Current situation

  • The flood warning for the Athabasca and Clearwater Rivers at Fort McMurray is no longer in effect. An ice jam watch remains in effect on the Athabasca River from the Firebag River to the Peace Athabasca Delta.
  • The ice jam on the Clearwater River near Draper released on May 2; water from the Clearwater is flowing freely into the Athabasca River.
  • Water levels on the Athabasca River and Clearwater River have fallen below pre-flood levels. The River Forecast Centre does not expect additional flooding to occur on either river.
  • The ice jam on the Peace River has released and moved well past Garden River. The intact ice starts about 26 kilometres downstream of Peace Point.

Evacuation orders

  • In the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, all mandatory evacuation orders were lifted May 3, including Garden Lane in Draper.
  • About 3,028 people whose homes were affected, including 19 residents of Draper, remain displaced at this time.
  • All mandatory evacuation orders for Mackenzie County were lifted on May 4 at 8 a.m.
  • Re-entry planning for Fort Vermilion is underway. Residents were allowed to access their property on May 2 and May 3.
  • Little Red River Cree Nation issued an evacuation order on April 28 for Garden River.
  • As of April 28:
    • About 750 people in Little Red River Cree Nation have been evacuated.
    • About 505 people were evacuated from Fort Vermilion, Buttertown and rural Mackenzie County to hotels in High Level and private accommodations.

Information for evacuees

  • The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is asking evacuees to register directly with the Canadian Red Cross by calling 1-800-863-6582 (between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. MT) in order to receive information on further assistance and support programs.
  • Canada Post has suspended all mail delivery to Fort McMurray, but may attempt making some deliveries today. Residents can visit the link or call 1-866-607-6301 for updates.
  • Evacuees needing pet supplies are asked to contact the Fort McMurray SPCA at 780-742-8997.
  • In Mackenzie County, residents should register by calling 780-927-3718.
  • Little Red River Cree Nation has established a reception centre at John D’Or School.

Emergency evacuation payments

  • Evacuees can apply online for emergency evacuation payments (EEPs) for spring floods starting today at alberta.ca/emergency.
  • Residents of northern Alberta communities who are or were under a mandatory evacuation order due to floods are eligible. Eligible communities include Fort McMurray, Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo and Mackenzie County, including Fort Vermilion, Buttertown and Rural Mackenzie County.
  • This impacts about 14,000 residents.
  • The estimated EEP expenditures to these evacuees will total more than $14.5 million.

Education-related information

  • Two schools in Fort McMurray (Fort McMurray Composite High School and Father Turcotte School) and at least one school in Fort Vermilion (St. Mary's Elementary School) are reportedly affected by floodwaters.
  • Damage will be assessed once floodwaters recede.

Health-related information

  • Health-care services in Fort McMurray and Mackenzie County remain operational and are available to serve residents.
  • AHS resources are available to help 24-7:
    • Call Health Link at 811.
    • Contact the Addiction Helpline at 1-866-332-2322.
    • Contact the Mental Health Helpline at 1-877-303-2642.
    • For emergencies, call 911 or go directly to the emergency department.
  • Fort McMurray’s Northern Lights Regional Healthcare Centre remains operational and available to serve residents.
  • Dialysis patients continue to receive treatment in Lac La Biche and Edmonton until dialysis services resume at the hospital.
  • COVID-19 testing is occurring at flood reception centres when appropriate. 

Drinking water and wastewater facilities

  • Boil water advisories remain in place for all of Fort McMurray, Fort Vermilion and rural hamlets of Anzac, Draper, Gregoire Lake Estates and Saprae Creek Estates.

Flooding impacts

  • Water in Fort Vermilion is being supplied from La Crete. The water treatment plant truck fill station opened on May 3.
  • The water supply for La Crete has been restored and the truck fill station is open.
  • Damage assessments have begun within the impacted communities:
    • 203 structures were impacted in Fort Vermilion; assessment has concluded.
    • 10 structures were impacted in Buttertown.
    • Two structures were impacted at Beaver Ranch.
  • In the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, assessment is ongoing. So far, about 1,230 structures have been impacted.
  • Local roads are damaged on Little Red River Cree Nation. There are no reports of damage to structures.

River conditions – Athabasca and Clearwater Rivers

  • There are currently no ice jams in either the Athabasca or Clearwater Rivers.
  • The ice jam warning for Fort McMurray ended on May 2.
  • Water levels on the Athabasca River and Clearwater River have fallen below pre-flood levels.
  • An ice jam watch is still in place along the Athabasca River from Firebag River (65 kilometres north of Fort McKay) to the Peace Athabasca Delta.

River conditions – Peace River

  • An ice jam near Garden River had caused high water levels leading to flooding in the tributaries near the settlement.
  • The ice jam on the Peace River has released and moved well past Garden River. The intact ice starts approximately 26 kilometres downstream of Peace Point.

Access to justice

  • Due to flooding, the Fort McMurray courthouse is closed until further notice.
  • All matters that were to be heard there will continue to be heard at St. Albert provincial court.
  • For questions, contact St. Albert provincial court at 780-458-7305 or the contact centre at 1-855-738-4747.
  • Information on the status of court matters and services is available at albertacourts.ca.

How Albertans can help

While no flood-specific campaigns are currently underway, Albertans can make donations to humanitarian organizations that are assisting in flood-impacted communities.


Red Cross:  Online or at 1-800-418-1111

Salvation Army: Online or at 1-800-725-2769.


Samaritan’s Purse: Online/


Albertans who live in affected areas should look for updates from their local government regarding evacuations and closures and download the Alberta Emergency Alert app. For the latest information on river conditions, visit rivers.alberta.ca or download the Alberta Rivers app.