Ice Spotter Training

It's that time again - time to talk about river ice and the National Weather Service is looking for spotters.

River Ice Spotter Training
Saturday, December 11th at 10am
Machesney Park Village Hall
300 Machesney Park Road, Machesney Park IL
Contact: Paul Sheppard - 815-877-5432 if you plan on attending so that we can notify you in the event that we have to reschedule due to weather

Why River Ice Spotters?

The National Weather Service (NWS) is responsible for the issuance of river forecasts and flood warnings. We rely heavily on a network of river gages owned and operated primarily by the U.S. Geological Survey. During the colder months, ice jams can result in flash flooding. However, ice jams are typically localized and river gage readings do not always accurately indicate what is occurring when ice is involved. For accurate ice assessment, one needs to know information such as the extent of the existing ice cover, if there are any open areas, has the ice begun to breakup…etc. This information can only be obtained by visual observations.

What qualifications are required?
No special qualifications are required other than living or working near a river and a willingness to report river and ice conditions. Access to the internet is preferred. We may also have a need to contact you directly as well.

What kind of information will I be reporting?
The information could include observations of river freeze-up, percent of ice cover, or if the ice cover is beginning to break. High priority would be given to reports of ice jam formation, breakup of an ice jam, or ice jam flooding. Observations are requested weekly December to March or whenever existing conditions change.

Safety
Safety is important! All visual observations of ice conditions will be done from a safe location only. Under no circumstances should ice spotters venture out on the ice to take an observation.