Reasons of Flood at the Basement

published at: Sept. 8, 2023, 4:10 a.m.

Floods, including besetment floods, can occur for various reasons, often stemming from natural and human factors. Besetment floods, specifically, are characterized by ice jams or ice damming in rivers or water bodies, leading to flooding in nearby areas. Here are some common reasons for besetment floods:

1. Winter Weather Conditions: Besetment floods primarily occur during the winter or early spring when there is a combination of freezing temperatures and thawing. During the winter, ice forms on rivers and can create blockages.

2. Ice Formation: Ice can build up and create blockages in rivers and streams. When the ice starts to melt due to rising temperatures or other factors, it can get lodged in narrower sections of the river or at bends, causing water to back up behind the ice jam.

3. Quick Temperature Changes: Rapid temperature fluctuations from cold to warm can cause ice to melt quickly. This can lead to sudden ice movements within the waterway, resulting in ice jam formation.

4. Snowmelt and Rain: The combination of melting snow and rain can add a significant amount of water to the river or stream, increasing the risk of ice jams. The additional water can push against the ice, making it more likely to jam.

5. Topography and River Features: Certain river topographies and features, such as bends, narrow sections, or constrictions, are more prone to ice jam formation. These natural features can create areas where ice is more likely to accumulate and block the flow of water.

6. Human Activities: Human activities like construction, bridges, and dams can alter the natural flow of rivers. These modifications can influence the likelihood of ice jam formation by changing the river's characteristics.

7. Poor Ice Management: In some cases, improper ice management practices can exacerbate the risk of ice jam-related flooding. For example, if ice is not removed or managed effectively in a controlled manner, it can lead to larger ice jams.

8. Climate Change: Long-term changes in climate patterns, including warmer winters and more frequent and intense rain events, can influence the frequency and severity of ice jam-related floods.

9. Historical Ice Jam Locations: Areas with a history of ice jam flooding are more likely to experience besetment floods in the future. The buildup of ice in these locations can be an ongoing concern.

10. Inadequate Monitoring and Warning Systems: Lack of monitoring and warning systems to detect ice jam formation and notify residents of potential flooding can exacerbate the impact of besetment floods.

Besetment floods can be particularly challenging to predict and manage due to their dependence on specific weather conditions and local geography. Communities at risk of besetment floods often implement measures such as ice-breaking and monitoring systems to mitigate the impact of these events. Proper preparedness, response plans, and public awareness are essential for minimizing the damage caused by besetment floods.