River breakup official

PHOTO. A 2017 photo from when the Municipality officially announces river breakup. Please avoid riverbanks and shorelines. Melanie Walsh/ Afternoon Reporter.

As of April 25, 2017 at 4:30 p.m., remaining ice in the Athabasca River is now downstream, North, of the entrance to the Clearwater River.

Ice jams in the Athabasca and Clearwater Rivers no longer create a flood risk marking the river breakup official.

The river breakup season began on April 7 and lasted longer than in previous years due to cooler weather keeping the ice jam in place.

Residents are advised to avoid river banks and shorelines as they remain dangerous.

RCMP and the RMWB would also like to remind Fort McMurray residents to follow traffic safety matters during the river breakup.

Vehicles will not be permitted to stop or park on the side of the road or any bridge during river breakup.

A live feed of the river is set up to watch safely from home.

Make sure you’re prepared for an emergency by building your 72-hour kit and emergency plan for your home.

Real time advisories and warnings providing information on high stream flows, floods and ice jams are available on the Alberta Environment website.

Learn how to be prepared at rmwb.ca/AreYouReady.

*Photo and video were taken at a safe distance from river bank and did not disrupt traffic