INITIAL 2001 ICE JAM SUMMARY

LOWER PLATTE RIVER SYSTEM

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 upon voluntary reports receive from local, trained observers. Approximately 30 sites are observed during ice formation months.

Despite moderating weather conditions, quite a bit of ice was reported in the Lower Platte River System. Above normal temperatures have initiated melting but much ice remains.

The Loup River reports indicate 55 to 99 percent ice coverage with smooth surfaces and evidence of decay. North of Palmer ice is estimated to be between 12 and 15 inches thick with evidence of some heaving. The entire channel is moving water.

The Elkhorn River reports indicate melting snow and ice with water standing in many places. At US Highway 81 ice was reported to be breaking up with some decay. At the Madison/Stanton County line a 30-foot wide channel was reported open. An open channel of 20 to 40 feet wide and 1800 feet long was indicated at the Platte/Elkhorn River confluence. At the mouth of the Elkhorn a channel 10 to 20 feet wide and one mile long was reported.

The Platte River reports indicate that at the Hwy 92 bridge the West channel has an open channel upstream and downstream of the bridge along the west bank that is about 10'-30'wide. Some water is standing on top of the ice. The East channel has some water that is standing on top of the ice. The channels are free of ice. At Louisville there is 98% ice cover with thickness between two inches and one foot. The Plattsmouth report indicates a 50' channel 30' out from right bank from beyond limit of vision upstream to mouth of river. Much decay indicated very dirty ice along with signs of fractured slabs that have re-frozen into the river ice. Considerable water pooling on top of ice was also reported. At Highway 77 100% ice cover is reported. Warm weather has created melting with some water pooling on the top of the ice. Ice decay is evident on the North bank because of the warm weather.