Snowmobilers, river users advised to check upper Assiniboine conditions

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Published on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

myWestman.ca

Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation cautions that unstable ice conditions may occur on the upper Assiniboine River downstream of Shellmouth as routine preparations for spring run-off are underway.

Increased outflows from the Shellmouth Reservoir may result in water on the ice surface at locations along the upstream portions of the Assiniboine River.  Snowmobilers and people planning activities on the river are advised to take precautions during the next two weeks as it is difficult to predict where the water could overtop the ice.

The Shellmouth Dam outflow will be maintained at about 1,200 cubic feet per second from now through the winter unless weather conditions change.  This outflow is to prepare the reservoir for the spring run-off.  

The increased discharge has the potential to lift the ice, causing water to flow on top of the river ice as it works its way downstream over the next two weeks.

Manitoba news release