The Great Lakes have reached close to 80 per cent ice cover.
While it’s not as much as last year’s record ice coverage, February’s cold means more water is now freezing quickly.
Great Lakes ice coverage sits at 76 per cent, while only a week ago, it was 47 per cent.
At this time last winter, 82 per cent of the lakes were covered in ice. It would reach over 90 per cent by winter's end, setting records more than 35 years old.
The 45-year average is around 51 per cent ice coverage, so last winter and now this winter, will bring up that average considerably.
Lake Superior has 82 per cent ice coverage, while Huron has 79 per cent.
Erie is almost entirely covered in ice. Michigan is at 52 per cent and Ontario, 42 per cent.
The ice plays a role in the amount of water we'll have in the lakes this summer and fall.
“What we're seeing in terms of ice cover now is setting us up for next fall. We'll see less evaporation because the water will be colder. The warmer you have that water, the more evaporation you'll have in the fall and winter,” says Geoff Peach, founder of the Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation.
The increasing ice cover makes Great Lakes shipping more challenging.
Coast Guard ice breakers have had to help 125 ships navigate the Great Lakes so far this year. That's on par with last year.
Peach figures the lake will at least maintain its bounce back levels of last summer, which bodes well for many.
“If you're a shipper or boater you should be happy with the results. I think if you're a cottager, you'll be happy as well.”
