River Breakup Community update – May 4, 2026 – 8 p.m.

Levels rose on Clearwater River, Hangingstone River, and Saline Creek. Evacuation Alert still in effect for Draper

Current situation:  

The ice jam on the Athabasca River in Fort McMurray has released but river breakup is still in progress. Water levels rose today on the Clearwater River and are fluctuating due to a small ice jam at the mouth of the Clearwater River and another small ice jam travelling downstream.

Draper remains under an Evacuation Alert. The Regional Emergency Coordination Centre (RECC) remains active and is continuously monitoring river breakup conditions. 

The Ice Jam Watch remains in effect for the Clearwater River. Breakup of the ice cover on the Clearwater River is expected to occur over the next few days with water levels continuing to temporarily fluctuate.   

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

Spring runoff elevating water levels across the region

With significantly more snow this winter, the snowmelt and spring runoff is increasing water levels and elevating flows more than normal on the Hangingstone River, Saline Creek and other rivers in the region. 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.    

The spring runoff has also caused some localized flooding in Timberlea, Wood Buffalo and other neighbourhoods, but is unrelated to river breakup. Residents should report overland flooding to Pulse if it is affecting properties.   

The spring runoff occurs every year in the region around this time as snow melts and water drains into the Athabsaca and Pembina River Basins. Even after most snow has melted, the river basins may still be experiencing elevated water levels.  

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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