Dynamic river breakup on Athabasca river. Image via rmwb.ca
FORT McMURRAY — The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo continues its preparation for river breakup, with officials urging residents to stay informed as conditions begin to change.
Municipal officials say seasonal and permanent flood protection measures are now in place in downtown Fort McMurray, Waterways and Taiganova, including clay berms, water-filled barriers, pumps and underground plugs.
Road and trail closures in affected areas will remain in place until river breakup is complete.
Officials say river breakup depends on a range of conditions, including ice thickness, temperature trends and water levels. Historically, breakup in the region has occurred between early April and early May.
Residents are encouraged to monitor conditions through the municipality’s online information hub, which includes updates and a live video stream of the river near the Athabasca River bridge.
Additional real-time advisories are available through Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, including the Alberta Rivers website and mobile app.
Officials say the municipality will no longer “declare” river breakup, but will instead announce when breakup is complete, meaning there is no longer a significant risk of ice jams causing flooding along the Athabasca and Clearwater rivers.
Residents are being reminded to avoid riverbanks and thin ice, respect all closures and signage, and prepare emergency plans and kits as a precaution.
Updates are also being shared through municipal social media channels.
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