An advancing ice front in the Peace River could drastically affect water levels in the region and town of Peace River, Alberta Environment warns.

It issued an advisory Feb. 3, noting river levels are rising as an ice front advances and is likely to reach the town late next week, depending on temperatures

As of Feb. 3, the ice front was 18 kilometres downstream of the Highway 2 bridge in Peace River. Typically the water level rises 2.5 to 3.5 metres when the ice moves through.

“Flow releases from BC Hydro’s Peace Canyon Dam will be kept relatively constant while the ice cover advances through the town as part of normal river ice management operations,” said a department news release.

Alberta Environment said this is a routine advisory with no problems expected, but area residents should be aware that water levels could fluctuate rapidly as the ice moves through.