Sorry for the lack of updates, still working on my intermittent internet problems, which should be back to normal this week! Starting in a week the weather pattern should start warming back up. Those double digits overnight help to continue any melting that occur during the day. There is no sign of open water at this time, will be checking it next week and updating again. Probably still be an earlier opening date this year, although not as early as I thought while we were experiencing the warming than usual winter weather.

Just getting set back up on the internet, updates coming soon. Still looking at an early open water season. There are small open areas yet at Birchdale.

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!