Evacuation alert issued for Draper, Alta., as ice jam raises river levels

An evacuation alert has been issued for the community of Draper in northern Alberta after rising river levels linked to a large ice jam raised concerns about possible flooding.

According to a notice from the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, approximately 140 residents of the unincorporated community have been advised to prepare to leave on short notice. Draper is located along the southern bank of the Clearwater River, about 12 kilometres southeast of Fort McMurray.

Officials say a roughly 20-kilometre-long ice jam on the Athabasca River has contributed to a rapid increase in water levels. Recent monitoring data indicates the Clearwater River has risen about 4.5 metres, while the Athabasca River has increased by approximately 5.5 metres.

The Clearwater River flows west from northwestern Saskatchewan and meets the Athabasca River near Fort McMurray, an area that has experienced past flooding events linked to spring ice breakup.

Provincial authorities are monitoring the situation. No evacuation order has been issued, and there is no confirmation of flooding in the community at this time.