2026 Spring Melt and River Break-up

This page is the Town of Peace River’s central hub for the 2026 spring melt and river break-up condition updates. We will post the latest information, what to expect, and what actions residents may need to take as conditions evolve.

Current Status (last updated April 22, 2026)

The Town of Peace River is closely monitoring spring melt conditions in coordination with the Province of Alberta and the Alberta River Forecasting Centre.

There is currently no indication of a major flooding event. However, conditions can change quickly depending on how the melt unfolds.

>>> As of April 20, an Ice Jam Watch has been issued. Scroll down for the latest updates.

What’s Happening

This winter brought a higher-than-normal snowpack, which will influence the spring melt and overall water levels.

Spring break-up is a normal, annual process. As temperatures rise, river ice begins to shift and melt, and water levels can fluctuate daily.

Main Risk: Ice Jams

The primary risk during spring break-up is the potential for ice jams.

Ice jams occur when ice blocks the river’s flow, causing water levels to rise rapidly and sometimes leading to flooding. These events are difficult to predict and can develop quickly, with conditions changing in a short period of time.

What the Town is Doing

The Town is actively preparing for spring melt and potential high water.

This includes:

  • Monitoring river and weather conditions with provincial partners
  • Coordinating with Alberta River Forecasting Centre
  • Ensuring infrastructure such as storm drainage systems is functioning
  • Preparing equipment, including pumps and sandbagging capability
  • Reviewing emergency response and evacuation plans
  • Meeting regularly to plan approach and assess conditions

What Residents Should Do

Residents also have an important role in preparing for spring melt.

We encourage you to:

  • Clear snow away from foundations, roofs, vents, and window wells
  • Ensure water can drain away from your home
  • Check sump pumps and drainage systems
  • Move valuables out of low-lying areas if needed
  • Prepare a 72-hour emergency kit 
  • Develop a household emergency plan

Stay Informed

Staying informed is key as conditions evolve.

Safety Reminder

Stay off the river and riverbanks.

Ice conditions during spring melt and river break-up are unstable and can change quickly. Going onto the river or riverbanks is extremely dangerous. Do not go onto the river, and stay clear of it.

Additional Resources

Updates

This page will be updated regularly as conditions change throughout the spring melt period. See new posts below.

April 22, 2026: Morning Status Update

The ice jam on the Smoky River collapsed and pushed up to the Peace River, but not into the Peace, late last night (April 21).
 
Water levels in town came up to 317.29m and settled back down below 317.00m this morning.
 
We will be continuing to monitor conditions and provide updates as needed.

April 21, 2026: Update on River Break-up

The Town and Province continue to actively monitor conditions.

An Ice Jam Watch was issued last night (April 20) and remains in place as flows and ice continue moving through the system. 

We are entering a critical monitoring period, with multiple increases in water and ice expected over the next 24-48 hours.

Water levels at the Town are expected to remain elevated and may increase further through Wednesday into Thursday.

While sustained flows are still below typical high-risk break-up levels, we are approaching ranges where stronger pushes of ice and water are possible. Conditions can change quickly.

Officials are monitoring key locations and conducting regular observation flights. Updated information will continue to be shared as it becomes available.

What you should know:

  • This is an active monitoring period. The situation is evolving.
  • Residents in low-lying areas, including the North End, Lower West Peace, Downtown, and around Pat's Creek and the Heart River should continue to stay informed and be prepared.
  • Businesses in these areas should also prepare. Move critical items out of low areas, protect and back up essential systems and data, review insurance and document your space, and make sure you and your staff are ready to shut down and evacuate quickly if needed.
  • Sign up for alerts: https://voyent-alert.com/community/
  • Prepare an emergency kit and discuss a plan with your household.
  • Follow updates at: www.peaceriver.ca/2026melt

We will continue to provide updates as needed.

April 20, 2026: Ice Jam Watch

Alberta Environment and Protected Areas has issued an Ice Jam Watch for the lower Smoky River and the Peace River from the Town of Peace River to Sunny Valley.

Two ice runs were observed on the Smoky River. They are expected to arrive at the ice jam located near the mouth of the Smoky River overnight and in the early morning of April 21.

These ice runs have the potential to push the existing ice jam into the Peace River and start to break up the ice cover through the Town of Peace River.

Should this occur, an ice jam could form causing increased water levels. Water level increases happen quickly when an ice jam has formed.

The Peace River ice front is retreating steadily approximately 78 km upstream of the Town of Peace River. A dynamic snowmelt driven breakup of the Smoky River ice before the ice front passes the Town of Peace River can initiate breakup of the Peace River and can increase the ice jam flood risk at the Town of Peace River and locations downstream.

The ice cover through the Town of Peace River remains intact, and there are no current flood impacts.

See more: https://rivers.alberta.ca/

This is especially important for people in the North End, Lower West Peace, Downtown, and around Pat’s Creek and the Heart River.

April 20, 2026: Update on River Break-up

Warmer temperatures are continuing to drive snowmelt across the region, and we are starting to see water levels rise.

Current modelling suggests the peak of this melt will likely occur mid-week (Wednesday-Thursday). 

At this time, river flows are below levels typically associated with a high-risk break-up scenario in Peace River, though conditions continue to change and are being closely monitored.

As a precaution, upstream flows have been reduced by BC Hydro, but water levels are still expected to increase over the coming days due to runoff from across the watershed.

What this means locally

Storm gates are now fully closed. This prevents river water from flowing into town, but it also means water from rainfall or melt cannot drain into the river in some areas. As a result, we may see more localized ponding or pooling of water, particularly in low-lying areas.

If you are experiencing significant ponding that is impacting access or property, please contact Public Works at the 24/7 number: 780-624-3085. 

Crews are monitoring and will respond based on priority.

Looking ahead

The situation is still evolving. Short-term increases in flow can occur with little warning due to upstream conditions.

Residents in low-lying areas, including the North End, Lower West Peace, Downtown, and around Pat's Creek and the Heart River should continue to stay informed and be prepared.

We will continue to provide updates as needed.

April 20, 2026: Closures as River Levels Rise

As we continue to manage spring break-up, we've closed the parking lot at the mouth of Pat's Creek (Riverfront Park) and barricaded the roadway to the river, and we've closed 12 Foot Davis Events Park.
 
Please avoid these areas, and please stay away from the river during break-up.
 
River levels have been observed to be rising this morning and may fluctuate quickly.
 
All updates on the break-up are here: www.peaceriver.ca/2026melt

April 19, 2026: River Ice Advisory Update

Peace River Basin
  Ice Advisory
  2026-04-19 10:59:36 PM

The River Ice Advisory for the lower Smoky River and the Peace River from the Town of Peace River to Sunny Valley remains in effect.

Breakup of the lower Smoky and Little Smoky Rivers occurred yesterday. The ice that cleared from these channels has collected into a 10 km long ice jam, located 9 km from the mouth of the Smoky River. Water levels remain relatively low. Additional ice runs are expected from the upper Smoky and Little Smoky rivers overnight and over the next few days. These may add to the length of the existing jam, or push it further downstream.

Ice movement is a normal part of river ice breakup on these rivers. River breakup in the Smoky basin is being monitored closely due to the high snowpack and warming temperatures this week. Breakup of the Smoky River and its tributaries may accelerate as water levels rise with snowmelt runoff, which can contribute to the formation of ice jams.

The Peace River ice front is melting steadily and passed Dunvegan yesterday. A dynamic snowmelt driven breakup of the Smoky River ice before the ice front passes the Town of Peace River can initiate breakup of the Peace River and can increase the ice jam flood risk at the Town of Peace River and locations downstream.

The ice cover through the Town of Peace River remains intact, and there are no imminent flood concerns. This advisory remains in place to indicate changes in river ice conditions.

There is a Spring Runoff Advisory in effect for Central and North Central Alberta.  Use the main menu, select 'Advisories' and then select the yellow Spring Runoff Advisory banner at the top of the window for more information

https://rivers.alberta.ca/

April 18, 2026: River Ice Advisory

Alberta Environment and Protected Areas has issued a River Ice Advisory for the lower Smoky River and the Peace River from Sunny Valley, including the Town of Peace River to Sunny Valley.

Breakup has occurred on the Lower Smoky River and at Watino, and the early stages of breakup continue further downstream on the Smoky River. Though ice movement is a normal part of river ice breakup on these rivers, this is being monitored with extra vigilance due to the high snowpack and warming temperatures. Breakup of the Smoky River and its tributaries will accelerate as water levels rise with snowmelt runoff, which can contribute to the formation of ice jams.

The Peace River ice front is melting steadily near Dunvegan. A dynamic snowmelt driven breakup of the Smoky River ice before the ice front passes the Town of Peace River can initiate breakup of the Peace River and can increase the ice jam flood risk at the Town of Peace River and locations downstream.

The ice cover through the Town of Peace River remains intact, and there are no imminent flood concerns. This advisory remains in place to indicate changes in river ice conditions.

2026-04-18 04:25:36 PM

via https://rivers.alberta.ca/

All information on the spring melt and river break-up: www.peaceriver.ca/2026melt

April 17, 2026: Did You Know?

Important information and messages for consideration as the Town monitors river break-up.

April 16, 2026: Are You Prepared?
 

Warm temperatures are forecast this weekend (April 17-20) and carrying into spring. There is a risk of flooding if an ice jam forms during river break-up. The Town and Province are monitoring it closely.

In a significant flooding event, it's possible there may be localized evacuations in the community, particularly in low-lying areas (North End, Lower West Peace, Downtown, and around Pat's Creek and Heart River).

If you live in these areas, now is the time to make sure you're ready in the event of an emergency.

  • Have an emergency bag ready to grab and go. Include essential items like medications, important documents, pet supplies, clothes, toiletries, chargers.
  • Talk to your family about emergency plans. What would you do if you were woken up at 2am and given 15 minutes to leave your home?
  • Move valuable items out of basements.
  • Keep an eye on Town updates.

There is currently no indication of flooding, but there are several risk factors present. The exact timing and extent of an ice jam flood is very difficult to predict. Preparing is simple and means you will be ready in the event of an emergency.

Find all the information on the spring melt and river break-up here: https://www.peaceriver.ca/2026melt

April 16, 2026: Spring Melt Update

The Town is continuing to manage the spring melt and prepare for river break-up.

We’ve received another update from the Alberta River Forecast Centre and continue to monitor conditions closely as break-up begins. Monitoring break-up is a normal part of spring, but with higher-than-normal snowpack this year, there is increased attention to how conditions develop.

Warmer temperatures this weekend (April 18-19) and into early next week are expected to accelerate snowmelt. There is no immediate emergency, but this is the period we are watching most closely.

  • If you live in Lower West Peace, the North End, Downtown, or near the Heart River and Pat’s Creek, this is an important time to be paying attention and preparing.
  • Ensure you have an emergency bag and basic household plan in the event of a flood. Think about what you would need if you had to leave on short notice: medications, important documents, chargers, pet supplies. Prepare a bag, talk with your family, and be aware that we are entering a heightened risk period as the weather warms up. 
  • Residents and businesses in low-lying areas may want to move items out of the basement and off the floor to protect damage in the event of a flood.

Currently, the ice front on the Peace River remains well upstream of town, but activity is picking up in the Smoky River basin.

Provincial staff will be on site as break-up progresses, and the Town continues to meet regularly with partners to assess conditions and plan next steps.

The main risk during break-up remains ice jams, which can form quickly and cause water levels to rise with little warning. 

The Town has also been preparing internally, including reviewing evacuation plans and coordinating response efforts if needed. We will continue to adjust our approach as conditions evolve.

We’ll continue to share updates.

Find all the information on the spring melt and river break-up here: https://www.peaceriver.ca/2026melt

April 13, 2026: Private Options for Sandbags

Temperatures have warmed a bit, but there's still a lot of snow left to melt.
 
As residents have been preparing their homes for the melt and any potential impacts from river break-up, we've received a few questions about where to get sandbags.
 
For those looking to take precautionary steps in protecting their homes from water, sandbags are available for purchase through Ruel Concrete Ltd.
 
Please contact Ruel Concrete Ltd. directly for pricing, availability, and pickup details: https://www.ruelconcreteltd.com/
 
The Town is not currently distributing sandbags, just making you aware of this option.
 
Updates on the spring melt and river break-up are available at www.peaceriver.ca/2026melt

April 10, 2026: River Signage in Place

 
Signs have gone up around the community warning people to stay away from the river during break-up.
 
Break-up conditions can be very dangerous, with unstable ice and strong river currents underneath.
 
Stay clear of riverbanks, boat launches, and shore areas. Obey all barricades. Keep off the river, and never go on the river during break-up.
 
If you see a significant water or flooding issue, call the Town of Peace River’s Public Works department at 780-624-3085 (24/7 number).
 
Find updates on the spring melt and river break-up at www.peaceriver.ca/2026melt
 
 

April 9, 2026: Stay off the River

Stay off the river during break-up, and stay away from the riverbanks.
 
During break-up, the river ice is very dangerous. It is unstable and unpredictable, with strong river currents underneath.
 
You must stay off the river during break-up, and stay away from melting ice on the riverbanks.
 
Find all updates on the spring melt and river break-up here: https://www.peaceriver.ca/2026melt

 

April 9, 2026: Spring Melt Update

The Town continues to monitor river conditions closely in coordination with the Alberta River Forecast Centre.
 
Recent snowpack measurements show levels remain above normal, with some variability in the Smoky River basin. Conditions still point to a higher-than-normal potential for flooding, though there are no current issues in the town.
 
The ice front is gradually retreating but is still well upstream of Peace River.
 
We are starting to see some early changes in the river locally, including small areas of open water forming near the bridges. This is a normal part of the break-up process and can help accelerate melting as conditions progress.
 
Warmer temperatures later this week may lead to some initial snowmelt in the Smoky River basin over the weekend. This is an area we will be watching closely, as changes in upstream conditions can influence river break-up timing.
 
The Town continues to increase monitoring and preparedness efforts. This includes coordination with provincial staff, who are preparing to be on-site during break-up.
 
On Wednesday (April 8), the Town held an emergency management meeting with partners from across the community, including emergency services, utilities, health care, education, and other local agencies. These meetings help ensure all partners are informed, coordinated, and ready to respond if conditions change.
 
Residents are encouraged to continue preparing.
 
➡ If you live in a low-lying or historically flood-prone area (Lower West Peace, Downtown around Pat's Creek and Heart River, and the North End), you should be actively preparing your property and household for potential impacts. Predicting the timing and extent of an ice jam flood is very difficult. In the event of a flood, you may need to leave your home on short notice, it may not be at a convenient time, and you may not have much time to pack.
 
If you live higher up, you should still take care of your property and protect against melt impacts.
 
Everyone should sign up for Voyent Alert, have a 72-hour emergency kit, and develop a basic household emergency plan.
 
We will continue to provide updates as conditions develop.
 
All updates on the spring break-up and melt, plus more emergency preparedness resources, are here: www.peaceriver.ca/2026melt
 

April 4, 2026: Mayor Shannon and Fire Chief Harris Video

Mayor Shelly Shannon connects with Fire Chief Tim Harris to talk about preparations for the spring melt and river break-up in Peace River.
 
Watch the video on our Facebook (and follow us if you haven't yet) here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/2023723515693812
 

April 2, 2026: Spring Melt Update

Town staff met with the Alberta River Forecast Centre for an update on the spring melt and river break-up.

While river break-up is a normal and annual process, this year’s conditions point to a higher-than-normal flood risk, and we’re continuing to monitor the situation closely.

Snowpack across the Peace River basin is above average, and conditions are being closely tracked in coordination with the Alberta River Forecasting Centre. While there is still uncertainty in how the spring melt will unfold, current conditions support taking a proactive approach.

Conditions indicate a thermal break-up – where ice warms up and simply melts into the river – is unlikely, and it is more likely to be a dynamic break-up – where the force of the river physically breaks the ice to get it to move. This dynamic break-up is expected to originate in the Smoky River, pushing into the Peace River. All of this can change depending on how circumstances develop.

At this time, there are no immediate issues. River break-up is expected in the coming weeks, and conditions can change quickly depending on weather and ice movement.

The Town is increasing monitoring and preparedness efforts, and provincial staff will be on the ground during break-up to support observation and response.

Residents are encouraged to take basic steps now to prepare.

If you live in a low-lying or historically flood-prone area, you should be actively preparing and planning for potential impacts. That means Lower West Peace, the downtown (especially near the Heart River and Pat's Creek), and the North End.

Clear snow away from foundations, ensure proper drainage, check sump pumps, prepare a 72-hour emergency kit, and have a basic emergency plan in place.

We will continue to provide regular updates as conditions develop.

More information, updates, and preparedness resources can be found here: www.peaceriver.ca/2026melt

April 1, 2026: Ice Sidewalks Advisory

As temperatures rise during the day and drop overnight, sidewalks across town are becoming slippery and hazardous for pedestrians.
 
Please regularly clear snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to your property, and apply sand or salt where needed to keep them safe.
 
Your efforts can help prevent a fall, especially for seniors, kids, and those with mobility challenges.
Thank you for helping keep the community safe!
 

March 31, 2026: Emergency Advisory Committee Meeting

Council met for an Emergency Advisory Committee Meeting last night.
 
This is an annual meeting to review past emergency management activities and discuss future ones, made all the more relevant with the impending spring river break-up.
 
Fire Chief Tim Harris and Captain Mike Frayne reviewed plans, training, and equipment related to emergency preparedness.
 
All Town staff are required to take Incident Command System 100, with many completing higher levels of training. In 2024, the Town purchased a sandbagging machine, greatly increasing our capacity to make sandbags in an emergency. We also have a number of large pumps and hoses ready to be deployed, plus mitigation equipment from the Province's stockpile. A Tiger Dam Flood Protection Trailer is currently staged in Falher and able to be called upon if needed.
 
Our emergency management group is now meeting weekly as we monitor the spring thaw.
 

March 30, 2026: Mayor Shannon Radio Interview

Check out an update from Mayor Shelly Shannon on preparing for spring thaw, snow removal costs, and other updates as we start heading into warmer days. 

Image via Trending 55 News Room. 

Full story and audio available here: https://www.rivercountry.fm/2026/03/30/peace-region-bracing-for-spring-…

March 30, 2026: Preparing Just In Case

Preparation is simple, and it matters!
 
As we head into spring melt and river break-up, taking a few steps now can help you stay ready if conditions change.
 
  •  Build a 72-hour emergency kit with essentials like water, food, medications, and supplies
  •  Sign up for Voyent Alert! to receive important updates
  •  Have a basic plan for your household
Most years pass without major issues, but being prepared means you’re ready just in case.
 
Sign up for Voyent Alert: https://voyent-alert.com/community/
 
Build your 72-hour emergency kit and come up with a family emergency plan: www.GetPrepared.ca
 
Prepare yourself for an emergency: www.alberta.ca/emergency-preparedness
 
Follow the Town’s social media and website for up-to-date information, plus our dedicated 2026 spring melt page here: www.peaceriver.ca/2026melt
 
If you see any localized flooding or drainage issues, call Public Works at our 24-hour number: 780-624-3085
 

March 27, 2026: Spring Melt Overview

With a higher-than-normal snowpack this winter, the Town of Peace River is closely monitoring conditions as we move into spring melt.  

While there is currently no indication of a major flooding event, conditions can change quickly depending on how the melt unfolds.  

The main risk during spring break-up is the potential for ice jams. These occur when ice blocks the river’s flow, causing water levels to rise rapidly and sometimes leading to flooding.  

Ice jams are difficult to predict and can develop quickly. The Town is working in coordination with the Province and Alberta River Forecasting Centre, and has checked infrastructure, prepared equipment, and reviewed emergency response plans to ensure readiness.  

Residents also have an important role to play. Simple steps like clearing snow away from foundations and ensuring proper drainage can help reduce risk. Having a basic emergency plan and staying informed is also key.  

Most spring melts pass without major issues, but preparation matters.  

During this time, it is vital that you stay off the river and riverbanks, as changing conditions can make the ice very dangerous. 

Sign up for Voyent Alert: https://voyent-alert.com/community/

Build your 72-hour emergency kit and come up with a family emergency plan: www.GetPrepared.ca 

Prepare yourself for an emergency: www.alberta.ca/emergency-preparedness 

Follow the Town’s social media and website for up-to-date information. We will house all communication about the river break-up and 2026 spring melt at this link: www.peaceriver.ca/2026melt 

If you see any localized flooding or drainage issues, call Public Works at our 24-hour number: 780-624-3085* 

*Important: contacting individual staff or members of Council can create confusion and slows our response ability. Please CALL the Public Works number.