The IceWatch USA volunteer program run by Nature Abounds is looking out for potential ice jams on Pennsylvania’s rivers and streams that could cause flooding and major damage as temperatures warm up from the extreme cold.

"With the recent extreme cold temperatures, we're seeing plenty of ice on our streams, rivers, and lakes across Pennsylvania,” said Melinda Hughes, Nature Abounds' President.  “With these warmer temperatures, the ice is cracking and may create ice jams if they haven't already, many of which lead to flooding. Monitoring these conditions is extremely important. More volunteers are really needed everywhere."

Several sites across Pennsylvania have been monitored for IceWatch USA, including locations in Allegheny, Bucks, Centre, Chester, Clearfield, Cumberland, Delaware and Wayne counties.

About 350 volunteers report on ice conditions in Pennsylvania, including members of the PA Senior Environment Corps.  For IceWatch USA nationwide, there are 2,100 volunteers. 

Hughes said there is a great need more volunteers.

Volunteers select a water body or water bodies to observe and report back on over winter. Volunteers observe and report back on winter precipitation, snow and ice coverage, air temperature, and wildlife.

The data collected is shared with interested scientists that analyze citizen-science data for environmental indicators such as climate change.

The data is also shared with Ice Watch Canada, and the US version of the program, created and operated by Nature Abounds, is now being replicated for schools in Germany.

The program begins each season on the first day of autumn, while the season end varies across the country and dependent on how long winter weather persists.

IceWatch USA is a seasonal program of Nature Abounds, a national nonprofit with offices in DuBois, PA, which has over 10,000 volunteers across all fifty states and beyond, engaged in activities to help the environment.

To sign up as a volunteer, go to the IceWatch USA volunteer program webpage or send email to: volunteer@natureabounds.org.

For more information on other programs, including the PA Senior Environment Corps, visit the Nature Abounds website.

NWS Issues Multiple Watches, Warnings

The National Weather Service Friday issued multiple weather Watches and Warnings across Pennsylvania.  Stay tuned to local media for the very latest.

For more on NWS Watches and Warnings: Click Here for all the details in Central PA. Click Here for Northeast PA details.  Click Here for details for Western PA.  Click Here for Southeast PA details.

NewsClips:

Record Rain, Melting Snow Cause Flooding, Evacuations In Southwest PA

Crable: Official Wary Of Susquehanna River Ice Jams With Friday Rain, High Temps

Rain Ahead Of Winter Storm Leads To Flood Watch

Flood Watch Issued, Ice Jams Could Affect Northeast PA

Army Corps Of Engineers Closely Monitoring Frozen Rivers, Water Levels

Minor Flooding Possible In Erie Region

Road Salt Washes Into Lehigh Valley Waterways

Suds Overtake Black Creek, Road Near Hazleton

Wilkes-Barre Approves Additional Costs For Solomon Creek Flood Project

Related Stories:

National Weather Service Issues Multiple Watches, Warnings Across The State

DEP Offers Flood, Storm Recovery Information

Insurance Dept. Advises Southwestern PA Property Owners On Filling Out Flood Damage Claims

SRBC, Corps Columbia County Providing Ice Jam Training

[Posted: Jan. 11, 2018]

1/15/2018