Ice jam watch issued for Fort McMurray

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

The province has issued an ice jam watch for the Fort McMurray area near Athabasca and Clearwater rivers.

A news release from the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo said a 20-kilometre-long ice jam has formed about seven kilometres upstream from the Thickwood golf course.

There is also a smaller ice jam two kilometres upstream, but is not a concern at this time.

Residents living in areas close to the Athabasca and Clearwater rivers are asked to monitor the situation and to stay away from riverbanks.

No evacuation alert has been issued, but people are advised to be prepared to leave their homes should the rivers breakup.