I visited Long Level along the Susquehanna River over the weekend and I was absolutely amazed at the lack of ice build up on the York county side of the Susquehanna River. There is practically no ice on the York county side - some very thin ice -- but nothing major. Considering we have just come through one of our coldest winters - February was the coldest February on record since records were kept in Harrisburg. February was also the 4th or 5th coldest month ever recorded since records were kept. January was also rather cold. Many nights the temperature was 0 or below. We should have some very thick ice because of the temperatures. I remember 25 years ago and before we would see ice sometimes two feet thick along the banks of Long Level when the ice would break -- sometimes it would wash up on the River Road along Long Level and have to be plowed away. Actually while I was thinking -- we had very thick ice about 8 years ago. I remember being fascinated by the thick pieces of ice and seeing streaks of blue color in the thick pieces. I may even have a photo or two showing this interesting coloration. There does appear to be more solid and thicker ice on the Lancaster County side of the river this year. 

Did anybody ever hear the loud cracking noise of ice breaking up on the river? My father used to tell me about that sound but I have never heard it. Speaking of ice build ups along the Susquehanna River - I remember about 35 - 40 years ago there was a tremendous ice jam on the river above the Safe Harbor Dam and authorities were considering calling in the U. S. Air Force and having jet planes fire missiles or drop bombs to disengage or break up the ice. To my knowledge that plan never materialized but it was being considered.

Of course ice jams were responsible in taking out the Columbia - Wrightsville Bridge on at least two occasions before the great cement bridges and piers were constructed.

We obviously do not seem to get the thick build up of ice that we once did. My father and mother used to tell me how the ice was so thick along Long Level during the 1920's and 1930's that people used to to drive their cars out on the river on top of the ice -- not a very smart thing to do but they did it. While I would be afraid to drive my car on the ice on the river - I wouldn't mind trying ice fishing. Has anyone on the Exchange ever done ice fishing on the Susquehanna River between York and Lancaster? What were your results? 

Last edited by JimmyBear (3/12/2015 1:18 am)