River Breakup Advisories issued - Community Update 1

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

This is the first Community Update for the 2025 River Breakup Season. AEPA forecasters are monitoring conditions and are publishing regular observation reports on rivers.alberta.ca.

River Breakup Advisories issued for: Town of Athabasca to Northland Forest Products Sawmill (including Fort McMurray): These advisories were issued on April 11 due to changing ice conditions by the River Forecast Centre, Alberta Environment and Protected Areas. Movement of the Athabasca River ice is underway at the Town of Athabasca. This is routine and expected.

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

As temperatures continue to warm during the spring thaw, ice covers will continue to melt and become unstable. Now that snow cover has largely melted off the ice cover, it is deteriorating quickly and has begun to shift. Monitoring stations are still encased in ice, readings may be inaccurate until some thaw occurs 

Athabasca River

The ice cover on the Athabasca River is heavily deteriorated in many areas, with many stretches of open water or open leads developing. The ice cover within the Town of Athabasca shifted and cleared on April 10, collecting in the next river bend.

The ice cover on the Pembina River has cleared and discharged into the Athabasca River at the confluence creating a small ice jam. Breakup on the Pembina River has historically been an indication of the beginning of breakup on the Athabasca River.

Clearwater River

The ice cover on the Clearwater River is intact but is no longer snow covered. It is deteriorating, particularly within Fort McMurray.

• For the latest information visit rivers.alberta.ca then click on the top left menu, select ice observation reports and choose Athabasca River.

Stay off ice, stay away from riverbanks during breakup

As breakup progresses, water levels and ice conditions may change quickly.

Do not travel on the ice during this time. Do not watch river breakup from a shoreline, closed areas, the bridge or on the side of the road. Once river breakup begins, large sections of ice can move unexpectedly and water levels can change quickly.

Go online and view the new river breakup camera overlooking the Athabasca and Clearwater rivers.

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.
• Follow municipal social media on Facebook and Twitter at @rmwoodbuffalo 
• download the AB Rivers App to find all ice observation reports and ice advisories issued by Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (EPA)

Be prepared:

Prepare for river breakup by:

• Taking proactive measures to prepare households 
• Using free sandbag materials  available to all residents and business owners in flood prone areas 
• Reviewing community emergency management plans and having a household emergency plan.
• Having an emergency kit ready

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.