Motorists who usually take the winter shortcut across Wabigoon Lake, will have to go back to the long way around.

In a social media post operators of the ice road say due to warm weather, and until the return of colder weather the ice road will be closed.

The post states the closure will address some safety concerns as well as prevent further damage to the road in the mild temperatures the region has faced in recent days.

Normally, the lake sees around 40 inches of ice this time of the year, however recent measurements show that down to 20 inches and even less in some spots.

At a minimum for a car or light truck 12 inches of ice is recommended.

As of 2:45 on Friday the road was still open, but if warm weather persists into Saturday, the road is still set to close.