The Effects of Ice Jams
Along with the winter season comes frigid temperatures. Ice formation during these weather conditions is possible across the country. Today's blog from Big Bags USA® discusses ice jams, how they form and what problems they can cause. Keep reading to learn how to protect your community and property from the effects of ice jams.
An ice jam, also known as an ice dam, is an accumulation of ice on a river or other body of water. An ice jam is caused by floating pieces of ice getting stuck at any obstruction of stream flow. Common places for ice jams to occur include river bends, mouths of tributaries, areas where the river slope decreases, downstream of dams or upstream of bridges.
The biggest effect of ice jams on a river community is that they can cause major flooding. Ice jams can back up the flow of the river causing flooding upstream. In addition, if the pressure behind the ice jam becomes too strong, and the ice jam breaks, flash flooding can occur downstream. Freeze-up jams occur in late winter, and typically don't cause too much flooding damage. Break-up jams on the other hand, which are more common in the early spring, can be very destructive. They tend to release abruptly, producing violent surges of water and ice. These break-up jams can cause major property damage too. They have been known to push entire houses off their foundations and rip up wooden decks.
While flooding is our main concern with ice jams, erosion and dislocation of aquatic life can also result. If the river experiencing the ice jam is regularly used for transporting goods, transportation could be disrupted. Rivers that contribute to hydro-power can have their operations disrupted. While it may seem like an ice jam on a river isn't that big of a deal, major issues can result from it.
Luckily, you have a solution for the ice jam flooding problems! Big Bags USA® is field test and proven to protect against ice jams and other floating debris. If you live in a river community, talk to your local officials and emergency management personnel about adding our innovative flood barriers to their flood mitigation plans. We're here to help protect your community and your property from the effects of winter flooding. Learn more by visiting our website or giving us a call at 1-800-337-0537.
Ice Jams
An ice jam, also known as an ice dam, is an accumulation of ice on a river or other body of water. An ice jam is caused by floating pieces of ice getting stuck at any obstruction of stream flow. Common places for ice jams to occur include river bends, mouths of tributaries, areas where the river slope decreases, downstream of dams or upstream of bridges.
Ice Jam Flooding
The biggest effect of ice jams on a river community is that they can cause major flooding. Ice jams can back up the flow of the river causing flooding upstream. In addition, if the pressure behind the ice jam becomes too strong, and the ice jam breaks, flash flooding can occur downstream. Freeze-up jams occur in late winter, and typically don't cause too much flooding damage. Break-up jams on the other hand, which are more common in the early spring, can be very destructive. They tend to release abruptly, producing violent surges of water and ice. These break-up jams can cause major property damage too. They have been known to push entire houses off their foundations and rip up wooden decks.
Other Effects of Ice Jams
While flooding is our main concern with ice jams, erosion and dislocation of aquatic life can also result. If the river experiencing the ice jam is regularly used for transporting goods, transportation could be disrupted. Rivers that contribute to hydro-power can have their operations disrupted. While it may seem like an ice jam on a river isn't that big of a deal, major issues can result from it.
Luckily, you have a solution for the ice jam flooding problems! Big Bags USA® is field test and proven to protect against ice jams and other floating debris. If you live in a river community, talk to your local officials and emergency management personnel about adding our innovative flood barriers to their flood mitigation plans. We're here to help protect your community and your property from the effects of winter flooding. Learn more by visiting our website or giving us a call at 1-800-337-0537.
MADE IN THE USA ~ 100% Manufactured in Missouri ~ BUY AMERICAN
MADE IN THE USA ~ 100% Manufactured in Missouri ~ BUY AMERICAN
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