Ice Jam Prompts Flood Warning in Central Minnesota

An ice jam on the Mississippi River near Elk River has prompted the National Weather Service (NWS) to issue a flood warning for along the Mississippi River from Elk River to Monticello. The latest report from a trained observer in the area indicated the entire river reach remained frozen from bank to bank.

An "ice jam" is the result of a layer of ice that couldn't make it through a point on the river and is causing ice to pile up behind it.

The river continues to rise and levels are being monitored by local emergency management officials. While no impacts have been reported as of this time, the NWS reminds residents that rapid fluctuations in river levels can occur with ice jam conditions.

Image via U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Detroit District, Flickr, used under Creative Commons