Municipal warnings have been given now that ice breakups are an issue, and residents need to be cautious and prepare for possible flooding. Spring is river breakup time, and as the ice breaks up there is the possibility that large chunks could cause jams in the river, flooding, and river banks which can become dangerous very quickly. Those who live in the lower townsite have the greatest risk of flooding but the ice breakups can be very unpredictable and no area is completely safe from flooding and other issues caused by the ice on the rivers breaking up. When the ice causes a jam or blockage in the river this can lead to upstream swelling and the river can overflow and spill over the banks.

In addition to issuing warnings about the ice breakups Wood Buffalo has also issued warnings about slippery riverbanks and very strong currents which can pose safety hazards. According to Wood Buffalo municipality Assistant Deputy Chief of Emergency Management Chris Graham the place where an ice jam is most likely to occur is where the Athabasca and Clearwater rivers meet. Flooding is also very possible in this area if an ice jam occurs, even a jam that occurs some distance away at Fort McKay. Graham also cautioned “When breakup is actually occurring, don’t stop on the [Athabasca] bridge.” Standing on the bank of the river to watch the ice breakups is also dangerous because the water is flowing quickly and huge ice chunks can be pushed to shore in very little time as a result.