Open Water Report - Island Grove/Snake Island Area, April 17, 2019

Hi Folks:

We crossed the channel from the boat ramps in Island Grove to Snake Island on Wednesday April 17, 2019 around 2:00 p.m. We noticed some areas of drift ice floating around the channel through out the afternoon but nothing that posed a problem for a slow moving boat.

Please note: there was ice towards Roches Point and beyond out in the main lake, as well as, a solid sheet of ice off the other end of the island (basically in the area where there is always a pressure crack every winter) towards Willow Beach and as far as the eye could see.

Once we were on Snake Island we checked on the ice conditions on the far side of the island (facing Barrie and Fox Island) and there was a solid sheet of ice as far as the eye could see, however, there was open water along some areas of the shore line. Please note: the ice appeared to be of poor quality and candled but it also was at least 6-8 inches thick.

The rain in the forecast over the next few days along with any wind will probably make a dent in the remaining ice.

Anyone heading out on the lake at this time of year should exercise extreme caution and follow all safe boating practices.

That's all for now, Nancy

Thanks for the report Nancy. I was betting on you to get there soon. You do know I'm jealous don't you? It will probably be a few days yet before we can get to Thorah.

But you will get there before I get to my cottage


Conditions are certainly changing very fast now