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Rare Ice Pancakes Float Down Minnesota River on New Year’s Day

On New Year’s Day, a Minnesota resident captured rare aerial footage of “ice pancakes,” circular-shaped ice formations, floating along the Mustinka River. The phenomenon, typically associated with cold oceans and lakes, occurred due to specific weather conditions.

By Beth Snider · January 4, 2024

Ice Pancakes on the Mustinka River Carol Bauer/Twitter

The residents of Wheaton were treated to a spectacular and rare natural phenomenon on the first day of 2024 - ice pancakes floating gracefully along the Mustinka River. Captured by resident Carol Bauer, who describes herself as “a grandma with a camera,” the aerial footage of these circular-shaped ice formations has garnered attention across social media platforms. The event was a result of weather conditions that unfolded after a string of warm days gave way to cooler temperatures.

Ice pancakes are a rare meteorological spectacle typically observed in cold environments such as the Baltic Sea in Northern Europe or around Antarctica. They are more commonly associated with frigid oceans, making their appearance in a river in the USA quite unusual. However, with recent weather conditions during the winter in Minnesota, these captivating icy disks may be observed more frequently, providing a rare opportunity for locals to witness and appreciate the beauty of nature.

According to meteorological experts from the Met Office, ice pancakes form under specific conditions. In rivers, the process begins when foam on the water’s surface starts to freeze and join together. This frozen foam is then drawn into a swirling current, shaping it into circular discs. The Weather Channel further explains that the initial phase involves a thin layer of ice or slush, known as “grease ice,” forming on the water. The current and wave action break this ice into pieces, which subsequently collide and create a distinctive pancake shape.

Minnesota Ice Pancakes  Carol Bauer/Twitter

The resulting ice pancakes, as captured by Bauer’s drone footage, resemble delicate icy lilypads floating on the river’s surface. These circular formations can range in size from one to ten feet in diameter and reach up to four inches in thickness. While they may appear solid, ice pancakes are often slushy and can easily break apart when lifted. Video posted by her on social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), has attracted attention from weather enthusiasts and media outlets like AccuWeather. The rare phenomenon was shared with the caption, “Minnesota knows how to ring in the New Year - with some incredible ice pancakes!”