Fort Simpson (May 05/03) - A rising river caused some anxiety but even more curiosity in Fort Simpson late last week. <

The Liard River jammed after breaking-up, causing the water level to rise to 13.86 metres -- only 1.36 metres from the evacuation level.

For several hours on Friday, massive pieces of ice stood higher than the river bank. Overflowing water seeped into low-lying areas such as the Papal site, the in-town air strip and stretches of Mackenzie Drive.

Close to noon, the jam cleared and the water receded.

Alison de Pelham, who owns a home along Mackenzie Drive, spent several hours moving belongings from rooms on the lower floor to the upper floor. She maintained her composure, though.

"If it's going to flood, it's going to flood. I just wanted to get everything up(stairs)," said de Pelham, whose front yard was still littered with large chunks of ice.

Hundreds of river watchers were out in vehicles, on bicycles and on foot to witness the spectacle on Friday. One government employee remarked, "This will be the least productive day of the year."

Roger Pilling, a hydrometric supervisor for Water Surveys of Canada, said the water level was the highest in 11 years. Historically, however, it's within the upper range, as the river has surpassed 13 metres five times in the past two decades.

The last time the village was evacuated was in 1963.