Amphibex crews began ice-breaking operations in Breezy Point Tuesday afternoon to reduce chances of spring flooding.
Flood officials said the risk of flooding on the Red River seems reduced this year, as compared with last.
"At this point in time, the snow pack is between below-normal and normal. So that bodes well,” said Steve Topping from Manitoba Water Stewardship.
However, there is concern about the thickness of the ice.
Flood officials said it is eight to 10 inches thicker than it was last year.
This increases the chances of ice jams.
"It's the ice jams that get us. When we go from 18 inches of ice and up to in certain areas 24 inches of ice, that's a lot of ice and it accounts for a lot of jamming," said Larry Johannson, Selkirk mayor.
Crews will be working hard to break up all the ice, and prevent that from happening.
The province is expected to release its first flood outlook of the year late next week.
