For the First Time in Nine Years, Water Completely Freezes at Fallingwater
While we're all shivering through this extended January cold spell, the bitter temperatures have brought about a special treat here at Fallingwater: the waterfall directly beneath the main cantilever has frozen completely over. Beyond the beauty of frozen falling water seen in this photo taken January 21, staff reports an even more arresting effect - the ever-present sound of moving water is temporarily silenced. This is the first time since 1994 that we've had such a complete freeze.
The
cold is also having some effect on winter restoration projects. Pouring
of the new concrete steps to the stream will wait until our "January
thaw," and to ready Edgar Sr.'s terrace structure for its strengthening,
contractors lay electric blankets on the tops of the concrete beams at
night. This brings to mind the time of Fallingwater's construction, when
fires were lit to keep temperatures warm enough to pour concrete.
Pictured above is a photo of of a frozen Fallingwater taken yesterday by Sarah Beyer.