Prepare for river breakup – stay informed with trusted sources

River breakup season is coming. As temperatures warm, ice on the Athabasca and Clearwater rivers melts and breaks apart, elevating the risk of flooding.   

The Municipality has implemented seasonal, interim and permanent flood mitigation measures. Residents should also be prepared and keep informed during this time.

Stay informed – follow trusted sources

As river breakup nears, community updates will be issued on the municipal website.

• Find more information and subscribe to receive community updates at rmwb.ca/riverbreakup
• Follow municipal social media on Facebook and X at @rmwoodbuffalo 

For detailed information on river conditions, ice observation reports and ice advisories, download the AB Rivers App

Stay off ice, stay away from riverbanks during breakup

As temperatures warm, the ice will thin. Do not travel on the ice during this time. Stay away from riverbanks. Once river breakup begins, large sections of ice can move without warning and water levels can change quickly.

• Watch river breakup from the live river breakup camera overlooking the Athabasca River.

Be prepared

You can prepare for river breakup by:

• Taking proactive measures to prepare households 
• Using free sandbag materials available to all residents and business owners.
• Reviewing community emergency management plans and having a household emergency plan.
• Having an emergency kit ready
• Reviewing options available through your insurance company

As river breakup and wildfire seasons approach, you should also understand the difference between an Evacuation Alert and an Evacuation Order.

• An Alert means you should prepare to evacuate with short notice.
• An Order means it is not safe to stay; you must leave now.

Municipal river breakup preparedness

With many permanent flood mitigation projects now complete, fewer interim and seasonal flood mitigation measures are needed. Key interim protections, including clay berms, triple dams (water-filled barriers), pumps and underground plugs, are now in place. Road and trail closures will remain until river breakup is complete.

Free sandbags available

Residents can pick up and fill sandbags at the RMWB Satellite Yard (28 Silin Forest Road). To access the gated area, call Pulse to schedule a time. Access is available daily until River Breakup is complete.

Vulnerable Persons Registry available for residents

The Vulnerable Persons Registry (VPR) offers two types of support for vulnerable residents during emergencies.

• If a community in the region is under evacuation, registrants will receive additional support, through the VPR team, to arrange for their safe evacuation and assistance while evacuated.
• When responding to a 9-1-1 call, first responders are provided additional information about VPR registrants.

Eligible residents are encouraged to register at rmwb.ca/vpr. We are not able to process registrations during active emergencies.