The times., 1899-02-23
THE ICE IS GOING OUT.
Unnecessary Alarm Caused by 81
Sudden Rise of Water.


Although there is still danger of flood,
river men are beginning to think that with
a continuance of the present weather con-
ditions for a few days more the probability
of a disaster viii disappear. There are.
however features of the situation which
furnish a good excuse for continued un-
easiness.
Last night there was a strong current
in the river which carried ice down stream
at the rate of about four miles an hour
Nearly all of it was in small cakes and
passed OFF without gorging at any of the
dangerous points. At an early hour this
morning the river had not risen percepti-
bly, and it is thought that it will not rise
until some time this afternoon, when a
slight increase in the volume of water
may be expected.
The Weather Bureau received advices
from Harper's Ferry late yesterday after
noon. stating that the ice at that point
started out at 5:l5 o'clock in the after
noon. At that hour 1t was passing down
stream gradually and blocking about fifty
miles this side of Harper's Ferry.
The water at this point had risen to a
height Of 9.5 feet above low water mark
being a rise of 90 feet since Yesterday
morning. The advices stated that no great
volume of water was indicated at the time
of sending the message
1t is probable that at least twenty-four
hours Will be required for the increased
volume of water to reach Washington
lhiS is not certain, as there is the posi-
biiity that gorges will be formed at
various points which will hold the water
back. In the event of the formation of
ice dams, the water when it does reach
this part OF the Potomac, will be of in
creased volume. increasing the possibilities
of damage to the city.
Fair and colder weather is-predicted nv
the Weather Bureau for all parts of the
country. except Florida and the extreme
west and northwest. This will continue
the gradual thaw so that further feeding
OF the streams by melted snow will be
stopped. This OF course, would minimize
the danger.
Yesterday morning two tugs were sent
above the Aqueduct to break the ice from
the bridge for a mile up the river.
The ice at this point was thin on account
OF the recent heavy thaw, and no difffcu ty
was experienced in making headway
through it. About o'clock in the after
noon while the boats were still engaged
III the work large foe of ice was sighted
bearing down stream rapidly. The tugs
Immediately put about and started down
stream to avoid it, and after sharp race
they narrowly escaped to pace of safety.
The iloe resulted from the breaking of
gorge that had formed short way up
the river. 1t came down stream rapidly
and raised the water foot or more This
subsided without doing damage.
The rapid rise of the water caused con-
siderable anxiety for n time. and ii was
thought that the food was coming. The
situation was telephoned to Harbormaster
Sutton. who Immediately went to the Aque-
duct Bridge. only to find the river in it's
normal condition. AS soon as there are
the slightest indications OF the formation
of an ice gorge whence danger would re-
suit TO the city Harbormaster Sutton viii
send tugs to break ii up.
Yesterday morning quantity of drifting
ice began to Jam at the Long Bridge Tugs
We're Immediately sent 10 the scene of dan
ger and after several hours work sue
ceeded in breaking the gorge. The most
of the ice floating in the river is very thin
and breaks easily upon coming in contact
with solid resistance of any kind. This
rottennness of the ice still further lessons
the probability of the formation of gorges.
The ice as it goes over Great Falls which
is about fourteen miles up the river,
breaks into small cakes, making It less
dangerous The water in the river is very
muddy. indicating Il rise within a few
hours.