Cold weather has iced the river over, although not solid. There are open areas yet. Those who missed the open water will now have to wait a few weeks or so. We knew the river would freeze over again, as we stated on our report of January 3rd. Remember, a normal winter season produces at least 3' of ice at Birchdale and usually measures around 2' in late March. The river opens within days with 2' of ice. (We don't think we will get that solid ice before the spring season this year.) February is notorious for cold weather early in the month, then the warm up begins. Compare the weather from 2004 when the river was open on March 18th. Still planning on an early season this year!