NWT Water Monitoring Bulletin – May 2, 2023

News Type: 
Water monitoring bulletin

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

  • Water levels at the Hay River near Hay River hydrometric gauge reached their ice-induced peak on Apr. 30 and have been steadily declining since that point.
  •  On the Liard River and on the Mackenzie River at Fort Simpson, water levels are rising under the ice, but the rates of increase are still small;
    • Most of the snowpack has melted in the lower Liard River basin;
    • There are small patches of open water developing between Jean Marie River and Fort Simpson.
  • Warmer than seasonal temperatures are forecast for the southern Dehcho region (lower Liard and upper Mackenzie basins) over the next week;
    • Daily highs will be in the low- to mid- 20s and will approach 30°C near Fort Providence. The warm weather and sun will rapidly melt any remaining snow and soften river ice.

Current Status – Liard River

  • Most of the lower Liard River basin is snow-free;
  • Ice on the Liard River is softening in response to warm temperatures;
  • Water levels are increasing underneath the ice on the Liard River at Fort Liard;
    • The rate of water level rise is normal for this stage of break up;
    • Lower water levels than normal on small tributaries to the Liard River are preventing ice from lifting and is also limiting the delivery of warmer water;
  • The southern Dehcho region is forecast to receive warmer than normal temperatures throughout this week.

Current Status –Mackenzie River

  • Ice on the Mackenzie River is still largely intact
    • There are two small open water sections downstream of Jean Marie River (see satellite imagery);
  • Water levels are rising underneath the ice at the Mackenzie River at Fort Simpson, but water levels remain average for this stage of break up;
  • Warm temperatures in the region will soften river ice and expedite breakup.