Ice jams and flows demonstrate their power

The South Skunk River is clogged with tons and tons of ice, waiting on that moment for it to run free once again

The South Skunk River in Mahaska County has melted quickly, leaving behind large chunks of floating ice that are attempting to make their way down river.

When there is a rapid warm up like we have currently experience in our region, the rivers open up quickly on the banks, leaving the more dense centers to float down stream. Those large chunks of ice become entrapped on bridges, trees, sandbars and many other obstructions. These instant dams can cause significant flooding with little to no notice.

Watching the ice all of a sudden break free from it’s static position to moving once again can be a breath taking experience. The roar of ice as it crashes into other large pieces of ice, many the size of cars and trucks. The sound of tree’s being snapped as this massive force pushes itself forward, scraping and dragging everything in it’s way.

Thanks to some wonderful tips, we were able to grab a couple of quick photo’s from Sheriff’s Bridge as this ice flow started on it’s way. Then, with much less fanfare, it’s ground to a halt once again, waiting on it’s brute force to once again bend the river to it’s will.

Currently there are no flood watches or warnings for Mahaska County.