Annual river breakup preparations begin in March

Fewer temporary measures needed as permanent flood mitigation projects completed

Temporary flood mitigation measures to help protect homes and businesses during river breakup will start being installed March 1.

The temporary seasonal measures will be similar to last year, but with some adjustments to reduce public impacts. Triple Dams (water-filled barriers) as well as pumps and plugs for underground infrastructure will be installed where needed in downtown Fort McMurray and the Taiga Nova Eco-Industrial Park.

Where permanent flood mitigation projects have been completed, such as Fontaine Crescent in Longboat Landing, temporary seasonal measures will no longer be needed.

All temporary seasonal measures are scheduled to be in place by March 31 and will start being removed once river breakup is complete. Sections of the interim clay berm along Clearwater Drive will remain in place until construction of the Reach 6 permanent flood mitigation project begins.

Temporary road and trail closures 

As river breakup preparations progress, there will be temporary road and trail closures. Access to all businesses and homes will be maintained.

The temporary road closures are highlighted on the online map and are as follows: 

• March 1: Crews are expected to begin river breakup preparations with a temporary road closure at Highway 63 East Service Road to the Taiga Nova Eco-Industrial Park

• March 6: Temporary road and trail closures are expected to start being put into place on Clearwater Drive from Father Mercredi Street to Franklin Avenue for river breakup preparations.

Most trails adjacent to the Clearwater River will be closed until temporary mitigation measures are removed.

For everyone’s safety, please follow all posted signage, keep a safe distance from equipment and do not enter closed areas.

Find more details on river breakup preparations in the construction notice.

Progress being made on permanent flood mitigation

Temporary flood mitigation measures are being used while permanent flood mitigation projects are completed. Progress is being made on the design and construction of permanent flood mitigation, with the most recent updates and information available at rmwb.ca/floodmitigation. Keep up to date by signing up for construction updates.

Be prepared

As river breakup approaches, community members are reminded to be aware, prepare and stay informed.

It is important to prepare for river breakup and stay safe by:

• Following the RMWB on Facebook and Twitter (@rmwoodbuffalo)
• Taking proactive measures to prepare 
• Reviewing community emergency plans and having a household emergency plan
• Having a 72-hour emergency kit ready

What is river breakup?

In April and May, there is an increased risk of flooding when ice on the Athabasca and Clearwater rivers begin to melt and break apart. Alberta Environment and Parks, engineering teams and the Municipality closely monitor ice and water conditions on the river systems in the Region. Regular updates on the Athabasca and Clearwater rivers will be provided beginning in April. 

For more information on river breakup and to view a live video stream of the Athabasca River, visit rmwb.ca/riverbreakup.

For additional information or questions, connect with Pulse.