Apparatus and associated methods relate to detecting jams when an intensity of a reflected signal exceeds a predetermined intensity threshold and an intensity window metric based on historic intensity value(s) fails to exceed an intensity window threshold for more than a predetermined time threshold. In an illustrative example, a jam detection unit (JDU) may emit a signal and detect a reflection of the signal. The JDU may, for example, compare intensity of the reflected signal to the intensity threshold. The JDU, for example, may compare the intensity threshold with at least one historic intensity value to determine the intensity window metric. If the intensity value exceeds the intensity threshold and the intensity window metric has not exceeded the intensity window threshold for longer than the time threshold, then the JDU may, for example, generate a jam signal. Various embodiments may advantageously detect jams based on intensity of a reflected signal.