Ice jams cause disruption along Tornionjoki River in Finland

The water level of the Tornionjoki River has recently decreased somewhat between Matkakoski and Vuennonkoski. A massive ice jam, measuring five kilometers, caused disruption along the river on Saturday. Local resident Allan Kannala noted that the pressure from the river effectively opened up channels within the substantial ice formation.

On Saturday, the water trapped by the ice was nearly reaching the Kannala family’s waterfront structures, although there were no significant damages reported. However, a neighbor’s sauna was damaged and shifted due to the force of the water and ice. Kannala mentioned that large piles of ice and snow have been left, particularly on the Swedish side of the river.

Such ice jams had not been observed in the area “in living memory,” according to Kannala, who added that even his 80-year-old cousin could not recall similar occurrences. A historian acquaintance suggested that comparable ice formations were seen in the region back in the 1800s.

Water management expert Niina Karjalainen from the Lapland Centre for Economic Development noted an increasing trend in ice jams forming in early winter. Similar conditions were noted in 2021 on the Ounasjoki River, where ice jams led to localized flooding. While smaller rivers can often have ice removed using excavators, such actions are not feasible on the Tornionjoki.

Karjalainen highlighted the unpredictable nature of ice jams, stating they can elevate water levels in areas generally unaffected by spring floods, making preparedness challenging. If milder early winters become more frequent, further ice jams could be anticipated in the future.