River Breakup Community Update #2 – April 18, 2024

This is the second Community Update for the 2024 River Breakup Season

Community members are reminded to be aware, stay alert and prepare for river breakup.

Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (AEPA) River Forecast Centre Update

AEPA forecasters are monitoring conditions and have published the most recent Athabasca ice observation report on rivers.alberta.ca.

A River Ice Advisory for the breakup of the Athabasca River from the Town of Athabasca to Fort McKay is in effect, including the Clearwater River. This advisory is normal and expected. There is no immediate threat of flooding.

Breakup is underway on the Athabasca River between the Pembina River and Crooked Rapids upstream of Fort McMurray. A 9.5-kilometre ice jam has formed through Crooked Rapids which appears to be holding back water. This ice may push downstream overnight and open large sections of the river.

Water levels may fluctuate but the risk of flooding remains low at this time.

Between Crooked Rapids and Fort McMurray, the ice cover is melting and is continuing to thin. Downstream of Fort McMurray, there are growing sections of open water, but the channel is not yet open. Ice covers on the Clearwater River are also melting, with sections of open water appearing.

River Breakup is considered complete when there is no longer a significant risk of ice jams that could cause flooding in Fort McMurray and surrounding areas.

Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (AEPA) are continuing daily observation flights. For the latest information visit rivers.alberta.ca then click on the top left menu, select ice observation reports and choose Athabasca River.

For detailed information on river behavior, download the AB Rivers App to find all ice observation reports and ice advisories issued by AEPA.

Subscribe to receive Community Updates

Keep up to date on the status of the rivers. Community updates will be provided as river breakup approaches and there is new, emergent information. Subscribe to receive community updates at rmwb.ca/riverbreakup

Stay informed:

• Download the Alberta Emergency Alerts App. (Alertable is no longer being used as a source of municipal emergency alerts.)
• Follow municipal social media on Facebook and Twitter at @rmwoodbuffalo

Be prepared:

Community members are reminded to prepare for river breakup by:

• Taking proactive measures to prepare households
• Using free sandbag materials available to all residents and business owners who were impacted by the 2020 flood.
• Reviewing community emergency management plans and having a household emergency plan.
• Having an emergency kit ready

Stay off ice, stay away from riverbanks during breakup

As temperatures warm, the ice will continue to thin. Do not travel on the ice during this time. Once river breakup begins, large sections of ice can move unexpectedly and water levels can change quickly.

Do not watch river breakup from a shoreline, closed areas, the bridge or on the side of the road. Go online and view the new river breakup camera overlooking the Athabasca and Clearwater rivers.

Vulnerable Persons Registry

Do you know someone who may need assistance evacuating during an emergency?

To register, or more information, visit rmwb.ca/VPR or call Pulse at 780-743-7000 or toll-free 1-800-973-9663.

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