Balsam Lake, Ice thickness

[fivecoolcats]

Was out cutting holes this weekend on the north shore west of the provincial park. Ice was 2" clear with 1/2" of grey on top. Light snow cover across as far as I could see, with some small pressure ridges starting to form in the usual places down the middle.

Light snow cover should not slow ice formation too much

[VBB]

Thanks for the report!

[Magertha Fishblood Grande]

Did you go check out what was out on the ice about 200 yards form the slip? couldn't tell through the binoculars.

[fivecoolcats]

Looked like a tree to mark the big chunks of ice, but I dont know if it would be thick enough to walk out and mark it, I figured it might have just been some tree branches and junk that got blown down the lake.

Guess we'll find out in a week or so...

The boys had fun being men and chopping through the ice until Ronan let the axe follow his swing and the axe went in the hole......good thing it was only 6 fow ....i could just reach the handle standing straight up form the bottom


Did you guys check the ice down your way?

[Magertha Fishblood Grande]

Didn't get the chance really. Took a few steps out.. no crackin sounds. If it holds under my pressure, she is well on the way to safe ice .. you should drop a line straight out from your place about 300 yards. marked some schools at the ends of the season there. a few huge boulders in the middle of nowhere there as well. We are gunna give it a shot next time we are up.

[mosus]

I am new to Balsam and appreciate the ice conditions updates. We went to Minden this afternoon and there was a portable hut out on Moore lake I think it was south of Miners Bay so I guess some folks are starting.

[Perchhunter]

Hey guy's just wondering if anyone's been out on West Bay of Balsam Lake yet...???