How Thick Does The Ice Get On Lake Superior?
Lake Superior is the largest fresh water lake in the world. Declared as one of the Great Lakes of North America, spanning an area of 82,000 square miles, it is known for its dazzling beauty and excellent fishing spots. But what about its frozen layers? In this article, let’s explore the ice cover on Lake Superior and understand the importance of calculating its thickness.
Each winter, the icy surface of Lake Superior begins to form due to the presence of below-freezing temperatures and high winds. Over time, the ice layers get thicker, as the cold season progresses and stay abundant until the spring. In rare cases, however, the ice may remain tenaciously into the early summer months as well.
It is noteworthy to know that ice thickness is not uniform along the entire length of Lake Superior. Areas near harbors, bays and major tributaries are where the frozen layers tend to be thicker, since these parts of the lake experience colder temperatures than some other regions.
In fact, experts say that the thickest recorded ice on Lake Superior was measured at 36 inches (90 cm). This happened in February of 2019, but it is a rare occurrence. Usually, the thickness of Lake Superior’s ice layers remain within the range of 9-15 inches (23-38 cm) according to NASA and NOAA.
Knowing the ice thickness of Lake Superior is important to understand seasonal climate changes and valuable – yet fragile – local eco-systems. Indeed, measuring and monitoring it allows scientists and researchers to track the health of the lake, monitor the strength of its ice cover, and estimate the potential dangers to human and animal lives in the winter.
The Lake Superior Ice Program began in 1897 and, since then, it has been using air and satellite data to monitor the ice cover on the Great Lake. The data produced by this program provides a wealth of information that can be further used in future climate change models.
In order to ensure a safe navigation season, agencies such as the US Coast Guard, US Navy and NOAA work together to chart the thickness of Lake Superior’s ice layers, by testing and calculating the accumulation thicknesses of ice along the lake.
Finally, all in all, Lake Superior’s frozen layers remain a critical component of the local ecosystem and its thickness needs to be constantly monitored for the safety and well-being of both the activities and life in the lake.
Types of Ice On Lake Superior
The lake is known to have several types of ice depending on its thickness. During winter, the lake’s surface freezes and forms a layer of ‘Black Ice’, which is up to 1.5 inches thick and has a dull, dark appearance. This type of ice is much more slippery and dangerous than regular ice and is the main cause of many winter accidents on the lake.
Above it is the ‘Frazil Ice’, or granular ice, which is light in weight, brittle and has an even grain-like appearance. This type of ice is usually up to 2.5 inches thick and is the first layer through which open water passes before the lake freezes entirely.
The thickest layer of ice on Lake Superior is known as ‘Ice Pancake’, which is a sheet of ice made up of various pieces of broken ice. The thickness of this type of ice can reach up to 25 inches in some parts of the lake and is extremely difficult to break even with a powerful icebreaker vessel.
Safety Precautions For Walking On Ice
Though ice on Lake Superior can be thick enough for some people to walk on, it’s definitely not the best idea to do so without the necessary precautions. When the temperature drops and ice begins to form on the lake’s surface, it is always recommended to wear a life jacket or floating device while crossing the lake via a vehicle.
It is also important to keep an eye out for the safety signs and ice breaking vessels. In addition, the US Coast Guard suggests to never go on the lake alone and to carry a winter survival kit with you, which usually includes a flashlight, a first aid kit, a pocket knife and a flare gun.
Also, it is imperative to look for key signs that indicate the level of danger on the lake, such as cracks in the ice layer, bright red flags, or areas of open water. Furthermore, it is best to use experienced guides or local tour operators that know the lake well and have the expertise to navigate these waters.
Strategies To Gauge Ice Thickness
When walking or driving on ice, it is essential to pay attention to the varying thickness of the frozen layers. Thankfully, there are some strategies you can use to accurately gauge ice thickness and prevent accidents.
The simplest and most popular way to measure ice thickness is by using an ice auger, which is a type of drill designed to penetrate the ice layer in order to measure its thickness. This is usually used by professional ice fishermen and experts in the field.
Another method to measure ice thickness is to use an ice chisel, which is a specialized tool used to measure the thickness of the ice by cutting through it. This method is both cost-effective and efficient and enables the user to determine the approximate thickness of the ice layer accurately.
Finally, another popular strategy to determine ice thickness is to use a propane torch or a fishing rod. This involves melting or poking a small hole in the ice and carefully measuring the thickness. It is worth noting, however, that this way of gauging thickness is not very accurate and best reserved as a last resort.
Conclusion of Thickness Of Ice On Lake Superior
Ice thickness on Lake Superior varies heavily depending on the season and the region. That is why agencies such as the US Coast Guard and NOAA have started programs to monitor the lake’s ice cover and predict the health and levels of safety associated with it. By being aware of the different types of ice, the protective gear and strategies to measure the thickness, it is possible to stay safe and enjoy the beauty of this enormous lake.
