This brutal winter could result in positive things to come.
Historically high ice cover should mean fewer snow squalls in the coming months and higher water levels next year.
Ice now covers 76 per cent of the Great Lakes.
"Yeah, it has been above normal from the past number of years and that's a good sign for the lake and lake levels," says Geoff Peach of the Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation.
If weather patterns continue, the lakes may near the 97 per cent coverage the region saw in 1979.
The tremendous ice cover has many benefits.
Less open water should mean fewer off-lake snow squalls over the next few months.
Also, the ice cover's ability to keep the water cold should help keep water levels on the rise.
"What we're seeing now in terms the ice cover now is setting us up for next fall. So, we'll hopefully see less evaporation occurring next fall because the water will be cooler and the warmer you have that water, the more evaporation you'll have next fall and winter," says Peach.
In other words, the ice and snow pack of this winter should make people smile in the summer.
"If you're a shipper or you're a boater you'll be pleased with the results and I think if you're a cottager you'll be happy well," adds Peach.
