Ice Straws in Stream

cqaigy2 · Feb 18, 2019

I've seen what you are talking about, the water is full of slush in the creek or river, it slows a bit and starts to freeze up. Once it starts to freeze, the water backs up and can get up on top of the ice.

turnkey4099 · Feb 19, 2019

oosik said:
Honestly - I think your spelling is correct. I tried four time with spell check - gave up. The "ice slivers" do not sink to the bottom. They become so thick in the water that - at first - a few will stick somewhere. Then after that it's a simple progression. Once a few - then more. Finally there is a place on the creek where they are really jammed/piled up. Water will back up behind this "pile up" and overflow the banks.

The "normal" water temp in the creek when this happens is - +28F or +29F. YES - it is below freezing. The water movement of the creek is what keeps things flowing. When the water backs up and slows down - the creek itself begins to freeze. It becomes a real mess.

I misspoke when I said they sink to the bottom. They will usually "catch up" or "stick" to something on the bottom. Water movement is always slower at the water/dirt interface. This is where you find the beginning of the problem.

Thanks,that makes sense.

I spent 18 months in Alaska 1955-56 mostly out on the islands St. Lawrence and Shemya. A whole different weather experience.

Alien · Feb 21, 2019

Hoar frosts occur when fog freezes on anything and everything. It can be quite beautiful. Alexandra district in Central Otago New Zealand is known for them. I lived there many years ago.

Hoar Frost Central Otago NZ - YouTube

Hoar Frost in Central Otago - YouTube

cqaigy2 · Feb 21, 2019

Pretty. The music in the first was Uff da.

dalola · Feb 22, 2019

Very cool!

Wife & I love winter hiking, enjoy seeing what Mather Nature can do with some water & cold air.

Here's a couple pix from a few weeks ago.

cqaigy2 · Feb 22, 2019

Pretty, and looked like a nice day to boot.

dalola · Feb 22, 2019

cqaigy2 said:
Pretty, and looked like a nice day to boot.

Thanks! Yes, it was a really nice day. Started off with decent snow in the morning, maybe a couple inches, then sun broke out in the afternoon, temps in the mid 20's, calm winds. Nearly perfect winter hiking conditions. We got about 8 miles in by the end of the day, nice leisurely pace & a picnic lunch. :thumbsup: