The Ultimate Guide to Ice Jams: Understanding, Preparing for, and Surviving This Winter Hazard
The Ultimate Guide to Ice Jams: Understanding, Preparing for, and Surviving This Winter Hazard As winter's grip tightens across the United States, bringing with it the beauty of snow-covered landscapes and the biting chill of sub-zero temperatures, many Americans are acutely aware of common hazards like blizzards and freezing rain. But lurking beneath the surface, especially in our nation's vast network of rivers and waterways, is a less understood yet profoundly dangerous phenomenon: the ice jam. Today, December 27, 2025, as many regions contend with fluctuating temperatures, it’s more critical than ever to understand these silent threats. An ice jam isn't just a collection of ice; it's a powerful, unpredictable force that can transform tranquil rivers into raging torrents, causing rapid, devastating floods with little to no warning. For communities situated along rivers, understanding ice jams isn't merely academic; it's a matter of safety, property protection...