There are “three” independent processes:
- RHEL release
- AlmaLinux release
- EPEL release
Both RHEL and AlmaLinux release their point update content en masse – all at once.
So far RHEL has released before AlmaLinux.
There are thus two timepoints on the timeline: A (RHEL release) and B (AlmaLinux release)
EPEL starts to build for new target a bit before A, so they can release for new EL right after A.
Anything that EPEL releases before B can “break” AlmaLinux system. Thus from A ta B is risky.
However, EPEL is not one. It is many package collections with many maintainers. They do not all build at the same time nor release at the same time. Therefore, the release of some EPEL packages, “timepoint C”, can be clearly after B. Thus from A to C is risky.
One can contact EPEL to report issue so that the maintainers of relevant packages know to better prioritize their time.