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More Ice Jam Flooding Possible as Thaw Continues
Mild temperatures and rainfall could lead to additional ice jams and flooding on Vermont and New York rivers this week.
Published on Mar. 9, 2026
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Ice jam flooding occurred on several rivers across Vermont and the North Country on Sunday, and the threat for more ice jams and flooding will continue through midweek. Early week warmth and midweek rainfall will create optimal conditions for ongoing river ice breakup, with the Mad River, Ausable River, Otter Creek, and Winooski River among those being monitored for potential flooding.
Why it matters
Ice jams can form quickly and unpredictably, causing water levels to rise several feet in just a few minutes. This poses a serious threat to communities along flood-prone rivers and streams, requiring residents to stay alert and have emergency plans in place.
The details
Mild temperatures in the 50s and 60s on Monday and Tuesday, combined with overnight temperatures near or above freezing, will allow the snowpack to continue melting. This, along with up to an inch and a half of rain expected on Wednesday and Thursday, will keep river levels elevated and increase the risk of additional ice jams forming.
- On Sunday afternoon, ice jam flooding occurred on several rivers across Vermont and the North Country.
- Mild temperatures will continue through the middle of the week, with highs in the 50s and 60s on Monday and Tuesday, and 40s and low 50s on Wednesday.
- Precipitation returns on Wednesday and Thursday, with an additional half inch to an inch and a half of liquid precipitation possible.
- As of Sunday evening, an ice jam remained in place at the Waitsfield Covered Bridge on the Mad River, and an ice jam near Enosburg Falls caused flooding along the Missisquoi River.
- A Flood Warning remains in effect for areas along the Mad River until late Monday morning, and for the Missisquoi River and VT-105 from Richford to Enosburg Falls until 5 a.m. Monday.
The players
Mad River
A river in Washington County, Vermont that has experienced ice jam flooding and is being monitored for potential additional flooding this week.
Missisquoi River
A river in Franklin County, Vermont that experienced ice jam flooding on Sunday, prompting a Flood Warning.
Ausable River
A river in Clinton County, New York that has experienced ice jams, with additional jams forming in Clintonville and Keeseville Village that could lead to flooding.
Great Chazy River
A river in Clinton County, New York that is experiencing minor flooding due to an ice jam release, with a small jam near Perry Mills also being monitored.
What’s next
Emergency officials in the Mad River Valley are urging people who live near the river to have a go-bag ready and an escape route planned in the event of an evacuation.
The takeaway
This ongoing thaw and risk of ice jams highlights the importance for communities along flood-prone rivers and streams to stay vigilant, monitor forecasts closely, and have emergency plans in place to protect lives and property.
