[Provided by the RMWB]
At 3:15 p.m. Sunday, the Athabasca River broke due to an ice run that came through on the river, the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo announced today.
Alberta Environment flew the Athabasca and Clearwater River to monitor this run and to determine the threat level of future ice runs. More ice runs are expected over night and into Monday. Engineering continues to monitor water levels.
The channel is clear and ice jams are not expected in Fort McMurray.
Residents are advised to avoid the shoreline during this time period. As well, motorists are asked not to stop along Highway 63 or the Athabasca River Bridge to observe river break.
The Clearwater River has not broken, but is expected to in the next few days. There will be little risk of flooding from the Clearwater River because the Athabasca River will already be clear.
Emergency Management and Engineering will continue to monitor the Clearwater River until it breaks.
For more information on River Break 2012, including a live web cam directed at the Athabasca River, visit the Emergency Management section under the Municipal Government tab at
Published April 22nd, 2012
