Residents of Peace River in northwestern Alberta can breathe a cautious sigh of relief Friday after officials cancelled an imminent flash flood alert — but the community isn't lowering its guard just yet.
The town, situated roughly 385 kilometres northwest of Edmonton, had declared a state of local emergency Thursday evening as ice jams threatened to send the Heart River over its banks. Residents were told to prepare for evacuation on short notice. By Friday morning, however, water levels had subsided enough to cancel the most urgent warning.
"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.
But here's the catch: ice jams still pose a real threat within town limits, and officials are taking nothing for granted.
What Triggered the Alert?
Pat Fisher, the town's director of infrastructure and development, pinpointed the culprit: an above-average snowpack combined with extended warm temperatures. The combination creates the perfect recipe for rapid melt and dangerous ice jams.
"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.
Peace River isn't new to this drama. The river town faced a similar crisis in April 2020 when ice jams triggered flooding that forced a local emergency declaration. The community's history with the Heart River means residents understand the stakes.
Residents Urged to Stay Prepared
Town officials haven't asked residents to stand down entirely. Those living in low-lying areas have been warned to keep emergency bags packed, vehicles fuelled, important documents and medications close at hand, and pets ready to go on a moment's notice.
"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," Peace River officials stated.
Peace River Mayor Shelly Shannon acknowledged the stress the situation places on residents but emphasized community resilience. "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."
Town staff will continue monitoring river conditions and forecasts around the clock, watching for any signs that conditions could deteriorate again. Residents can track updates through official town communication channels — a critical habit during flood season in northwestern Alberta.
This story is based on reporting from CBC News with files from Iman Janmohamed, Eagle Andersen, and Phil Heidenreich. Read the original story at CBC News.