Flood Of 1904

Flood Of 1904

Flood caused by ice jam in 1904.

The spring of 1904 after an extra severe winter, making the ice very thick, the ice jammed on an island down the river, causing the water to back up and flood the town. This lasted for three days before the jam broke and the water released. The water backed up as far as the H.B Store, now the Parker Store. There was six feet of water in the hotel on the corner. Boats were used for transportation in the street . . . At that time of year the warehouses were full of goods and the river bank was lined with boats being built to take this cargo north. Many boats were smashed and goods in post and warehouses were lost or damaged. H. B. Co. brought in a crew of men from Edmonton to unpack and dry out these goods. (Athabasca Historical Society 1986, 79.)

HBC under water

Flood caused by ice jam in 1904.

Interview with C.J. Raynor Whitely describing the effects of the flood of 1904. Athabasca Archives, audio tape #8, accession #85.285.

Ice Jam and Flood

Interview with C.J. Raynor Whitely describing his ride to HBC post in Edmonton to alert them about the flood. Athabasca Archives, audio tape #8, accession #85.285.

Raynor Whitley on his horse