Parker, Pennsylvania – An ice jam on the Allegheny River has broken and moved downstream, easing flood concerns.
According to the National Weather Service’s Ohio River Forecast Center (OHRFC), extremely cold weather in late January and early February led to widespread river ice formation across the Ohio Valley. The OHRFC said recent warmer temperatures and rain have allowed some of that ice to break up, with ice jamming reported in places including Parker, Pennsylvania.
An OHRFC “Water Story” issued Wednesday morning said the Allegheny River ice jam has broken and shifted downstream. The agency noted the hydrograph at Parker reflects a typical ice-jam event, with river levels rising sharply before falling back after the jam released.
The graphic included flood categories showing minor flooding beginning at 20 feet, and the plotted river level rose above that threshold during the event before dropping. The water story did not list specific damage reports, but said the overall risk of ice-jam flooding is decreasing.
The update also referenced USGS images showing reduced ice coverage on the Allegheny River over the past week, including images labeled Feb. 19, 2026, and Feb. 24, 2026. The OHRFC said warming in the Ohio Valley has lowered the threat of flooding driven by ice jams.
In a related statement shared by the OHRFC, the agency said remaining ice should continue breaking up and moving downstream.
For commuters and residents near rivers and bridge crossings, fluctuating river conditions can still affect access points and low-lying areas even as the broader risk declines.
The OHRFC advised monitoring official river forecasts and local statements as ice continues to shift through the drainage basins.
