UPDATE 5:30 p.m: Evacuation alert issued for Draper as ice jam raises flood risk in Fort McMurray

FORT McMURRAY — An evacuation alert remains in effect for the Draper area as an ice jam on the Athabasca River drives rising water levels and localized flooding in low-lying neighbourhoods.

An ice jam on the Athabasca River north of Fort McMurray is causing water levels to rise. Water is high on the river beneath the bridge, but officials say those levels are being monitored closely.

Alberta Environment and Protected Areas said an observation flight Tuesday found a roughly 25-kilometre ice jam north of Fort McMurray, extending upstream past the Fort McMurray Golf Club. The jam has pushed water levels in the community up by nearly seven metres.

Officials said water levels on the Clearwater River continue to rise slowly, while overland flooding is affecting low-lying areas in Draper and near the Snye.

The municipality said the ice jam is expected to remain in place and gradually melt, with no incoming ice runs or runoff surges anticipated. Warmer temperatures are forecast to accelerate snowmelt in the coming days.

Athabasca river rising due to ice jam. 5:30, April 28, 2026he coming days.

Several areas have been closed due to flooding, including the Snye parking lot, Morrimoto Drive, Raphael Cree Park and boat launch, Tom Weber Park and boat launch, and Sarah Holden Dog Park.

Officials warned residents to stay away from riverbanks and obey closures after reports of unsafe activity near the water.

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo said it continues to work closely with provincial river forecasters and will conduct another observation flight Wednesday.

Residents in Draper remain under an evacuation alert, meaning they should be prepared to leave on short notice if conditions worsen.

Officials are urging residents to prepare emergency kits, review evacuation plans and monitor updates through official municipal and provincial channels.

FORT McMURRAY — An evacuation alert remains in effect for the Draper area of Fort McMurray as officials monitor rising water levels linked to an ice jam affecting the Athabasca and Clearwater rivers.

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo said during a 1 p.m. update Tuesday the primary concern is access to and from the community of Draper, with any loss of safe ingress or egress expected to trigger a full evacuation order.

Two areas in Draper have already seen water reach or cross secondary roadways, though no water has reached temporary flood barriers in place.

Officials say Draper remains the most vulnerable area, while other parts of the urban service area, including downtown and TaigaNova, are protected by permanent or temporary flood mitigation measures.

The municipality said it has developed a step-by-step evacuation plan following the 2020 flood, designed to allow for an orderly relocation of residents if conditions worsen. The Quality Inn has been identified as a reception centre for evacuees if needed.

Emergency services said supports are in place for vulnerable residents, including a voluntary registry used to identify those who may require assistance during an evacuation.

Water levels along the rivers are currently sitting around 246 metres, above the typical range of about 241 metres, as an ice jam near the confluence of the Clearwater and Athabasca rivers continues to restrict flow.

Officials say warmer temperatures in the forecast are expected to help weaken the ice and allow it to move downstream, which could lower water levels. However, they warn that melting snow and ice could also increase runoff into the river system.

Fire Chief Jody Butz said suggestions to break up the ice jam using explosives would not be effective due to the size and scale of the river system.

The municipality said flood mitigation work remains ongoing, with permanent protections expected to be completed by 2028. Much of that work is already in place, including improvements to the stormwater and sewer systems following the 2020 flood.

Officials said the situation continues to be closely monitored, with no additional evacuation alerts issued beyond Draper at this time.