WARNING - OPEN DAM - Portions of St. Andrews Lock and Dam to Be Removed

June 25, 2009

Winnipeg, Manitoba, June 25, 2009 – This is to advise boat and property owners on the Red and Assiniboine rivers that due to higher water levels and increased water flows caused by recent heavy precipitation south of the border, a portion of the moveable dam at St. Andrews Lock and Dam at Lockport, Manitoba, will be removed on June 25, 2009. The removal is necessary as the dam will not be able to maintain normal summer water levels over the next several weeks, or until water levels recede to normal.

As a result of the removal, water levels between Lister Rapids and Lockport will be much lower than normal. Other sections of the rivers will have higher than normal levels.

The waters below the lock and dam are always dangerous, but can become even more dangerous as water levels increase. Gated areas below the dam used for shore fishing may be closed due to higher water levels and the more turbulent and dangerous currents. These areas, if closed, will reopen when waters levels recede to normal.

Caution is advised when navigating in the area of the dam, and the Red River in the vicinity of Lister Rapids, due to fluctuating water levels and debris.