Ice on the Allegheny River at Templeton, between Kittanning and Bradys Bend, might start to melt this weekend as temperatures are forecast to reach the mid-40s. Flooding and ice jams could be a problem for Bradys Bend Township.

Ice along the Allegheny River could soon cause problems for residents of Armstrong County.

Rising temperatures this weekend could melt the frozen river, causing ice jams and flooding.

“I guess the concern is there is more ice on the river since 1996,” said Randy Brozenick, director of the county's Emergency Management Agency. “And back then we had some flooding.”

Brozenick said Parker and Bradys Bend Township are two areas that could eventually see flooding.

Ice jams on the river just north of East Brady in Bradys Bend Township caused some flooding earlier this month.

Brozenick said he does not think the ice will melt too much this weekend, which is expected to have temperatures in the 40s.

“It's pretty solid right now,” he said. “I think it would take a couple days of warm weather for it to begin to really melt.”

Brozenick said he is hopeful for a slow melt, which would create less of a chance of jamming and flooding.

“If we have a quick thaw, that's when we can see some issues,” he said.

While Brozenick doesn't think the ice will cause too many issues this weekend, there is no certainty.

“There's no way to tell when it may break,” he said. “And I can't predict the weather.”

The county plans to meet with local fire, police and emergency service departments in the coming week to coordinate efforts in the event of flooding.

“They know their areas better than we do,” he said. “We want to work with them to help them get through any issues that may arise.”

In the meantime, Brozenick said communication is the best way to stay ahead of any problems.

“We have some people along the river letting us know if they can see any changes,” he said.

Brozenick said one of the safety concerns right now is the inability to pinpoint where flooding may occur.

“There are several areas along the river,” Brozenick said. “Any of the low areas could get some flooding. It really depends on where the jam is at. If we have a jam below Freeport, we could have issues all the way up north.”

While cold weather has caused the river to freeze, Brozenick said the closing of the Reesedale Power Plant and declining boat traffic along the river also has led to increased ice levels.

“Those two things used to keep the river open,” he said. “Now it's pretty much ice bank to bank.”