January 9, 2004 – 1^st Report

SUMMARY LOWER PLATTE RIVER ICE REPORT

Loup River – No reports.

Elkhorn River

It is reported a small open channel one to three feet wide near the east bank downstream of the Hwy 30 Bridge for about 300 feet. At Hwy 64 bridge there is a small open channel about three to ten feet wide in the middle of the channel upstream of the bridge for approximately 300 feet. Downstream of the bridge there is 100% ice cover. At Hwy 92 bridge 100% ice cover is reported.

Platte River

At Hwy 70 the river is low with small exposed sandbars. River is ice covered relatively smooth with some snow cover. At the Hwy 77 and Burlington Northern Railroad bridge there is an open channel on the north side of the river which runs east and west of the Hwy 77 Bridge. There is a smaller channel on the south side of the river which also runs east and west of the bridge with the river being reported very low with large sandbars exposed. At a quarter mile west of Hwy 275 there is an open channel in the middle of the river along the east bank that is five to 25 feet wide and a quarter mile in length. At Hwy 92 bridge east and west channels of the river are reported 95% covered with ice and snow with ice free water running on the east and west sides. At Capehart Road at the confluence of the Platte and Elkhorn 100% ice cover is reported. A quarter mile north of Fairview Road 100% ice cover.