The Government of the Northwest Territories maintains water monitoring stations across the territory to keep track of water levels and flow rates in areas of potential flood risk for communities.
This information is provided regularly to territorial and regional emergency managers to help understand the status of waterways across the NWT in the lead-up to, and during spring break-up – the highest-risk period for floods in the Northwest Territories.
Technical data
Current status - NWT
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Ice continues to move along the Mackenzie River through the Sahtu;
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Water levels under ice continue to increase in the Mackenzie River Delta, as is normal for this time of year;
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Water levels on the Peel River near Fort McPherson are increasing at a normal rate for this time of year;
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Radar imagery of ice conditions in the lower Mackenzie River around Tsiigehtchic, the Mackenzie Delta, and a stretch of the Peel River around Fort McPherson indicate there has been little movement as of May 17 09:30.
Mackenzie River
Current Status
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Break up is progressing along the Mackenzie River, with ice moving along the river through the Sahtu;
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The main push of ice has now moved past Tulita, Norman Wells and the Ramparts;
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Water levels at Tulita have receded;
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Water levels at Norman Wells have receded;
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Water levels at Fort Good Hope remain steady, based on photo from 07:00;
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As of 07:00, ice was moving downstream at Fort Good Hope.
Peel River and Beaufort Delta
Current Status
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Water levels continue to increase on the Peel River, as is usual for this time of year;
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Ice has not yet moved on the Mackenzie River near Tsiigehtchic (May 17 22:00);
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Radar imagery of ice conditions in the lower Mackenzie River around Tsiigehtchic, the Mackenzie Delta, and a stretch of the Peel River around Fort McPherson indicate there has been little movement as of May 17 09:30;
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Water levels in the Mackenzie Delta continue to rise;
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Water levels were much higher than average over winter, but lower than last year.
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