Dynamic river breakup on Athabasca river. Image via rmwb.ca
FORT McMURRAY — Water levels on the Clearwater River dropped Tuesday after rising sharply a day earlier, but officials say breakup conditions remain active and unpredictable across the Wood Buffalo region.
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo says the Clearwater River remains under an ice jam watch as breakup continues. Water levels remain elevated due to a small ice jam near the mouth of the river and ongoing snowmelt runoff.
Officials say water levels are expected to continue fluctuating over the next several days as ice conditions change.
The Draper neighbourhood remains under an evacuation alert while the Regional Emergency Coordination Centre continues monitoring river conditions around the clock.
Water levels also fell overnight on the Hangingstone River and Saline Creek, though officials warn additional fluctuations are possible as spring runoff continues.
Flood protection measures remain staged in areas including Waterways, Ptarmigan Court and Grayling Terrace and can be deployed quickly if conditions worsen.
Several low-lying public areas remain closed, including the Snye parking lot, Morimoto Drive, Raphael Cree Park and boat launch, Tom Weber Park and boat launch, and Sarah Holden Dog Park.
Residents are being urged to stay away from riverbanks, ice and fast-moving water, with officials warning conditions can change rapidly during breakup season.
The municipality says updates will continue until breakup is officially declared complete.
Comments