SCHENECTADY - Mild winter weather has led to a relatively uneventful ice breakup along the Mohawk River this year, according to Union College professor John Garver. The warmer temperatures have resulted in thinner ice accumulation, reducing the risk of flooding in the Stockade area.
Garver explained, “The ice breakup this year was uneventful, partly due to the thin ice accumulation caused by the overall warm winter we have experienced. However, it is important to continue monitoring and evaluating how the ice moves.”
As part of a pilot program led by the state’s Canal Corporation and Power Authority, a tugboat has been deployed to break the ice on the surface of the river, potentially reducing the risk of ice jams and subsequent flooding. The tugboat operates between Lock 7 in Niskayuna and Lock 8 in Rotterdam during the winter months.
According to Shane Mahar, a spokesperson for the state Power Authority and Canal Corporation, the tugboat was deployed this winter season when the ice reached a thickness of 1 inch. It was then sent out again when the ice thickness reached 6 inches due to recent weather conditions.
“This winter has been very mild overall, with minimal snow and ice formation,” Mahar stated.
Despite the mild winter, a couple of small ice jams formed on Friday morning, one at the Rexford Knolls and another between Schenectady and Lock 8. Fortunately, these jams eventually released and did not cause water levels to rise to a point of flooding, Garver confirmed.
Garver added, “Warmer winters may mean that we will see less of an ice jam hazard on the Mohawk River on average. This is positive news for homes along the river that are prone to flooding due to ice jam backups.”
He also noted that the last major ice jam occurred in 2018 at the Rexford Knolls, causing ice to accumulate behind it for 15 miles.
In 2022, the ice mitigation program and the tugboat were praised by the Stockade Association for their efforts in preventing ice jams and subsequent flooding.
Mahar emphasized that the tugboat is just “one tool in the toolbox” being used to mitigate ice jams. The program also involves collecting data to understand how ice forms and the conditions that contribute to future ice mitigation efforts along the river.
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Great news! Glad to hear that the ice jam didn’t lead to any significant flooding. Stay safe, everyone!
Great to hear that there was minimal impact and no flooding!
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