Ice Jams on the Yellow River SanShengGong on the Yellow River

Ice Jams on the Yellow River SanShengGong on the Yellow River

Ice jams are a spectacular winter phenomenon along the Yellow River in Dengkou County, Bayannur City. Winter temperatures can drop as low as minus 35 degrees Celsius. Each year, the river usually begins to freeze from Sanhuhe upstream, while it thaws downstream. The drifting ice from upstream covers the river surface here, continuously accumulating and freezing. The ice blocks obstruct the water flow, causing the water level to rise. Due to the thawing process that occurs from upstream to downstream, the lower reaches experience lower temperatures and harder ice. The flood peak from upstream forces the ice cover to crack and thaw abruptly, resulting in large chunks of drifting ice that can easily get stuck at shallow bends, forming ice jams and dams. The accumulation of ice jams can stretch for several kilometers or even tens of kilometers, creating a rare and spectacular sight. Occasionally, ice jams also cause breaches in the Yellow River, leading to disasters. Almost every year, the government allocates significant manpower and financial resources to address the ice jam issues on the Yellow River.

Source: Dengkou County Tourism Bureau