January 9, 2009

Icy Mississippi River

A view of the Hastings River bridge crossing over the frozen Mississippi River during the winter months. I've posted a couple other views of the Hastings Bridge from this vantage point in the past: October 26, 2006 and December 7, 2006 Both photos had been taken in the fall season. I made a return visit this week to the Hasting Bridge and the frozen Mississippi River. It was really a quiet place to be in the dead sound that winter can cause. The top layer of water was frozen, not a sound of water flowing. It may look like sturdy layer of ice, but with the moving waters underneath, you would be a fool to venture out onto the ice.

2 comments:

Hilda said...

I actually find it curious that ice formed at all. The Mississippi River doesn't move fast?

Very peaceful photo.

Steve Cuddihy said...

In the winter months, the river is usually free flowing, however, if the air temps get to around 5-0 F, it'll freeze over. Or at least the top layer. But the air temps have to stay at that level for quite some time.

One thing that may cause this particular area to freeze over is Lock and Dam #2 is just upstream from where I am standing. It may cause the waters to slow down a bit in this area.