January 25, 2002

This is the first of a series of summary reports of ice conditions on the Lower Platte River System. The Lower Platte River system encompasses the Loup, Elkhorn, and Platte rivers in north-central and eastern Nebraska.

This summary is based on voluntary reports received from local trained observers. This report is based on the reports received from 20 locations that were reported January 23-24, 2002.

With the unseasonable weather conditions, there has been slow development of border ice with frazil slush and floating pans noted on much of the river system.

The Loup River near Palmer reporter notes 5 foot of border ice with small amount of frazil slush moving in the channel, otherwise river is flowing freely. At Columbus, report of some moving slush along the river.

Along the Elkhorn River from Hwy 30 downstream reports indicate good open channels.

Along the Platte River from Hwy 79 reports a 30% channel open with floating slush and slush pans. It is reported there is intact ice in this area on sandbars and shallow water. Some ice has piled from previous break-up; plied ice appears gray and dirty. At Hwy 77 the channel is estimated to be 75% open with flowing slush and pans. River is very low with visible sandbars. At Hwy 64 bridge the channel is 80% open with moving frazil slush and pans. At the Hwy 92 bridge it is reported that ice that was piled on the sandbars and along the river banks is still present, but has been depleted due to melting. There are several small open channels reported. At the confluence of the Elkhorn and Platte almost entirely clear of ice, little floating ice observed. Hwy 6 ice reported to be piled up to 2 feet high on sandbars, otherwise little floating ice in the channel. Louisville to Plattsmouth good open channels reported with frazil slush and pans being reported. Some old, very dirty fractured slab ice on sand bars.