Assiniboine portion of skating trail closed for season

The Nestaweya River Trail is now a bit shorter thanks to preventative measures for spring flooding on the Assiniboine River.

Water was released from the Shellmouth Dam last week to prepare for spring runoff levels. That water reached Winnipeg on the weekend has come up along the banks of the rivers according to a press release from The Forks.

"Along the Assiniboine, this water has made its way onto the surface of the ice and created several inches of slush and water," the release says. "While the ice below remains solid, The Forks has decided to close the Assiniboine portion of the Nestaweya River Trail for the season as it can no longer maintain it with the water on the surface."

All Warming Huts have been safely brought back to The Forks Historic Port and will remain there for the remainder of the season.

The Forks Historic Port and Red River portions of the Nestaweya River Trail remain open and will be monitored and groomed.

"Visitors are reminded to access Nestaweya River Trail from The Forks Historic Port as it is the only access point maintained and tested by The Forks. Those who access the rivers, or use the rivers for recreation, beyond the official trail and access points are reminded they are doing so at their own risk."

The Forks says that it will no longer maintain or test any portions of the Assiniboine River for ice thickness or conditions.