Since the dawn of 2020, a polar vortex has descended upon the United States, bringing below-zero temperatures to most of the Midwest and Great Lakes regions. During this cold spell, the entire shoreline of Lake Michigan froze over, prompting the question: Is Lake Michigan still frozen?
Throughout the last thirty years, temperatures in the Great Lakes region have risen significantly, leading to shorter and shorter stretches of winter. Chief meteorologist for National Weather Service in Chicago, Mr. Gilbert Sebenste, notes that in 2020, Lake Michigan had remained frozen for an unprecedented 28 days. He explains that Lake Michigan is unique in how quickly it thaws out compared to other Great Lakes – if Lake Superior or Huron were to freeze over, it would take much longer for the ice to melt.
As for the answer to the question, Lake Michigan appears to be just about completely thawed – a process which occurred over the course of the past few weeks. That said, scientists at the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) are finding that water temperatures in the lake are still below average, at around 37°F. In addition, they’re also finding that there’s still some remnant ice-cover across the lake – although it’s only 4% of what it was in mid-February.
Due to global warming, the frequency of Lake Michigan freezing over is expected to diminish. By the end of this century, GLERL scientists are predicting that the lake’s ice-cover will be some 70% less than what has historically been building up over the winter months. This means that this year’s 28-day long lake-freeze could become a relic of the past – as Lake Michigan continues to warm up.
A major consequence of Lake Michigan’s perpetual warming are the effects it has on the lake’s wildlife. Climate change does not discriminate, and species from fish to birds to mammals all find themselves face-to-face with an uncertain future. Depending on the species, warmer water temperatures mean a higher risk of disease, lower reproductive success, and increased body temperatures which can all lead to reduced survival rates.
Fortunately, there is a silver lining here – Lake Michigan’s aquatic ecosystem is resilient. Tricia Holder, environmental science professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, has done intensive research in the Great Lakes, and explains that the species which inhabit the lake have the capability to adapt to the changing environment. In other words, the lake’s fish and birds have the ability to keep their populations circulating, even amidst a changing climate.
Despite Lake Michigan’s current thawed-out state, there’s hope for a sustaining winter – if conditions are just right. A deep cold spell could still mean months of ice-cover for the lake, and if it does happen, research shows it’s important to document it swiftly and accurately. In this way, future generations can get a better understanding of how the lake has been and continues to react to climate change.
The Social Impact
The effects of climate change ripple down to the social level as well, and Lake Michigan represents a particularly affected region. As the lake continues to warm, experts warn of the potential for irreparable damage to biodiversity, ecosystems, and the local economy.
A frozen lake creates jobs for those looking for winter work, ranging from shippers to tour operators. With less and less ice-cover, there are fewer and fewer opportunities for work – and for certain communities, this can mean an income cut.
It’s not just the econom that’s in danger – culture and traditions are at risk as well. Historic practices, like ice fishing, hunting, and ice boating have become staples of the Great Lakes’ winters, and with increasingly shorter frozen periods, they’re disappearing.
Adapting to the Changing Climate
With all that said, energy is being put into readapting the Lake Michigan area to its changing climate. According to Tricia Holder, influential groups within the state of Wisconsin, like the EPA and the Great Lakes Commission, are researching ways to reduce both carbon emissions as well as mitigate their effects.
Furthermore, community organizations are hosting small-scale events with the aim of protecting the lake’s environment. These initiatives involve encouraging people to reduce their water and energy usage, as well as introducing educational materials about the dangers of climate change.
The long-term effects of the Great Lakes’ warming remain to be determined, but there are steps that can still be taken in the present to protect the lake. Even without a steady frozen shoreline, it’s still possible to appreciate the lake for all that it is, and work to ensure its continued beauty for future generations.
Tourism and Recreational Activities
When it comes to Lake Michigan, visitors come to experience the lake’s offerings, with recreational activities taking up a large portion of the lake’s service industry. The lake provides some of the best views in the area, with beaches, biking paths, and dune trails as far as the eye can see.
In addition to its scenic overlooks, the lake also offers numerous aquatic activities to its visitors, ranging from fishing and sailing to diving and swimming. Fishing is especially beloved on the lake, with certain species like trout, salmon and bass being especially sought-after. While some fishing can still be done in the summer, the best fishing is said to be done in the depths of winter – provided the lake is frozen over.
If Lake Michigan is still frozen over, then the lake offers a great number of recreational activities on its hard surface. Snowmobiling has proven to be a hit on the lake, and so has ice skating, ice hockey, and curling, as well as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing near the shoreline.
For those looking to experience Lake Michigan’s beauty from afar, a simpler solution is to just take a gander at the breathtaking sunsets the lake has to offer – especially during those winter months when the ice is still intact. Nothing is quite like standing on the frozen shoreline and looking out to the horizon, watching the sun sink into the ice-rimmed lake.
A Warming Climate
Regardless of the varying opinions about climate change and global warming, Lake Michigan is undeniably feeling the effects of a warming climate. Temperatures in the Great Lakes regions have been rapidly increasing over the past few years, and if temperature levels keep rising, experts predict that ice-cover on the lake could be a distant memory.
That said, with awareness and conservation measures, Lake Michigan could remain strong and beautiful for generations to come. While those chilly winter months may be slowly disappearing, action can be taken today to ensure that the lake’s natural beauty is here tomorrow.
Activism & Education
If the lake is to survive the impending effects of climate change, activism and education are both crucial tools. Through education, people can come together to learn about their lake and what’s happening to it. From there, they can develop creative solutions to mitigate their lake’s effects from a changing climate.
Activists can often find the most success on a smaller scale. In the Lake Michigan context, people are organizing locally within their own communities to establish environmental initiatives. From beach clean-ups to boat regulations, any change big or small helps to protect the lake and its inhabitants.
Lake Michigan is ever-changing, and the surrounding communities have to ask themselves the question – how are they going to defend it from a changing climate? The answer will vary from place to place, but one thing is for certain – in order to protect the lake and its people, action must be taken now.
