River Breakup Community update – April 29, 2026 – 7:30 a.m.

Limited changes to water levels overnight. Evacuation alert remains in effect for Draper

Current situation:

The Athabasca and Clearwater rivers are being continuously monitored and flood protection measures are in place. 

• An Evacuation Alert remains in effect for Draper. Residents in the alert area do not have to leave but should be ready to evacuate on short notice. 
• The ice jam on the Athabasca River north of Fort McMurray is still roughly 25 km long, extending upstream past the Fort McMurray Golf Club.

• Starting at 10 p.m. Tuesday evening, water levels stabilized and there were minimal changes overnight. While this is a positive report, river breakup is still occurring and water levels can change quickly.
• Since the ice jam formed, water levels at Fort McMurray have risen by about 7 metres. 
• Overland flood impacts in low-lying areas in Draper and near the Snye are occurring.
• Currently, the ice jam is expected to remain in place and melt. This means it’s possible that river breakup may still be occurring into the weekend. However, the warmer temperatures this week are expected to increase snow and ice melt. 
• The Municipality is in close contact with the provincial river forecasters and their next observation flight is scheduled for noon today. Further updates will be provided after the observation flight. 

• Overland flooding is occurring in some low-lying areas, which is common during river breakup. The following areas are closed:
• Snye parking lot
• Morrimoto Drive
• Raphael Cree Park and boat launch
• Tom Weber Park and boat launch
• Sarah Holden Dog Park

Important safety reminders:

• Stay away from riverbanks, ice and flowing water.
• Do not enter closed areas.
• Keep children and pets away from affected areas.

We have seen unsafe activity near the river. Getting too close puts you and first responders at risk.

Be prepared during river breakup

• Prepare a 72-hour emergency kit  

• Make an emergency plan  

• Be aware and stay informed by following official and trusted channels such as RMWB.ca/alerts and Municipal Twitter (X) or Facebook  

• Download the Alberta Emergency Alerts App  

• Arrange with neighbours to advise one another of an emergency notification  

• Review your tenant and/or home insurance policies in case you need to use it. 

Where to find emergency/evacuation alerts and information 

• Download the Alberta Emergency Alert App.  

• Go to the RMWB municipal website: rmwb.ca/alerts 

• On social media, follow the RMWB Facebook page and Twitter (X)  @RMWoodBuffalo page for important community updates.   

Other trusted information sources 

• Alberta Rivers - Check the provincial rivers website to find information on the status of all rivers in the province: https://rivers.alberta.ca/ 

For questions or further information, please call Pulse at 780-743-7000 or 1-800-973-9663.