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Originally Posted by Geena
Hey all,
the mild weather makes me wonder how safe the ice will be this weekend (and the next week). I have never been to the area before and appreciate answers from someone with local expertize 
-Geena |
The lake is probably still a few weeks from becoming generally unsafe, but this year has been unusual. The early weak spots will be near the edges, near rocks and near dock bubblers. While safe, the lake is not as usable as it was a few days ago. A slush layer is forming on top of the ice, which can be several inches deep. You need good high waterproof boots to keep your feet dry. Snowmobiles may get bogged down in the slush. Test the ice before trusting it (good to do anytime of year). Scrape away the slush from a spot if you can and try to estimate how thick and if its becoming brittle. Whack it with a stick or rock. If you can still see solid ice, and if it makes a solid thump when whacking - you are OK. When the ice gets to about 6-8" thick, it will start becoming honeycombed, and brittle. That is the sign to stay off of it. Be safe. Report your findings here. It changes every day.