Peace River residents can breathe a little easier Friday morning after officials cancelled an urgent flash flood alert, but the northwestern Alberta community is far from out of the woods.
The town, located roughly 385 kilometres northwest of Edmonton, had issued an emergency warning late Thursday urging residents to prepare for possible evacuation due to rising waters and dangerous ice jams on the Heart River. Friday's cancellation came as water flows decreased — but the danger of rapidly shifting conditions remains real.
"While there is no longer an imminent risk of flooding at this time, continue to be prepared for changing conditions," stated an Alberta Emergency Alert advisory Friday morning.
The municipality had declared a state of local emergency Thursday, a dramatic step that gave officials the authority to mobilize emergency resources and coordinate evacuations if needed. It was a stark reminder that Peace River, despite its scenic riverside location, faces genuine seasonal hazards.
What Triggered the Alert?
An above-average snowpack combined with unusually warm temperatures created the perfect storm for ice jams — essentially frozen blockages that can dam up a river and cause catastrophic flooding downstream. Pat Fisher, the town's director of infrastructure and development, explained the dangerous recipe.
"A very high prolonged temperature can definitely increase flows, and that's actually what's contributed to the situation we're seeing right now," Fisher told CBC News Thursday.
Even as the immediate threat eased Friday, town staff remained vigilant. Officials said they would continue monitoring river conditions and warned that ice jams could still form within town limits, keeping the potential for rapid escalation very real.
Residents Urged to Stay Alert
Peace River officials haven't told residents to stand down completely. The message is clear: prepare for the worst while hoping for the best.
"If you live in a low-lying area, do not let your guard down. Please continue to stay prepared, keep your emergency bag ready, and keep a close eye on updates," the town advised Thursday morning.
Residents were urged to ensure their vehicles have fuel, gather important documents and medications, and prepare pets for rapid evacuation. It's the kind of practical emergency planning that can mean the difference between safety and disaster when a river swells without warning.
A River Town's Reality
Peace River Mayor Shelly Shannon acknowledged the stress the situation places on residents, but framed it as part of life in a river community.
"It's stressful on the residents, but we have to remember that we are a river town. We've been here before and we will be here again," Shannon said. "We just have to look after each other. Check on your neighbors and be ready to respond when an incident does come down."
This isn't the first time Peace River has faced this threat. The town declared a state of local emergency in April 2020 when an ice jam caused significant flooding. That experience taught residents and officials alike how quickly conditions can deteriorate along the Heart River.
For now, Peace River residents should monitor official town communications for updates. The alert may be cancelled, but the vigilance continues.
This article is based on reporting from CBC Calgary.