Ice Jam Flood Warning Issued for Mad River and Ausable River

Rising temperatures melt leftover ice, causing river levels to climb and raising concerns about rapid flooding.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for ice jams on the Mad River in Waitsfield, Vermont and the Ausable River in the North Country of New York. Emergency officials are urging people who live near the rivers to be prepared for possible evacuations as the ice melt causes water levels to rise quickly, with the potential for several feet of flooding in just minutes.

Why it matters

Ice jams can develop and intensify rapidly, making them difficult to predict and posing a serious threat to nearby residents and infrastructure. This warning highlights the need for communities to be proactive in preparing for potential flooding events caused by ice melt, especially as climate change leads to more unpredictable weather patterns.

The details

Fred Messer, director of Waitsfield Emergency Management, said he had been tracking ice buildup throughout the day and noticed the water had already left the river channel and was moving through a nearby parking lot. Emergency officials are urging people to have a go-bag ready and an escape route planned in case of an evacuation. They are also warning drivers not to travel through flooded areas.

  • The National Weather Service issued the flood warning on March 8, 2026.
  • Officials have observed rapid water level rises of several feet in just minutes.

The players

Fred Messer

Director of Waitsfield Emergency Management, who has been tracking the ice buildup and rising water levels.

Maureen Hastings

National Weather Service Meteorologist, who said ice jams can develop and intensify with little warning.

Tom Spencer

A Warren resident who said the area has experienced ice jams before, though they are always scary.

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What they’re saying

“What's concerning me right now is the water is leaving the channel and coming through this parking lot and down, you just can't plan that it's always gonna jump back into the river.”

— Fred Messer, Director of Waitsfield Emergency Management (WCAX)

“Ice jams by nature can be very rapid and very quick onset and very difficult to predict.”

— Maureen Hastings, National Weather Service Meteorologist (WCAX)

“We've seen this several times here so unfortunately we're a little bit used to it, but it's always scary though — it's always scary because you never know when it's going to end.”

— Tom Spencer, Warren Resident (WCAX)

What’s next

The National Weather Service said the possibility of an ice jam is above normal for the next two weeks, so officials will continue to monitor the situation closely and be prepared to issue evacuation orders if necessary.

The takeaway

This ice jam flood warning underscores the unpredictable and dangerous nature of rapid ice melt and flooding, highlighting the importance of community preparedness and the need for proactive measures to protect residents and infrastructure in flood-prone areas, especially as climate change exacerbates extreme weather events.