8:30 p.m. April 18, 2024:
River breakup has started along parts of the Athabasca.
Alberta Environment and Protected Areas observed the breakup occurring between the Pembina River and Crooked Rapids at noon on April 18th.
They are issuing a River Ice Advisory for the breakup of the Athabasca River from the Town of Athabasca to Fort McKay, including the Clearwater River. This advisory is normal and expected. There is no immediate threat of flooding.
RMWB posted on social media that an ice jam was developing near Crooked Rapids, though they noted that the flood risk remains low.
The Municipality is cautioning residents that once river breakup starts, large ice sections can shift unpredictably, and water levels may rise rapidly.