Ice doesn’t appear on the Humber in sheets, it forms in chunks, especially where the water moves quickly. Near the bridge the formation process can be seen as chunks moving downriver are trapped by an ice dam. The chunks flow under at first and this seems to raise the level of the river as the water’s progress is blocked. It’s probably a good thing for aquatic wildlife too, ensuring a good layer of insulation as water flows underneath.

Ice chunks gathering together to form a frozen surface.

Further down by the wild area and especially towards the weir, the ice is already solid. You’d never be able to skate on it but it’s quite thick after some cold days and nights.

The river level is higher than normal as a result of ice damming.

Down by the dam, a family felt the ice was safe enough to cross from Denison Park to the island.

Brave people test the ice.

We’re expecting a thaw mid-week along with lots of rain. Much of the ice will end up in huge piles by the shore.