Saskatchewan has several ice roads and winter roads, which are used to transport people and goods over the colder winter months.
Ice Roads
- Wollaston Lake (45-55 km depending on route)
- Stony Rapids to Fond du Lac (85 km including over-land portion)
- Fond du Lac to Uranium City (approx. 90 km)
- Riverhurst (2 km)
Winter Road
- Cumberland House – MB border (52 km)
Check the status of an ice road on the Highway Hotline
Ice roads and winter roads provide access to isolated communities. They are an important link to northern communities and economic development opportunities such as mineral exploration.
The operation periods for ice roads will vary considerably year to year because of weather conditions. They usually open in the first part of February but have opened as early as the last week of January and as late as mid-February.
While things like snow clearing, packing and flooding can speed up ice formation, the process is weather dependent.
Ice depths are measured during the construction and operation of ice roads. This includes manual checks and Ground Penetrating Radar. Limits for allowable weights will be determined and certain sections of the road may be open to a maximum, medium or minimum weight load. This is done to keep contractors and the travelling public safe.
Ice roads are typically open for the season until March 31 or until weather allows.