Making any ice?

[Luck e 1]

I know that we were off to a good start...and I know we can never be too safe. But just how much slower are we making ice now with the snow? The temps are good...and some of the smaller lakes were locked or almost locked before the snow. Just how skiddish do we need to be? how much does the snow affect the ice?

[JustinG]

I have been checking the ice frequently. The bad news is we haven't made any ice in far northern mn since LAST THURSDAY! Not even a quarter of an inch more! We have had cold weather too. Deep snow and slush have stopped any new ice from forming, so don't risk your life for a fish!!

Justin

[WalleyeWacker10]

Some of these smaller lakes in the cities i know you could fish this weekend. before this last storm the snow was blowing of Lake Minnewashta and was not effecting the ice making. I'll drive my ATV around the shore this weekend to fish my spot. I would stay away from big water for awhile.

[Luck e 1]

I am hoping that the small lakes are good to go.

[cRaPpiEMaN8265]

i think i am going to try to get out on one of my favorite early ice metro lakes tomorrow... dont know how the ice conditions are though... hopefully i can get out if not then maybe this weekend?

Later,

Ryan

[mojocatt]

I'd like to be able to say yes, but the snow obviously complicates things.

Snow free you could almost work off of a mathematical formula. But the snow throws in so many variables, the weight of the snow, thickness of the snow cover, the structure of the snow (how much air it holds and its R-value), how thick the ice was before the snow fell.

Even if I drilled four inches near shore I'd still be mighty suspicious of the rest of the lake.

But overall I’d say the snow cover is a good thing, as it will stabilize temps in the long run by reflecting sunlight back into space. Without the snow we would be prone to the wild swings in temperature we’ve had the past few years. So I say viva la snow, as it may screw up the early ice, but will probably yield a more consistent season in the long run.

[Chode2235]

Plus, there is no use complaining about it. There is 8 inches of it on the ground.

I just want to know when those, much braver or confident than I, get out there and start fishing.

We are all chomping at the bit, and awaiting the season. Another week won't kill us, but it sure feels like it could.

[Loogie]

mojocatt - You hit the nail on the head.

The snow will almost guaranty we will have a nice long cold winter.

The snow will slow the ice growth rate a little, but good things come to those who wait.

[calli4120]

I'd rather be on the ice but I guess the positive side of all the snow is that it should help bring water levels back up in the spring.

[cRaPpiEMaN8265]

i am going to try to check turtle lake in shoreview to see how much ice there is tonight. I will report back if i make it out there..

Later,

Ryan

[Joel Taylor]

This snow is terrible! I went out on Lake Poygan and no more ice since Saturday. 6" of ice where it's bare and 1/2 - 2" under the snow, it sucks!

Darn stuff is like the perfect insulation, a hard icy crust top then 6" of foam underneath.

Take extreme caution when going out! Ice is very inconsistant under the snow!

[dilleyo]

I talked to a guy I work with and he said there have been people ice fishing it for a week now.....

[Kyle Sandberg]

Ice is being made. Last weekend, there were a couple guys walking out on Buffalo Lake. Today there was a four wheeler out and he didn't fall through.

You need to remember snow is below frezzing, which, though not as fast, still builds ice. Just how much it builds is whats questionable.

All I'm looking at is the long term which has temps staying below freezing thanks to this snow pack...

[Chad Halvorson]

The weekend after thanksgiving we had 3" of solid clear ice on a lake that is 250 acres and a max depth of 28'. Today, on that same lake there was 5" of ice, and 11" of fluffy snow on top. Slush under the snow too, I dont think trucks will be on alot of lakes this year, thats just too much snow. Its been below zero pretty much every night around here with highs of about 15 in the last 2 weeks, and after that snowfall its just not getting any thicker.

[zamboni]

I just really don't wanna have to pull the Clam out. Snow makes it a bear.....

[Hooked_on_Salmo_Lures]

A buddy of mine who lives in buffalo,. was telling me that just the other day he say a small car out on the ice!!!! IMO that guys nuts!!!! but it must mean that some of the lakes are doing ok even with the snow,....

[mojocatt]

I was on Indy a few years back on six inches of ice and witnessed a red Ford Festiva on the lake.

I was minding my own business on the East side point, not far from the boat launch. The little ford was sitting in the parking lot with a large perament shelter in tow.

I was wondering what the guy was up to.

He gunned the engine and went roaring down the ramp, bouncing all over like a madman on the cemet slabs and hit the ice at speed. From there he was racing over the lake surface at what must have been at least 25mph, probally 30. It looked like a ladybug towing a cinder block.

The ice was cracking like a thunder storm as he zipped off into the distance.