, remote-controlled ice-cutting units and three Amphibex icebreakers will cut and break about 28 kilometres of ice from Netley Marsh to Selkirk over a width of about 100 metres.

Typically, ice-cutting and breaking is also done on the Icelandic River at Riverton and at the outlet of the Portage Diversion.

This year, however, ice-cutting operations are planned for Riverton but are not expected to be needed at the Portage Diversion. The province will monitor the area.

The program started in 2006 to reduce the risk of flooding caused by ice jams on the lower Red River and other rivers.

Ice jams can form when floating ice blocks the downstream movement of water, causing it to back up and potentially overflow riverbanks.

Notices will be posted in areas where ice-cutting machinery is operating, the province said.

River users are asked to stay off the ice where notices are posted or where ice cutting is apparent.

Ice fishers are also reminded to remove huts and other materials where work is underway.