SPRING BREAK-UP?
I’m sure you have all heard about the historical events this last winter of the ice coverage on the Great Lakes. For the first time since 1979 more than 90% of all of the Great Lakes are covered in ice.
The satellite pictures are startling. Small islands of open water appear in a moonscape of ice and snow, bereft of any lights, indicating that you are out in the middle of a sort of no man’s land.
In Northern Wisconsin at the Apostle Island National Lakeshore we had ice caverns for the first time in decades. As of March 6, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, “a full 92.2 percent of the Great Lakes surface turned into ice, the second highest ice cover since records began more than 40 years ago. The all-time greatest recorded extent happened in February 1979, when 94.7 percent was recorded.”
Along with the record amounts of ice cover on the Great Lakes, we experienced a record amount of snow fall.
So what does that mean for the outdoor sportsman? Does it have an impact for you? The answer is yes and maybe.
Certainly for the winter sportsman this was a great year- if you ventured out into the subzero weather and braved the -25 to -35 wind chills. There was downhill skiing, cross country skiing, snowshoe tracking, snowmobiling and ice fishing galore. Along with some great ice car and ice boat racing on the bay of Green Bay, the best year in a long time.
But what about this spring and summer? Will there be any long lasting impacts? Maybe.
Initially, the concern is with the extreme ice coverage and snow accumulations, there may be spring flooding like we haven’t seen. High, fast moving water could create dangerous conditions along the creeks, streams and rivers that trout fisherman love to utilize. Great care must be taken to remain safe while fishing these areas.
With early trout season now open, keep in mind the ice break up and the rushing water under the ice cover. Colder than normal temperatures will also contribute to dangerous conditions. Be prepared.
The good news for the coming season is that the record snow fall and ice cover should contribute to water levels rising, reversing the trend of the last several years. While doubtful that one season alone will raise the lake levels to their normal stages, it’s a start in the right direction.
Coming in the next few weeks, I’ll be starting a series of articles that include training tips for your hunting dog. I will continue to bring you news of events in and around Marinette County. Keep reading!
Becky DeWitt
Freelance Writer
Riverside Manor Insights