Overland flooding triggers evacuation alert in northern Alberta community

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FORT MCMURRAY - A community near Fort McMurray, Alta., has been placed on evacuation alert as the Clearwater River begins to breach its banks.

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FORT MCMURRAY – A community near Fort McMurray, Alta., has been placed on evacuation alert as the Clearwater River begins to breach its banks.

Officials say everyone in Draper, which has a population of about 140 people, should be prepared to leave on short notice due to increased overland flooding. 

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo says an ice jam on the Athabasca River near Fort McMurray is causing water levels along the Clearwater River to rise.

Striations in an ice jam caused by the piers of three bridges that cross the Athabasca River in Fort McMurray, Alta., are shown on Tuesday, April 28, 2020.  THE CANADIAN PRESS/Greg Halinda
Striations in an ice jam caused by the piers of three bridges that cross the Athabasca River in Fort McMurray, Alta., are shown on Tuesday, April 28, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Greg Halinda

It says the Clearwater River has reached close to 246 metres — about five metres above typical levels.

Fort McMurray residents are also being told to stay away from river banks as water levels rise.

Officials say there is overland flooding in some low-lying areas, which is common during river breakup.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 28, 2026.

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