Slave River — Current Water Temperature, Annual Trends and Forecast
This page provides information on the current water temperature in the Slave River, trends, monthly ranges and the forecast for the coming days.
Current Water Temperature
Water Temperature in the Slave River today is 14.4°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
⚠️ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 54°F (12°C) to 60°F (15°C). The water is significantly warmer, and swimming becomes possible for most people. However, caution may still be required for prolonged stays in the water, as extended exposure can cause discomfort. This is a suitable temperature range for short swims and for those accustomed to cooler water. For more comfortable swimming, it is recommended to use proper gear. It is important to note that these swimming tips and recommendations apply only in good weather. When the air temperature is below 68°F (20°C), and sometimes even below 77°F (25°C), swimming can be unpleasant even with relatively high water temperatures.
Water Temperature Chart Over the Last 30 Days
Table of Daily Sea Temperature Data
| Date | Current | Average | Forecast |
|---|---|---|---|
| JUN 3 | 13.4°C | 13.5°C | |
| JUN 4 | 13.4°C | 13.5°C | |
| JUN 5 | 13.9°C | 13.5°C | |
| JUN 6 | 13.9°C | 13.5°C | |
| JUN 7 | 13.7°C | 13.5°C | |
| JUN 8 | 13.7°C | 13.5°C | |
| JUN 10 | 14.7°C | 13.5°C | |
| JUN 11 | 13.5°C | 14.4°C | |
| JUN 12 | 13.5°C | 14.3°C | |
| JUN 13 | 13.5°C | 14.3°C | |
| JUN 14 | 13.5°C | 14.2°C | |
| JUN 15 | 13.5°C | 14.2°C | |
| JUN 16 | 13.5°C | 14.1°C | |
| JUN 17 | 13.5°C | 14.1°C |
* Current - Actual water temperature value
** Average - Average water temperature on this day in recent years
*** Forecast - Our water temperature forecast
Actual nearshore water temperatures may fluctuate by several degrees from the reported values, especially following heavy rainfall or extended periods of strong winds. Certain wind patterns can cause colder, deeper waters to rise and replace the sun-warmed surface water, leading to noticeable variations.
Our forecast is based on a proprietary mathematical model that considers real-time water temperature changes, historical trends, key weather patterns, wind strength and direction, and air temperature specific to each region. Additionally, we incorporate data from other resorts to enhance accuracy.
Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)
| Month | Min | Avg | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 0°C | 3°C | 4°C |
| February | 0°C | 3°C | 4°C |
| March | 0°C | 3°C | 5°C |
| April | 0°C | 5°C | 11°C |
| May | 2°C | 9°C | 16°C |
| June | 7°C | 14°C | 18°C |
| July | 15°C | 18°C | 23°C |
| August | 17°C | 19°C | 24°C |
| September | 11°C | 16°C | 20°C |
| October | 7°C | 12°C | 16°C |
| November | 0°C | 6°C | 11°C |
| December | 0°C | 3°C | 6°C |
Slave River: Water Temperature by Location
Slave River: Weather Forecast
June 9
June 10
June 11
June 12
June 13
Location & Local Information
Source:
• location Peace-Athabasca Delta
• coordinates 58.99793°N 111.40906°W
• elevation 210 m (690 ft)
Mouth:
• location Great Slave Lake
• coordinates 61.28019°N 113.58798°W
• elevation 160 m (520 ft)
Length 434 km (270 mi)
The Slave River is a major, fast-flowing river in northern Alberta and the Northwest Territories, originating from the Peace-Athabasca Delta. Its water temperatures are extremely cold due to its northern location and significant volume. In the peak summer months, the surface water temperature rarely rises above a very cool range, typically peaking around 17∘C to 20∘C (63∘F to 68∘F). Conversely, in the winter, the water is near freezing, usually in the range of 0∘C to 4∘C (32∘F to 39∘F), with long stretches of the river freezing over.
Swimming in the Slave River is strongly discouraged and exceptionally dangerous, with no official, designated swimming areas. The cold water poses an immediate risk of cold shock and rapid hypothermia, which can incapacitate a swimmer in minutes, even in summer. The primary hazard, however, is the river's immense current and flow rate, which creates powerful, unpredictable undertows that can easily sweep away and drown even strong swimmers. The river is also known for its Class I to Class VI rapids, particularly near Fort Smith, making any unmonitored water entry solely at one's own risk.