Ice Conditions - Island Grove Area, March 3, 2016

[Vampire With Freckles]

Hi Folks:

Given the various reports of open water on Lake Simcoe over the past week along with the foot of snow that fell mid week and the below zero temperatures I wanted to check out the ice conditions before I consider heading out on the lake this weekend. So we took a drive up to the lake around 5:30 Thursday night and this is what I observed - directly off the boat ramp at the East Point Marina in Island Grove.

The channel was completely covered with snow (it was deeper than my 14 inch boots in most areas) as far as I could see, as well as, as far as I could see with binoculars. The snow for the most part was dry and well packed but I did observe what appeared to be snow drifts in the distance.

I cleared all the snow off the ice in a couple of areas and for the most part I discovered bar ice, however, I also encountered several areas where there was 2-3 inches of slush under the layer of snow.

I only observed one good trail heading out onto the lake in this area. I believe the trail was made by a ski doo and most likely it was cut by Mike McCue on route out to his ice huts - which - BTW are still set up in the channel - and this is the only decent trail in this area. There were also 2 other ski doo tracks heading out on the lake - but neither were great and of little use to anyone walking.

Travel in this area will probably be difficult at best. Access to a ski doo would probably make travel in this area OK. Not sure about travel in this area on an ATV - unless - you have chains, 4 wheel drive or a model with a high under carriage to avoid getting stuck in deep snow. Anyone walking - good luck and try to avoid pulling anything heavy - also anyone with a heart condition etc. perhaps this is not the weekend to be heading out on the lake if you will be walking.

BTW - I didn't have a chance to check how the ice is in this area.

I saw no signs of open water but with all the snow on top of the ice it would be difficult to determine if there is any open water or pressure cracks in this area.

All things considered - I have yet to decide if I will be venturing out on the ice this weekend - we all have our own comfort level when it comes to travelling on the ice.

That's all for now, Nancy

[Longshank]

Thanks Nancy. Kind of what I was hoping to hear, so might make it up there hopefully.

[righthook]

thanks for the report

[Biker]

I would be concerned with the snow coverage as well, there was a huge open crack extending from J.P to Island grove last weekend and if that is frozen now it will be very thin. and under that snow the thin ice will be extremely dangerous. Be very careful. I,m not going out .

[piercer]

Thanks for the great report hope you make it out!

[Vampire With Freckles]

Update to my earlier post as follows:

Biker is correct there was a large open crack/pressure ridge running from J.P. towards the S.E. corner of Snake Island which then veered off towards Fox Island over the past couple of weeks. I totalllllly agree with Biker that this area is most likely unsafe and the snow on top of the ice will be hiding the danger areas - so I would recommend avoiding this area.

I heard through the grape vine that there were several crossings from the Island Grove area via the East Point Marina boat ramps to Snake Island this morning . If you are planning to head out in this area - I strong recommend staying on the ski doo tracks as much as possible and/or regularly check the ice thickness as you head out.

That's all for now, Nancy