2023 Spring Breakup Update

April 20, 2023

Warming conditions continue to melt ice along the banks of the Hay River.   There have been marginal water level increases at the Chincaga River through to the Hay River mouth of 40 centimetres or less from an already low seasonal water level.   There is no action at this time but residents are encouraged to review preparedness information at https://hayriver.com/breakup/

Ensure you have numbering on your house or business

House numbers are critical for all emergency services to be able to respond to your home or business.  If you do not have house numbers visible from the road, please ensure that you get them put up as soon as you can.  House numbers make it possible for emergency and other services to be able to assist you if needed, especially with the possibility of flooding that occurs each season.

If you require assistance with what your house number is, please call the town at 867-874-6522.

Webcam and graphs available for viewing

Webcams are up and running at https://hayriver.com/breakup/ at the MTS where the Hay River meets Great Slave Lake, Pine Point Bridge, Paradise Valley and Alexandra Falls.  Additionally, 12 hour and 2 hour graphs of the water level changes are available.

A new feature available this year are Environment Canada links to water level changes and flow rates at the Chinchaga River, Hay River at the NWT/AB border as well as within the town of Hay River.  The monitoring station at Meander River is currently not functional.  These graphs are accessible through a link at https://hayriver.com/breakup/ .

Sandbags and sand are now available

Sandbags are available at the town of Hay River Public Works department office at 27 Industrial Drive across from the Animal Shelter.  Sand is available at the Don Wright Ballyard on Airport Road.

Preparedness Information available

To sign up for the Emergency Measures Email List go to:

For all updates about the 2023 Spring Breakup go to:

https://hayriver.com/breakup/ or phone 1-833-699-0188