With Wood Buffalo diving into spring, eyes turn to the Athabasca and Clearwater rivers for breakups.
Breakup season means ice jams, rising water, and flood hazards nearby the region’s Lower Townsite and along the riverbanks.
In case of emergency, the Municipality suggests making a 3-day emergency kit for your family and organizing an evacuation plan and muster point.
Chris Graham, Assistant Deputy Chief of Emergency Management at the RMWB, says preparedness is important.
“Annually, we encourage residents to educate themselves on River Breakup in the region. We would recommend the public take the appropriate steps to be ready for an emergency situation.”
Once ice jams upriver and downriver don’t pose a threat to residents, the Municipality will declare a River Breakup.
Also, Silin Forest Rd. with access to the Municipal Water Treatment Plant will remain closed for public use until May 20, 2019, as a safety precaution.
Facts and figures
- Stopping your vehicle on the Athabasca bridge to view the breakup is prohibited.
- Watch the Livestream of the river breakup on the Municipality website.
- Avoid riverbanks during this time of year.
