Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro (Hydro) is asking people to stay clear of the ice on the Exploits River around the Bishop’s Fall dam and through the town of Bishop’s Falls.

The flashboards at the dam, which are designed to prevent high water flow from a storm surge, have been damaged due to ice melt. Water levels may be reduced in order to ensure safe and efficient operating conditions until repairs can be completed in the spring.

The river in the Bishop’s Falls region is often used as a thoroughfare for snowmobilers and residents during the winter. Hydro is advising people not to cross the river in this area as the lower water levels may cause significant ice instability and unsafe conditions.

In addition, the recent mild weather and heavy rain has caused the ice cover on all rivers and reservoirs to be jeopardized throughout the province. Extreme caution should be exercised in these areas.