Ice breakup on the Torne River near Övertorneå occurred unusually early, with the Lions Club competition raft crossing the border bridge on 23 April—earlier than ever recorded for the event (running since 1959). Ice breakup is typically observed in early May.

As Alaska faces an increased risk of spring breakup flooding this year, scientists are asking residents to share photos documenting major rivers’ progress from ice to water to help them predict with more accuracy where flooding might occur.

The Kuskokwim River breakup has reached Sleetmute and Red Devil more than 200 miles downstream in five days—about five days ahead of schedule—with low flooding potential reported for middle-river communities.

Breakup on the Kuskokwim River reached Aniak on April 30, roughly five days ahead of the median date, though unusually low water levels could increase the risk of ice jams downstream.

In the earliest breakup since the contest began in 1917, the Nenana Ice Classic Tripod fell early this morning.