Update on ice jam at the confluence of the Athabasca and McLeod rivers in Whitecourt

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An ice jam can be seen where the Athabasca and McLeod Rivers meet in Whitecourt, near Riverboat Park. The Town of

Whitecourt has been monitoring the river ice break up and conducting inspections of Riverboat Park, Rotary Park and the recently constructed river spurs along the Athabasca River. After some initial jamming and flooding in low lying areas, the Athabasca and McLeod Rivers are flowing well, and the ice appears to have started to release and move down the river.

An aerial inspection of the rivers last night indicates the McLeod River has minimal ice remaining upstream of Whitecourt; however, the Athabasca River continues to be covered with ice and broken ice upstream of Whitecourt.

Review of the Alberta River Basins’ flow range report as of early Thursday, April 26 indicates that the Athabasca River near Windfall has fallen approximately one meter in the last 24 hours. Town officials will continue to monitor river levels throughout the day, but no increase in water levels is expected based on the information presently available.

Residents are urged to use extreme caution and stay away from the Athabasca and McLeod Rivers, associated tributaries, and any standing water ponds. Ice jams are very unpredictable, and it is not possible to accurately predict when the ice will release and move. The Town of Whitecourt encourages people to report river or flood level concerns to the Town of Whitecourt at 780-778-2273 so that the municipality can evaluate the risk involved. The Town of Whitecourt will continue to monitor the situation, and will inform the community as updates become available.