MINNEAPOLIS— “Frazil” ice was spotted in Minnesota on Thursday winter storm. But what is ‘frazil’ ice cream?
Ontario weather experts say fragile ice is a type of slush. It occurs when cold air temperatures and wind chill combine to cool the surface water temperature below freezing.
Once the water reaches “super-cooled” temperatures, solid ice can no longer form because the water is moving or flowing too quickly. As that muddy ice moves downstream, it eventually piles up against obstacles such as islands, bridge piers and abutments.
When the brittle ice comes to rest, it piles up, giving it a wavy appearance, as if folded in on itself in wintry coils.
WCCOs Frankie McLister is investigating the phenomenon and will share an update on WCCO 4 News at 10 a.m.
