Lake/Ice Conditions (Jan, 30/2013), Snake Island - Island Grove Area

[Vampire With Freckles]

Hi Folks:

Walked out to Snake Island yesterday - 6-9 inches of ice. Walking was excellent with only a bit of crusty snow on top of clear, black ice although there were some areas where large chunks of ice were protruding through the ice.

Today, there is several inches of water on top of the ice. Stood on high ground on Snake Island this afternoon on the west side of the island looking out towards Fox and Barrie. I observed ice as far as I could see (not sure how thick) with several inches of water on top of the ice. Near shore I could see large sheets of ice with spaces between the sheets so you could see the lake bottom. Went down and checked to see if the ice was actually solid and to my surprise - despite the fact there was water on top of the ice and I could easily see the bottom of the lake between the ice sheets - the ice was still frozen solid. I jumped up and down on the ice - it was solid.

I seriously doubt the warm weather today depleted the ice and given the rain on top of the ice and the cold weather in the forecast I suspect the wet conditions will freeze and add to the existing ice layer. I also suspect once the water on top of the ice freezes the new layer of ice will be smooth as a skating rink - so wear your cleats if you are planning to walk.

That's all for now, Nancy

[Longshank]

That's what I want to hear, but will wait till tonite or Thursday morning when it all tighens up again to decide where to go.

Thanks nancy

[Fishsniffer]

Thanks for the fresh up date Nancy .

I will defiantly looking in to buying new cleats.


Any brand recommended in particular ?

[Sylvanowner]

I've been using these, http://www.leevalley.com/en/garden/page.as...2,51676&p=40911, for a number of years and think they're excellent. I'm told CT sells a similar product by HT and people have been quite happy with them as well...here it is, http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/5/Sp...D=1349280529640. They do apparently come on sale occasionaly for $19.99.

Good luck and be safe.

Dan

[fishindude644]

Thank you for the report Nancy.

[avgefisherman]

I have the HT Enterprises Super Stud sandal cleats on my Baffin Titan boot and they work amazing. I wear a size 10 and got the large size sandal cleat. Hope that helps

[xiaolu]

Thanks Nancy for the detailed report.

PS: I like your 'signature' style end of your post every time: "That's all for now, Nancy":-)

That's all for now, James

[AlconaKevin]

I have tried a few different cleats, the sandal version works well on oversized boots. (the ones with the metal mesh in the middle. They are like $20 or so (?)

My preferred are the ones at Princess Auto.
They are like $10 and pull over my large winter boots and stay on.

this year they have the model with some studs on the heel as well.

I keep the sandal cleats and spares/loaners.

[Fishsniffer]

Thanks for the replies . I will go tonight and purchase a pair....

[codyboy]

Great report Nancy, thanks

[evanxrs]

Korker Icejack boots are what I use.
The have a replaceable sole with ice cleats.

[RomanWarrior]

Minimum 5 k fine if you keed to be rescued,plus looking like a complete idiot on TV,Ill wait