Ice Conditions - Snake Island/Island Grove Area, February 27, 2016

[Vampire With Freckles]

Hi Folks:

Just a short update on the ice conditions (for the regular followers - you know where) in the Snake Island/Island Grove area on February 27th as follows:

So today we actually drilled holes to checked how thick the ice was about a third of the way between the mainland at Island Grove (out from the East Point Marina boat ramp) and we discovered approximately 11 inches of ice with 9 and 1/2 inches of the ice being clear blue ice with a bit of crunchy white ice on top. In addition, the top layer is primarily pebbled ice which is basically slippery so if you are walking bring along your cleats, there are the occasional area with a bit of drifted snow (probably 3 inches tops) with a few areas with an inch or so of crunchy white ice.

Apparently the N.E. shoreline of Snake Island from about the mid-point of the island to the north end of the island is not great with slushy and perhaps open water along the shoreline. The conditions did not appeared great so I wasn't walking out to verify. I know there was a pressure crack in this area last Friday and Saturday not to mention there was open water in this area a few weeks ago while the rest of the channel was frozen over with several inches of ice. Personally, I would advise avoiding this area just to be safe.

In addition, Mike McCue of Snake Island ice Huts still has his huts out in the channel. Can't tell you exactly where they are located because I believe he moves them nearly everyday so its hard to pin point their exact location. All I know is he still had his huts out late Saturday afternoon.

I heard on the late news that some of areas in the north end of the lake have started to break-up due to the high winds. Although I did not see any signs of the ice breaking up in this area on Saturday - I would suggest anyone heading out on the ice needs to be constantly aware the ice conditions can change quickly and to be prepared for emergency situations.

Hope this information is helpful to board members.

That's all for now, Nancy

[jimrrr]

thanks as usual always great info

[cuda]

Thank you for the report.

[fishmagnet]

thank you for your taking the time Nancy for the update.

[piercer]

Thanks!!!