River breakup is now complete. There is no longer a significant risk of ice jams causing flooding along the Clearwater and Athabasca rivers in Fort McMurray and surrounding areas. The Evacuation Alert for Draper has been lifted and the Ice Jam Watch has ended for the Clearwater River.
Water levels rose briefly on the Clearwater River on May 6 as an ice jam upstream of Fort McMurray broke free. Levels then fell quickly after the small jam at the mouth of the river released, allowing ice to flow out into the Athabasca River.
“Thank you to everyone who relied on trusted sources, stayed informed, and prioritized safety during this time,” said Jody Butz, Director of Emergency Management and Regional Fire Chief. “We have come a long way since the 2020 flood, and this spring’s response to rising water levels clearly demonstrates how prepared the community has become. I thank our Mayor and Councillors for their steadfast commitment to investing in flood mitigation.”
During the 2026 river breakup season, ice jams caused flooding in several low-lying areas as water levels rose by more than five metres on the Clearwater River, peaking at 246.4 meters. Flood mitigation helped to prevent any impact on businesses or homes in downtown Fort McMurray.
This construction season, work will continue for flood mitigation in several areas, including Reaches 1, 2, 6, 9, and 10-2, as well as smaller projects on Reach 5 and the Hardin Street intersection. The temporary clay berm along Clearwater Drive will be removed and reused during construction of Reach 6 this summer.
Stay away from riverbanks
Several ice runs are still expected to pass through for the next few days. This is normal and is not a concern. Anyone taking part in activities near rivers should be cautious and keep a safe distance from shorelines. Riverbanks remain dangerous due to fast moving water and cold water temperatures.
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