Officials say 81 people — including about a dozen who were thought to be missing — are stuck on winter roads in northern Manitoba that have turned to mush.

On Friday concerns were raised about a group of 12 who were stranded near the community of Wrong Lake. It was believed they had made their way to Thunderbird Lodge, a fishing resort near the lake, about 350 kilometres north of Winnipeg. But when that was checked out, no one was there.

On Saturday morning, it was reported that the group had joined up with a larger convoy of transport trucks that have been trying to make their way from the Island Lake area to the Bloodvein First Nation.

An official from Manitoba search and rescue says the convoy is facing mud that is about half a metre deep.

"I found one huge mess up on the winter road," George Leonard told CBC News. He says he was in a helicopter to survey the situation and deliver some relief supplies, including food and water.

"I saw a bunch of very tired, very happy — and some very desperate — people on the winter road that have been basically surviving on their own for the last four and five days."

Leonard said they couldn't pick anyone up because they didn't have room, although he said had been prepared to stay behind to make room if someone needed to be transported out for urgent medical treatment.

Leonard said when the group spotted his helicopter, it was clear the stranded motorists and truckers were happy to see him.

"Everybody was waving like they were on a desert island and you found them," he said. "I left some food for them and water and everybody's happy."

Leonard said work would begin Saturday on getting people out.

"The road is just impassable," he added. "The vehicles are just so beat up and just covered in ice."

Sixteen First Nations across northern Manitoba have declared states of emergency because they're low on food, fuel, and other supplies.

Their predicament was triggered by the early thaw of winter roads, leaving supply trucks stuck in thick mud.

During a stop in Brandon, Man., on Friday, Prime Minister Stephen Harper promised federal support to get supplies to the affected communities.

But Ron Evans, head of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, says the dire situation clearly shows that permanent all-weather roads are needed.