Slushy ice could jam up rivers

Provincial flood forecasters are warning that slushy "frazil" ice could cause ice jams on some Manitoba rivers.

Frazil ice appears when fast-moving currents prevent ice from fully forming on the surface of the water. Many Manitoba waterways have unusually fast-moving currents this year due to high water levels.

Frazil ice is causing river levels to rise on the Saskatchewan River at The Pas and the Fairford River near Lake St. Martin. However, Manitoba flood forecaster Alf Warkentin says the risk of flooding is low for now.

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"There hasn't really been a serious problem, but it's getting to the point where it's uncomfortable," he told CBC News Friday.

"The Pas, for example, where we're only … two and half feet below the peak we had in July, so it is some cause for concern."

Flood officials say levels on the Saskatchewan River are unlikely to rise more than another 30 centimetres, although there is a small chance of the river rising to flood levels.

On the Fairford River, the province says some buildings near the river could be affected if the river rises significantly, but this is not expected.

The provincial water department says frazil ice could also develop during the next few weeks on the Dauphin River.

Warkentin says it is unlikely that frazil ice will develop on the Red or Assiniboine rivers this year.