River Breakup Community update – May 3, 2026 – 2 p.m.

River levels have decreased. Clearwater River breakup has begun. Evacuation alert still in effect for Draper

Current situation:  

River breakup is still in progress. The ice jam on the Athabasca River in Fort McMurray has released and is travelling downstream. River levels have decreased and flooding in low lying areas has started to recede.

Water levels will continue to fluctuate on the Clearwater River. The ice on the Clearwater River between Fort McMurray and the Christina River is melting but remains intact. Ice on the Christina River is breaking and has pushed a small ice jam into the Clearwater.

Draper remains under an Evacuation Alert.  and the Regional Emergency Coordination Centre (RECC) remains active to monitor river breakup conditions. 

Provincial river forecasters conducted an observation flight this morning. The Ice Jam Watch continues to be in place for the Clearwater River but has been removed for the Athabasca River.   

Flood protection measures continue to be in place. Please do not enter closed areas, follow posted signage and keep a safe distance away from riverbanks.

Local Conditions 
Warm temperatures and sunshine have helped to gradually break down ice within Fort McMurray. This natural melting process may slow with cooler temperatures in the forecast on Monday. 

We will keep the community informed on the status of the rivers until breakup is officially declared complete.

• The Municipality is in close contact with the provincial river forecasters. Further updates will be provided tomorrow.    

• 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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