Ice Advisory for the Peace River
at the Town of Peace River
Updated: December 30, 2022, December 27, 2022, December 23, 2022
Original Post: December 22, 2022
Alberta Environment and Protected Areas has issued an Ice Jam Watch for the Peace River at the Town of Peace River.
December 30 Update
Ice Jam Watch for the Peace River near the Town of Peace River has been downgraded to an Ice Advisory.
The Peace River froze up through Town of Peace River on December 23rd. Water levels rose approximately 3 m in response to the new ice cover, and have remained steady since freeze-up.
The routine ice advisory will remain in place until the ice cover reaches a ‘safe’ thermal thickness required to arrest major consolidations.
While ice jams remain a risk, no ice issues are expected at this time.
December 27 Update
The Ice Jam Watch for the Peace River near the Town of Peace River remains in place.
The Peace River froze up through Town of Peace River on December 23rd. Water levels rose approximately 3 m in response to the new ice cover.
The new ice cover is beginning to thicken in the cold weather, but has not yet reached a ‘safe’ thermal thickness required to arrest major consolidations. The formation of freeze-up ice jams remains a risk.
December 23 Update
The Ice Jam Watch for the Peace River near the Town of Peace River remains in place.
The Peace River is freezing up through the Town of Peace River today (December 23rd). The ice front was last located upstream of Town near the Smoky River confluence at 12:45 MST on December 23.
River levels in the Peace River have risen by approximately 2 m at the Town of Peace River due to the new ice cover. The ice cover is not yet stable, and may consolidate causing rapid water level increases. Extra caution should be taken by anyone taking part in activities near the river.
As warming occurs over the weekend, the newly formed ice cover through the Town of Peace River may become unstable, increasing the likelihood of a freeze-up ice jam. A freeze-up ice jam is caused when a newly formed ice cover collapses and consolidates, rapidly increasing water levels, and potentially causing flooding.
Ice Jam Watch
Extremely cold temperatures leading up to freeze-up and a warming trend over the weekend may decrease the stability of the newly formed ice cover through the Town of Peace River, increasing the likelihood of a freeze-up ice jam. A freeze-up ice jam is caused when a newly formed ice cover collapses and consolidates, rapidly increasing water levels, and potentially causing flooding.
Anticipated River Levels
River levels in the Peace River at the Town of Peace River will be rising in response to the approaching ice front. Much below seasonal temperatures this week are rapidly advancing the ice front towards Town. Freeze-up is expected in the Town of Peace River over the weekend.
When freeze-up occurs at the Town, it is typical for the water level to rise between 2.5 to 3.5 m. Water level rise this year may be between 3.5 to 4.5 m due to higher than average flows.
Flow releases from BC Hydro’s Peace Canyon Dam are expected to fall over the weekend, increasing the stability of the new ice cover next week.
As part of the freeze up process the Lower West Peace Dewatering Wells have been activated.
More information
Related Documents:
Ice Jam Watch for the Peace River at the Town of Peace River 20221221
Ice Jam Watch Update for the Peace River at the Town of Peace River 20221223
Ice Jam Watch Update for the Peace River at the Town of Peace River 20221225
Ice Advisory Update for the Peace River at the Town of Peace River 20220103
Stay Off the River Ice
Please stay off the river ice and avoid low lying river banks.
It’s never safe to go onto the Peace River when it is frozen. River ice is dangerous and unpredictable due to the way it is formed and due to the flowing water beneath it. Rescuing people stranded on the ice is dangerous and puts our fire department in harm’s way. There is no reason for anyone to be on the ice ever.
For more info on the progress of the Peace River freeze up visit: rivers.aberta.ca