What is river breakup?
During the spring months, there is an increased risk of flooding when ice on the Athabasca, Clearwater and Christina rivers begins to melt and break apart. Stay informed with information on ice forecasting and warning and ice jam flooding.
River breakup preparedness
Residents may see a number of temporary measures installed in the downtown area, including triple dams (water filled barriers), temporary clay berms, pumps and plugs. There will be temporary road closures and temporary trail closures to allow for these measures.
Before river breakup |
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Free sandbag program - new location |
Sand and bags are available free of charge to residents and business owners. While there is no firm limit on the number that can be taken, the intended use of the sandbags is to place them around doors, windows and other openings to provide additional flood protection for private properties. New location
Community members can keep, and reuse filled sandbags in the future, but they must be stored properly to prevent damage. Sandbags can be stored inside or outside but they must be protected from the sun, rain and snow. If storing outside, it’s recommended to place sandbags on a pallet and cover them with a waterproof and UV resistant tarp.
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During a flood |
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After a flood |
Returning to your property
If your property was damaged:
Completing a damage assessment
Cleaning your property
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How river breakup happens
During the spring months when the flooding risk is greater, our Emergency Management branch works with Alberta Environment to mitigate the flood risk.
- There are many checkpoints on the Clearwater River to provide warning of an ice break.
- The type of breakup (thermal or dynamic) is dependent on weather and river conditions.

Thermal processes melt the ice cover and weaken it (picture an ice cube disappearing in a glass of water as it melts). Contributing factors include sunshine or wind, increased water or air temperature.

Dynamic processes push the ice cover out of its original place and into chunks. These chunks are then pushed downstream. Precipitation, water levels, or water movement that causes the ice cover to break before it has weakened.
Dynamic breakup is more likely to cause an ice jam and create a higher flood risk.
Available Resources
- 24-hour Mental Health Help Line - 1-877-303-2642
- Get detailed river monitoring information at rivers.alberta.ca