BOONE, Iowa—The Des Moines River through Boone County has a number of ice jams creating backups along the river. A substantial ice jam was located near the Ledges State Park last week. Park Manager Andy Bartlett noted that staff continue to monitor the matter.
The following is from a weekly press release from the Ledges State Park:
An ice jam was noticed early this week, building on the Des Moines River in Ledges State Park. Exposed sandbars and tight corners in the river channel just south of the park, make this stretch prone to ice jams during cycles of freeze and thaw, such as we have experienced lately. The jam almost appears to have frozen the river in place, but the current continues to surge under the jagged cap of ice.
Park staff are monitoring the ice jam, as it has already backed up water and ice into low lying areas outside the river banks. The longer the jam remains, the greater the potential for this backed up water and ice to lead to road closures in the lower areas of the park. No matter how thick the ice appears, visitors are strongly encouraged not to walk out on any portion of the frozen Des Moines River, or its backwater areas.
Des Moines River ice jam looking south from the boat ramp at Ledges State Park.
Des Moines River ice jam creeping up on the boat ramp at Ledges State Park.
(contributed information and photos, IADNR
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