River Ice & Flooding Initiative

When frozen rivers thaw, ice can move downstream, obstructing the flow of water. These ice jams can result in hazardous flood conditions for residents of communities like Galena. Satellite data can give residents early warning of these events, saving lives and property. To best serve Galena’s first responders and evacuation efforts, river ice and river flooding experts at NOAA joined forces, combining their data products and expertise. River flood and river ice products that used Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) satellite data were rushed to the Alaska Pacific River Forecast Center. Forecasters at the APRFC worked with emergency managers to help define the extent of the flooding and changes as ice conditions changed. These products had an immediate positive impact and were used extensively during the recovery phase.

Since its inception in November 2013, the River Ice and Flooding Initiative has grown, serving regions affected by ice jam and river flooding caused by heavy precipitation events. In the United States, these products serve communities along the Gulf Coast, the Mississippi River, and the Missouri Basin, as well as winter flooding in North and South Dakota, Minnesota, and the Northeast. Outside of the U.S., the international community has benefited from these products. A delegation from Alaska visited Russia where villages along its river faced the same ice jam and ice jam flooding dangers. Areas as diverse as South America, Asia, and Australia have also benefited from these products in response to activation of the international charter, which is a worldwide collaboration among space agencies to share satellite data for disaster management authorities. River ice and flood products are available on RealEarth, which is maintained and available any time day or night.