River Breakup Community update – May 6, 2026 – 6 p.m.

Small ice jam causing Clearwater River water levels to fluctuate. Evacuation Alert still in effect for Draper

Current situation:  

River breakup is still in progress on the Clearwater River and water levels continue to fluctuate. Levels have dropped from earlier peaks but remain higher than normal due to snowmelt and a small but stubborn ice jam at the confluence of the Clearwater and Athabasca rivers.

The Ice Jam Watch remains in effect for the Clearwater River. As the ice cover breaks apart and travels downstream, water levels will continue to temporarily fluctuate. Draper remains under an Evacuation Alert. The Regional Emergency Coordination Centre (RECC) remains active and is continuously monitoring river breakup conditions. 

Please keep a safe distance away from riverbanks, follow posted signage, and do not enter closed areas.

Water levels fluctuating across the region

Water levels on the Hangingstone River and Saline Creek have dropped from earlier peaks. The Regional Emergency Coordination Centre is closely monitoring rivers and levels are expected to continue to fluctuate until the spring runoff is complete.

Flood protection measures are staged and ready to be deployed on short notice in Waterways, Ptarmigan Court and Grayling Terrace, if needed.   

We will keep the community informed on the status of the rivers until breakup is officially declared complete with the next update scheduled for tomorrow.

Closed Areas

Although overland flooding has receded in some low-lying areas. The following areas remain closed:  

• Snye parking lot  

• Morimoto 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.   

Trusted information sources   

• RMWB – Regular community updates are being shared on the official Municipal social media pages and at rmwb.ca/riverbreakup. Subscribe to receive these updates via email.
• 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.  

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