River Ice Observation Report River Forecast Centre March 31, 2017

2016 – 2017 Peace River Report No. 25

A ground observation located the Peace River ice front at km 401.2 (5.2 km downstream of the Highway 2 bridge in the Town of Peace River), at 7:03 MST on March 31. The ice cover has now broken up through the Town of Peace River. The ice front retreat accelerated over the past few days, moving downstream at an average rate of 12 km/day since March 29. Temperatures over the next week are forecast to remain slightly above seasonal, and the Peace River ice front is expected to continue its steady retreat downstream. Breakup this year at the Town of Peace River has occurred 12 days earlier than average.

Water levels on the Little Smoky River have stopped rising, remaining steady since yesterday. Water levels on the Smoky River at Watino continue to rise slowly. No ice movement has been observed on either the Smoky or Little Smoky rivers, and the ice at the Smoky River confluence with the Peace River remains intact. Very little snow is left in the fields and forests to drive further runoff.

A River Ice Advisory for breakup of the Peace River remains in place for Town of Peace River. This is a routine advisory posted every year as breakup occurs through the Town. So far, this year’s breakup has been steady and thermally driven. There have been no reports of high water levels.

Alberta Environment and Parks, and BC Hydro are in contact regarding river ice conditions and operation of the BC Hydro Peace River facilities.

Observation Details

• March 29, 2017 o A ground observation located the Peace River ice front at km 384 at 16:45 MST (12 km upstream of the Highway 2 bridge in the Town of Peace River).

• March 30, 2017 o A ground observation located the Peace River ice front at km 391.6 at 9:08 MST (5.4 km upstream of the Highway 2 bridge in the Town of Peace River). o Water levels on the Little Smoky River have stopped rising and are holding steady. No ice movement was observed o Water levels on the Smoky River are still rising slowly. No ice movement was observed at the mouth or near Watino.

• March 31, 2017 o A ground observation located the Peace River ice front at km 401.2 at 7:03 MST (5.2 km downstream of the Highway 2 bridge in the Town of Peace River)

The next observation report is expected to be posted on or before April 4th.

Media inquiries may be directed to: Alberta Environment and Parks, Communications Division 780-427-8636 For toll-free access outside Edmonton, please dial 780-310-0000.

The Peace River at the confluence with the Smoky River on March 31st. Flow is from top to bottom.

Peace River ice front location at km 401.2 on March 31st (5.2 km downstream of the Highway 2 bridge in the Town of Peace River). Flow is from right to left.