River Ice Advisory issued for the Athabasca River, No immediate threat of flooding

Breakup is underway on the Athabasca River between the Pembina River and Crooked Rapids upstream of Fort McMurray.

A 9.5-kilometre ice jam has formed through Crooked Rapids which appears to be holding back water. This ice may push downstream overnight Thursday and open large sections of the river.

Water levels may fluctuate but the risk of flooding remains low at this time.

Between Crooked Rapids and Fort McMurray, the ice cover is melting and is continuing to thin. Downstream of Fort McMurray, there are growing sections of open water, but the channel is not yet open. Ice covers on the Clearwater River are also melting, with sections of open water appearing.

River Breakup is considered complete when there is no longer a significant risk of ice jams that could cause flooding in Fort McMurray and surrounding areas.