In the winter cold of Michigan, it’s no surprise that Lake Superior’s icy grasp is felt far and wide. So, what is the current state of frozen affairs on the lake? It turns out that exactly how much ice or snow can be found on Lake Superior is a trend that comes and goes. It’s a total crapshoot no matter the year.
Experts have noted that Lake Superior’s seasonal pattern of ice accumulation typically begins in late December and runs through March, so it’s possible to see fragments of ice during that period. There are two main types of ice that form on the lake – shelf ice and bay ice. Shelf ice consists of plates that form against shoreline boulders and get pushed in towards the shore. Meanwhile, bay ice usually forms in coves and inlets, isolated from wind and wave action, allowing the ice to form a solid mass.
This frosty stuff doesn’t just impact tourists and locals, it influences marine life as well. Primarily, there are a couple main species of fish and insects that are greatly impacted by the lake’s winter chill – lake trout and Mayfly larvae. In order to survive and flourish, lake trout need shelter and cooler waters made available by shelf ice while the larvae need shallow sections of bay ice in order to prevent water turbulence. Fish and insect populations have increased in recent years due to the presence of ice, so while the frosty phenomenon may seem foreign, it’s integral in keeping the lake’s ecosystem alive and vibrant.
In a nutshell, it’s impossible to know exactly what the state of the ice is on Lake Superior. That said, it’s worth noting that most of the ice observed on the lake is low-lying and tempory. Passengers and visitors can look for areas of the lake that become more frozen and solid mid-winter and cold temperatures that may lead to a slightly more stable sheet of ice. Of course, it’s super important to be safe and aware of the risk of ice breaks and dangerous waters.
Is It Possible to Ice Skate On Lake Superior?
Lake Superior is around 800 feet deep and can freeze over if temperatures remain consistently below 28°F. While it’s possible to encounter some small patches of stable ice, visitors should keep a few safety tips in mind before they lace up the ice skates. It’s always smart to check with the local authorities on the condition of the ice, as well as any regulations regarding ice skating. Before heading out onto the ice, it’s important to always keep in mind the unpredictable nature of Lake Superior, and prepare accordingly.
If all of the above criteria have been considered and the lake is completely frozen, there’s still a few safety steps that skaters should take into account. All skaters should wear safety gear such as helmets. Additionally, attempting to ice skate when it’s snowing or warm enough for snow is never a good idea. It’s easily possible for snow to be piling up on the lake’s surface, impairing the quality and amount of ice coverage.
Finally, contrary to popular opinion, ice skaters should never attempt to skate on ice that is 2 inches thick or less. A skater should always aim for at least 4 inches of built up ice that can hold their weight – if there’s areas of open water, then it’s not safe. With these safety tips in mind, visitors can rest assured knowing that if the conditions are right, they can hit the ice on Lake Superior.
How Can Ice Affect Shipping Operations On Lake Superior?
Though tourists may revel in Lake Superior’s ice-filled conditions, for cargo operations, this winter phenomenon can be a major hindrance. Ice on the lake can cause delays and back-ups in hundreds of shipping trips, making successful navigation difficult and often dangerous. As reported by a study in 2018, up to 200 vessels may get stuck in a week between Bayfield, Wisconsin and Thunder Bay, Canada. This can have a major economic impact on the Great Lakes area alone.
At the same time, extreme ice conditions can be dangerous for cargo vessels and the environment. Extremely cold and harsh environments can cause major structural and navigation difficulties, leading to all sorts of unexpected outcomes. From 2014-2016, ice on Lake Superior caused an estimated $16 million in damages alone due to various collision scenarios.
That’s why authorities, such as the Coast Guard’s Great Lakes ice-breaking team, are always hard at work keeping the lake routes open for ships. This group of dedicated professionals (along with help from Canada’s Coast Guard) monitors the daily ice conditions on the lake and “breakouts”, with ships and employees working round the clock to guarantee safe passage for cargo vessels and others.
What Does the Rise in Global Temperatures Mean for the Ice On Lake Superior?
Climate change is impacting the entire world. In recent years, rising temperatures have been significantly altering Lake Superior’s pattern and amount of ice coverage. Because of these rising temperatures, it’s likely that the ice coverage on Lake Superior will decrease and melt quicker after a period of cold temperatures throughout the winter, as well as freeze later in the winter season.
The decrease in winter ice coverage ultimately means that the consequences of ice coverage on the lake may be more extreme and unpredictable than ever. A recent climate study done by the University of Wisconsin-Superior noted that ice cover is projected to decrease by almost 25%, and this decrease in ice is projected to create “cycle of thinning and thickening ice,” with warm winters melting all of the ice and cold winters creating an abundance of ice.
Therefore, passengers and visitors can expect unpredictability as far as containing ice coverage goes. While this may be a bad thing for ships, visitors can at least take pleasure in the fact that Lake Superior will remain iconic and beautiful in whatever shape it may take.
What Measures Can Be Taken to Ensure The Preservation of The Ice On Lake Superior?
While climate change is a hard reality that Lake Superior will continue to face, there are various measures that can be taken to help preserve the lake and its ice coverage.
The first and most obvious is reduce the release of emissions into the atmosphere. Combating climate change starts with each and every person participating in emissions reduction. From choosing energy efficient appliances to supporting renewable energy sources, the small steps that people take today are essential in contributing to the overall battle against climate change.
Furthermore, conservation efforts, such as preserving green spaces and restoring wetlands, can have a major positive impact on the lake itself. Green spaces have the ability to absorb much more carbon dioxide than bare soil, vastly decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. Mitigation of nitrogen and phosphorous from fertilizers and wastewater is another key aspect of ensuring that the lake maintains its fertility and remains resilient.
Finally, trips to the lake can still be enjoyed – even amidst the reality of climate change. Visitors can participate in such activities as fishing, swimming, and birdwatching, thus supporting the local economy and community that depend on the great lake.
