The River Iceman was blamed for the overturned logging rafts, as he was blamed for most misfortunes on the river (and much of the mischief at the Boy Scout camp on the lake). The river pilots took to leaving little offerings at the cairns along the way–whatever they thought would placate such a spirit.

Raw meat was the most popular choice.

The attacks (or accidents) continued, often associated with the proper observances failing to be made. Then, two things happened which led to a complete reappraisal of the situation.

The first was the overturning and death by drowning of Sal Waldow, a noted superstitious pilot who never failed to leave a little cairn jerky for the River Iceman.

The second was the interview that the River Iceman herself granted to the Cascadia Falls Intelligencer-Courier-Tribune.