Bismarck, North Dakota – Rising water levels beneath ice-covered rivers and creeks are increasing the risk of ice jams across western and central North Dakota, prompting a Hydrologic Outlook from the National Weather Service.
According to the National Weather Service in Bismarck, recent warm temperatures have caused melting snow and ice, generating runoff that is now flowing into frozen streams and rivers. While widespread flooding is not expected, stream gauges are showing noticeable rises, increasing the potential for localized ice jam issues.
Streams of particular concern include the Knife River, Cannonball River, Heart River, Cedar Creek, and Spring Creek, where ice remains intact but water levels are climbing underneath. If ice becomes mobilized, sudden blockages could form, leading to rapid and unpredictable water level changes.
Similar conditions are also being observed along the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers in Montana, where modest runoff has caused river levels to rise beneath ice cover. These changes can create hazardous conditions, especially near shorelines.
Travelers and residents near waterways intersecting Interstate 94, U.S. Highway 83, U.S. Highway 52, and U.S. Highway 85 are urged to remain cautious. The National Weather Service specifically warns that ice fishing and other winter recreation on frozen rivers and streams may be dangerous, as rising water can weaken ice from below without visible warning.
Forecasters indicate that conditions favorable for continued melting of the region’s generally modest snowpack are expected to persist into the second full week of February, meaning elevated water levels could continue.
Ice jams often form suddenly and can shift quickly, making them difficult to predict. Anyone observing signs of an ice jam — such as water backing up, cracking ice, or sudden changes in river flow — is encouraged to report it immediately to local emergency management officials.
Residents in low-lying areas near rivers and creeks should remain aware of changing conditions, even in the absence of heavy precipitation. Updates to this outlook will be issued as conditions evolve.
