River Ice

Location: Alaska, United States

Project Description: This project includes observations about unusual changes to river ice conditions. Important things to note, such as the timing, when freeze-up started, followed by river ice breakup, type of ice quality, number of noteworthy events.

Background: River ice conditions are important indicators of the climate and environmental conditions. Understanding river ice is also important for cold season transportation and for safety. During springtime the timing, condition of ice and type of break up can be a good predictor of potential ice jams and flooding events.

Project Host: Alaska-Pacific River Forecast Center (Alaska-Pacific RFC), National Weather Service, Alaska Region

Project Lead: Crane Johnson

Observation Guidance & Tips: What do observers need to know to make a good observation with the right data? Some key components for a good observation would include photos, the location, a description of the river conditions, and any personal notes about why the conditions are significant or unusual.

Source Data: What is the information inputs for the project? Related LEO Network posted observations, River Watch Program (a voluntary program) and other observational data sources.

Project outputs: What kinds of information outputs should contributors expect from the project? Regional map(s), timeline trends and the development or inclusion as a contributor to published report or paper.

• Alaska River Break-up: Historic camparison and 2017 Spring Outlook - What can we expect? | April 11, 2017 10 AM AKDT | Speaking: Crane Johnson and Rick Thoman, National Weather Service, "We will present a brief overview of current conditions and provide our spring statewide flooding potential outlook for the 2017 spring break-up season. This will be followed by a comparison of historic breakup years and a spring/summer climate outlook." Hosted by Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Policy (ACCAP)

Project updates:

Resources:

Alaska-Pacific River Forecast Center (APRFC) – "Produces timely and accurate water forecasts and information using the best available scientific principles to integrate and model water, weather, and climate information. Our highly-motivated, customer-focused staff is dedicated to professionalism, innovation, and fulfilling expectations of our customers and partners." Source: US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atomospheric Administration, National Weather Service, Alaska-Pacific RFC. Comments? Question? Please Contact Us.