Many of our territory’s communities are located along rivers and lakes, That means there’s a potential for flooding every year. Know the risks, protect your property, and be ready.

Flooding in the NWT

Major flooding has caused evacuations and major damage to communities in the Northwest Territories.  

Ice jams on rivers and creeks during breakup cause most flooding in the Northwest Territories.

An ice jam happens when chunks of ice clump together to block the flow of a river. This can cause flooding in communities near the river.

Risk of floods increase when water levels are higher. Higher water levels can be caused by high rainfall, snowfall, soil that is oversaturated with moisture, or events in other provinces and territories.

Extreme storms may also cause flooding.

When flood risk is highest

Floods can happen any time due to severe weather. However, the risk is always highest during spring break-up when ice moves unpredictably through the NWT’s rivers as the thaw happens.

Communities, businesses, residents, cabin-owners, and those with camps on-the-land should be on alert from Mid-March until spring break-up has finished. 

Communities at highest risk

Some communities are at higher risk than others for flooding. these communities include:

• Hay River (Hay River)

• Kátł’odeeche (Hay River)

• Nahanni Butte (South Nahanni River, Liard River)
• Fort Liard (Liard River)
• Fort Simpson (Liard River, Mackenzie River)
• Aklavik (Mackenzie River)
• Fort Good Hope (Mackenzie River)
• Tulita (Mackenzie River)
• Jean Marie River (Mackenzie River)

Be Ready for Floods

Learn what to do before, during, and after floods:

• Before a flood
• During a flood
• After a flood