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 (April 4, 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.
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.
- Sign up for Voyent Alert: www.voyent-alert.com (or search on the app store)
- Follow the Town’s website and social media channels
- Report flooding or drainage concerns to Public Works at 780-624-3085
- View more information on river safety and emergency preparedness: https://www.peaceriver.ca/home-property-utilities/emergency-preparedness
- Follow river advisories and status updates at https://rivers.alberta.ca/
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
- Government of Canada emergency preparedness: www.GetPrepared.ca
- Alberta emergency preparedness: www.alberta.ca/emergency-preparedness
Updates
This page will be updated regularly as conditions change throughout the spring melt period. See new posts below.
April 4, 2026: Mayor Shannon and Fire Chief Harris Video
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
March 31, 2026: Emergency Advisory Committee Meeting
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
- 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
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.
