The Town of Hay River is hosting a public meeting on May 6, 2026, at 7:00 PM to share the latest wildfire and flood risk assessments with the community. Held by the town’s Local Emergency Management Organization, the session aims to help residents understand the area’s current emergency plans and access important safety resources ahead of the spring breakup season.
This update comes as the Government of the Northwest Territories reports that the Hay River basin has 119 percent of its normal snowpack. Despite these higher-than-normal levels, current water levels on the river remain at record lows. The province notes that Hay River and the K’atl’odeeche First Nation are identified as communities with a higher risk of spring flooding, particularly in low-lying areas like Vale Island and the West Channel.
According to the provincial government, spring flood risks are closely tied to weather conditions during the breakup, and ice jams remain a possibility in any given year. Cooler winter weather has likely led to thicker river ice, which could increase the chance of these jams occurring. While the higher snowpack may result in near-normal spring flows, officials are urging residents to remain prepared.
Hay River residents have faced significant challenges in recent years, including a record-breaking flood in 2022 that led to an evacuation of over 4,000 people. In 2023, wildfires also caused over $30 million in insured damage and forced another full evacuation of the town, Enterprise, and the K’atl’odeeche First Nation. To help residents mitigate these risks, the town introduced a fire-smarting program in 2024 that provides property assessments, a seven-point safety plan, and free waste pickup to help clear fire hazards.
