02/24/2023
I have never seen ice forming in the ocean like this before 😮 This is occurring where the freshwater Elwha river is feeding into the ocean. There are hundreds of these ice sculptures forming all along the beach!
I love exploring these places during rare events like this polar vortex we are currently experiencing. It is so neat to see what unique things you can find during Conditions that are not typical for the area.
What I believe is happening is either the Elwha river is forming these ice sculptures and pushing them out into the ocean, or there is a large shelf of ice being formed by the freshwater that is broken up during high tide and then the chunks of ice are polished by the waves into these circular forms.
No matter the cause, I think It is such a cool sight to see and I'm so glad I went exploring despite the freezing cold temperatures!! 🥶🤩
