Abstract: Method and system are provided for detecting and monitoring first ice movement in frozen rivers as an indicator of breakup progression to assist in forecasting the timing of a breakup event an another location. They are especially beneficial in detecting ice movement at remote and poorly accessible locations. Movement is detected by an array of sensors connected with the in situ ice cover, the sensor signals being logged in a data collection platform or the like at the site. To provide real time data, the logged data is transmitted to a data bank by, e.g. satellite communications, and the data base may be interrogated at intervals to monitor the ice movement status. Different forms of sensors and sensor arrangements are disclosed, such as capstan type, pull-switch type, etc.