Brash Ice is glacial ice of a specific size
Small fragments of glacial ice, known as brash ice, float in the water beneath a towering coastal waterfall in Alaska. This video illustrates the unique ice formations found near calving glaciers and the dramatic intersection of freshwater runoff and the sea.
Jason Evoy
Filmmaker & writer
A scenic view of brash ice floating in the water at the base of a tall coastal waterfall. Brash ice consists of small fragments of glacial ice that are typically less than 2 meters or about 6 feet across. These pieces often originate from the calving of nearby tidewater glaciers or the breaking up of larger icebergs.
The presence of brash ice is a frequent occurrence in the fjords of Southcentral Alaska, where glacial activity is high. In this clip, the white and blue tinted ice fragments provide a stark contrast to the dark, rocky cliffs and the lush green vegetation surrounding the waterfall. The water from the falls flows directly into the sea, contributing to the dynamic environment of the glacial bay. Navigating through brash ice requires care, as these small pieces can still be quite dense and impactful for small vessels. Observing these ice formations alongside the powerful flow of a coastal waterfall highlights the intricate and constantly changing landscape of Alaska’s glacial regions.
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