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HAY RIVER - It appears Hay River escaped this year's spring flooding with virtually no damage.

"At this time, we've had no reports of damage as a result of spring breakup 2009," said Hay River Mayor Jean-Marc Miltenberger on May 13.

Beginning on May 6, floodwaters covered stretches of two streets in Old Town, while Fisherman's Wharf and sections of Hay River Beach were covered by water and ice.

The river was clear of ice by May 8. Miltenberger said the flood only displaced some items, such as boats and fuel drums.

He added he was pleased the town escaped the flooding with no damage, saying there was every indication the flooding was going to be severe.

At the town's urging, many residents of Vale Island had evacuated the area, until the evacuation notice was lifted on May 7.

On the Hay River Reserve, there were also no immediate reports of damage. However, Keith Marshall, the band manager with K'atlodeeche First Nation, said the houses, cemetery and Roman Catholic Church in Old Village were still being checked for damage last week. As a precaution, about 23 residents of Old Village were evacuated on May 1 and returned home on May 8.

During the flooding, the only road to Old Village was covered with water and ice at a low point.

A boil water advisory issued on May 9, as a result of muddy water caused by the spring breakup, remained in effect over the weekend.