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Weather, not runoff, to blame for soggy river trail
The water on Winnipeg’s river trail is due to recent mild weather, not runoff from the city or sewage, says Manitoba's flood forecaster.
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Alf Warkentin, an expert in water dynamics, said he believes the formation of thick river ice in early January, followed by mild weather later in the month, has led to water above the ice in Winnipeg.
When thick ice forms on the river, there is less water in the liquid channel below it. And that means there’s no room for more water to flow below the ice during a mid-winter thaw such as the one experienced recently in central and western Manitoba, Warkentin said.
The water exerts upward pressure on the ice, but cannot move it because it’s frozen to the banks. So cracks form, allowing water to emerge on the surface, Warkentin said.
"We’re doing more observing to see if this is what’s happening, but it certainly appears to be the case," said Warkentin, who has been informed by the City of Winnipeg there has been no significant drainage – and no sewage outflows – into city rivers this month.
Yesterday, the province's Water Stewardship department would not comment on the situation other than to say "The position of Water Stewardship is that the City of Winnipeg monitors the water drains and systems in the city and water flowing from these drains and pipes, into the river, is for them to address," suggesting runoff was to blame.
"There is no significant runoff from the city," Warkentin said today. "It has to do with the (Assiniboine) River all the way back to Brandon and beyond."
Water above ice on Manitoba rivers is not overly unusual, added Warkentin, noting it could happen anywhere along the Assiniboine River.
He also said it’s possible extra-thick ice at the river trail contributed to the current phenomenon.
The river trail is currently closed on The Red River and also on the Assiniboine from Hugo dock to Omand’s Creek. The trail remains open from The Forks to Hugo Dock.
Meanwhile, the Winnipeg Police River Patrol is warning Winnipeggers to stay off unapproved ice in the wake of the recent warm weather.
Patrol officers are placing "DANGER-THIN ICE" signs around any known outfalls, retention ponds and other potentially dangerous areas in the city.
All ice conditions should be considered unsafe other than the approved areas, which include Kildonan Park, St. Vital and Assiniboine Park, said police.
Police are advising to call these locations for the most up-to-date conditions before venturing out onto the ice.
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