VN #011: Fraser River ice-cakes
Posted December 15, 2023
Fraser River Ice-cakes
Every year the Fraser River freezes differently. Depending on the previous week’s temperatures, the river will be either frozen or in breakup. Sometimes, fluctuations happen rapidly creating spectacular overflows of water over ice. The canyon landscape can change quickly and dramatically.
For years, several times a winter, I would drive to the Gang Ranch bridge overlooking the Fraser River to check for dramatic freeze overs. In February, 2005, I discovered ice formations along the shoreline which I had never seen before, nor have I since. I called them ice-cakes.
Fraser River and Gang Ranch bridge
In this photograph, the river is beautifully frozen after a sudden and severe cold snap. This no longer happens frequently.
Fraser River break-up
Our new normal has stretches of open water with ice-flows moving downstream.
Ice cakes
In February, 2005, this was the dramatic scene I discovered. Ice-cakes lined the shoreline.
The diversity of ice cakes formations.
Ice cakes
They were often over 12 inches tall.
Ice cake. Circular beauty
When photographed from a higher perspective, a circular beauty was revealed.
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