North Shore Lake Conditions

As we do every year, we will use this thread to bring you news regarding ice conditions and the weather related conditions on the ice after the houses are out.

Update—whitecaps!

Issued by The National Weather Service

Duluth, MN

Fri, Dec 7, 2012, 4:21 PM CST

Updated Dec 7, 2012, 5:30pm CST

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… WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM SATURDAY TO 9 PM CST SUNDAY…

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN DULUTH HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW… WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM SATURDAY TO 9 PM CST SUNDAY.

* LOCATION… CENTRAL AND EAST CENTRAL MINNESOTA AND ADJACENT AREAS OF NORTHWEST WISCONSIN.

* TIMING… SNOW WILL BEGIN SATURDAY EVENING AND TAPER TO FLURRIES SUNDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING. THE HEAVIEST SNOWFALL AND MOST RAPID ACCUMULATIONS ARE EXPECTED LATE SATURDAY NIGHT INTO EARLY AFTERNOON SUNDAY.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS… 6 TO 8 INCHES.

* WINDS AND VISIBILITY… EAST TO NORTHEAST WINDS FROM 10 TO 20 MPH AND A FEW HIGHER GUSTS. SOME MINOR BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW MAY OCCUR. VISIBILITY MAY BE REDUCED TO LESS THAN A HALF MILE.

* IMPACTS… TRAVEL CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED TO RAPIDLY DETERIORATE SATURDAY EVENING… WITH SNOW AND ICE COVERED ROADS PERSISTING INTO MONDAY MORNING IN MOST AREAS.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW MEANS HEAVY SNOW ACCUMULATION IS ANTICIPATED. EXPECT SNOW AND ICE COVERED ROADS AND VISIBILITY LESS THAN A HALF MILE. IF YOU MUST TRAVEL… EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION AND ALLOW EXTRA TIME TO REACH YOUR DESTINATION. LET SOMEONE KNOW YOUR TRAVEL ROUTE AND EXPECTED ARRIVAL TIME AND HAVE A CELL PHONE IN CASE YOU BECOME STRANDED. KEEP A WINTER SURVIVAL KIT IN YOUR VEHICLE… INCLUDING A FLASHLIGHT… FOOD… AND WATER.

&&

More Information

… HEAVY SNOW EXPECTED ACROSS A LARGE PART OF THE NORTHLAND SATURDAY NIGHT INTO SUNDAY EVENING…

.THE SECOND SIGNIFICANT WINTER STORM OF THE SEASON IS EXPECTED ACROSS MOST OF THE REGION THIS WEEKEND. THERE IS STILL SOME UNCERTAINTY REGARDING THE EXACT PATH OF THE BAND OF HEAVIEST SNOWFALL… BUT CONFIDENCE IS RATHER HIGH THAT A LARGE PART OF THE NORTHLAND SHOULD SEE NEW SNOWFALL AMOUNTS IN EXCESS OF 6 INCHES BY THE TIME THE STORM BEGINS TO WIND DOWN LATE SUNDAY. ANYONE WITH TRAVEL PLANS OR OTHER OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES PLANNED THIS WEEKEND SHOULD MONITOR SUBSEQUENT FORECASTS AS ADDITIONAL DETAILS ON SNOWFALL AMOUNTS AND THE EXACT PATH OF HEAVIEST ACCUMULATIONS BECOMES MORE CLEAR.

We got about 6-8 inches of snow near as we can tell.

The lake froze as far as the eye could see Friday night. Then the snow and wind came and luckily, we saw lots of open water by Sunday afternoon. That means a lot of the ice out from here is not being insulated by all that snow. (the first 200 yards of the “old” ice stayed put so the stuff by shore might be slower making ice than the stuff out further on the fishing grounds, at least for now).

So, we will check ice thicknesses on Wednesday and report back. For now….no access via our location, including walking on the ice.

Stay tuned!

Wednesday the 12th

We checked the ice thickness this morning. We found 3.5 under the snow on the older ice along shore the first 200 yards and a solid 4 inches on the new ice that is new since the storm and is bare ice. That new ice is the full length of the north shore and at least 2-3 miles wide. So the nearest mudflats, at least, should have ice that is snowless and have at least 4 inches of ice or more. (often times, bare ice will get thicker faster the further you go out onto the lake)

With that, we are still in the “no access” mode as of today. But we are hoping, surely, walking out will be fine by the coming weekend and maybe, just maybe, at this point atv travel will be allowed by the weekend.

PLEASE don’t assume anything. We will check again tomorrow and report back as new info is available. As usual, we will ALWAYS err on the side of caution and not hurry things in any way or fashion.

Thursday the 13th

Relatively warm temps have not changed the ice thickness in the past 24 hrs. out from The Red Door. In fact, we found 3.5 inches of ice in a few spots we had 4 inches yesterday.

So, any weekend fishing via The Red Door access is on hold. We will check the ice again tomorrow and make a decision on allowing walking out for the weekend–or not. At this point, with the forecast as it is, we highly doubt any ATV travel will be allowed this coming weekend. Anything under 5 inches is, simply, not enough for any form of ATV or sled travel. And even 5 inches, with a crack here and there is a gamble we will not take nor position anyone else to deal with.

So, we will make an updated report and relative decision tomorrow(Friday the 14th) for the coming weekend at our access.

Thanks for your patience! We will ALWAYS err on the side of caution.

Friday the 14th

The ice out from our access ranged from 4 to 4.5 inches today.

With that, we will open the access to walking fishermen only. 4 inches and crossing cracks is just too much of a risk for atv ‘s or sleds. Even walking, watch out how and where you cross any live cracks. The first 200 yards is snow and the ice is snow free, for now, the rest of the way to the fishing grounds. Dragging equipment should be fairly easy as of now.

So, parking is on land (no charge) and walking on the ice is fine.

It is raining now. This is the best thing that could have happened to the snow covered ice. Now the snow will loose the insulating effect it had and the ice will get thicker faster. We got lucky…so far.

Monday the 17th

We checked the ice, both on the old ice that is now frozen slush covered due to the rain, and the new ice which is bare ice.

Both areas are now about the same thickness. We found an average of 5.5 inches.

So, we are still only allowing walking access via The Red Door but with temps forecast to dip into the single digits the next few days, we are planning on opening the access to ATV and sled travel starting this coming weekend or maybe by Thursday. To make sure, we will keep checking the ice each day so stay tuned…

Tuesday the 18th

The ice check today showed no or very little change in the 5.5 icnhes we had yesterday. That will change in the next 72 hours per the cold forecast. We are still predicting ATV travel by the coming weekend.

Wednesday the 19th

We gained ice to the 6 inch mark today. With the colder temps in line for tonight and the next few days, we will open the access tomorrow,Thursday the 20th, to ATV/Snowmobile travel. So–good to go for the coming weekend with the ATV’s. (no charge for lake access until we have the main roads/big bridges out for cars etc.)

That said, these cold temps will most likely split the ice somewhere in the next day or two. We will, if we know where the crack is, bridge the crack for the ATV travel. The small bridging will be marked with 4 orange cones. Obviously, if we think the crack needs bridging for ATV’s, you should go out of your way to cross the crack there instead of breaking it off and getting wet…right? Thanks…and good luck fishing!

Also….it is best to check in with the office BEFORE you venture out to get up to date ice conditions and ice travel directions!

Thanks for the update! Good news to hear it’s making ice again.

What are the waypoint cafe hours for winter? I hope to stop by for some breakfast and to say hello after Christmas.

Thursday the 20th

We gained another 1/2 inch of ice overnight so the tally now stands at 6.5 inches. With, finally, some temps tonight hedging around the zero mark, we should be at or around 7 inches for the weekend.

We are now open for all ATV/snow sled travel. Parking on land and access is free, as usual, of charge until we get the main roads and bridges up and going. Please understand as you travel with ATV’s and or sleds, that any amount of temperature change, up or odwn, can and most likely will create the ice to move. At this point, we have no live cracks to cross within a half mile of shore. If you head to mudflat country, beware as you go. Crossing a live crack on 6-7 icnhes of ice can break it off–even with a 500lb. ATV. We surely intend to bridge any cracks along shore for ATV’ers if need be but will not be monitoring ice over this coming weekend anywhere on or around the mudflats. For now, it should be good to go but just beware….and good luck! Sounds like the bite is good!

Friday the 21st

Now a consistant 7.75 inches of ice.

As predicted, the cold night opened up a crack a few 100 yards off shore. It was 4 ft. wide this morning and before we got out on the ice to bridge it, an ATV found it–ALL of it in 12 ft of water! The driver, luckiy was able to get out of the water as the machine went in.

The ice is safe for ATV/sled travel–but watch for live cracks and cross them at our bridging–PLEASE. We have checked as far as the first mudflats and after that we have no idea if there are any other live cracks. 8 inches of ice on the Weimer/Bombeck flats.

PLEASE check in with the office before you go out to get up to date ice travel directions. If the office is closed, go out with caution and watch ahead as you go slowly. Don’t assume anything as things change with falling and or rising temps during the night. We will check the ice around daylight each day and act accordingly.

Don’t forget, the WAYPOINT CAFE is open 7 am. Thursday-Sunday. ALL THE WALLEYE YOU CAN EAT IS THE SPECIAL FRIDAY NIGHTS AND ALL THE RIBS YOU CAN EAT SATURDAY NIGHTS.

Saturday the 22nd

We gained a half inch and we now have a little over 8 inches of ice–some pushing 9 out in mudflat country.

But today showed the issues that can arise without predicting when and where, due to no snow on the ice. Bare ice is highly sensitive to rising or falling temps and either expands or contracts without a moments notice. As temps warmed and the sun got higher late morning today, the main lake ice was shifting and busting up in more than one area. The live crack from yesterday (4 ft. wide early yesterday) was 2 feet wide this morning early and by noon was tight together and crunching up. Other cracks then took place heading in many directions off the main crack. In fact, we have reports of a new live crack described as “Nasty” out toward the flats that wasn’t there early this morning. Cold temps tonight should lock up all the new cracks–until the temps warm again tomorrow mid-day.

So, all is good but everyone needs to be aware when going cross country that in these settings, 8 inches plus of ice is safe for the ATV’s but live cracks need to be seen ahead of you and crossed, if possilbe, slowly and in a spot that looks good enough to cross without dropping the wheels in. Until we get a good insulating blanket of snow on the ice, the scene will be changing more than usual. No problem as along as everyone is traveling slowly and paying attention–not assuming anything.

PLEASE check in at the office before you go out and get updated ice info. If you head out before or after the office is open, just be very aware of where you are going. Go slowly! There is plenty of ice for ATV’s if you pay attention.

Stay tuned….maybe 12 plus inches for driving and pulling houses by next Wednesday–who knows?

Monday the 24th

9.5 inches as of this morning in most places. We have 7 inches in one area close to shore.

There is still one main active crack a few 100yds. out that we have bridged for ATV’s.. There are other cracks out in mudflat country we hear so be aware as you go. We are ATV travel only. At this point, it looks to be at least 3 days or more before we can get the 12-13 inches we need to drive full-size vehicles onto the ice and bridge cracks etc.

We will continue to check and update this on Wednesday again.

Wednesday the 26th

We have 11 inches of ice on the main lake, snow free ice. BUT! We have 8 inches between there and shore. So we need to grow the 8 inches to be able to drive out to the thicker ice. We are putting a water pump out on the thinner area to flood it and allow more ice to form on top of the ice that is there now.

Obviously, no pulling bigger houses nor driving full-size cars/trucks for at least a couple days. Stay tuned…

sweet outdoor ice rink, anyone for a game of pick up hockey?

Thursday the 27th

We gained another half inch of ice today and now have just under 12 inches on most areas. We still have 8-9 inches closer to shore that we are now flooding to freeze it from the top down.

The crack is very active–splitting apart each night and jack-knifing as the temps warm late morning.

We are now speculating driving by Monday. Maybe Sunday –stay tuned! All that if we can safely bridge the crack…..

FYI–The Waypoint is “all the walleye you can eat” Friday nights and “all the ribs you can eat” Saturday night.

Saturday December 29th

In most places, we have reached the 12 inch mark with some still at 9 to 11 inches. It is still ALL ATV/sled or walking as of now.

We flooded the area right out from our lake access with several inches of water on top of the 8-9 inch ice. So, with that freezing over the next two days, we are hoping to be able to bridge the crack and start pulling houses on Monday sometime. About an inch of snow fell the past 24 hours and will surely help any banking efforts once the houses are out.

Fishing reports are “spotty”. Many are “slow” but some are getting some action. The good reports are coming from all areas and depths just as the slow reports are. So go figure…

“All you can eat ribs” tonight at the Waypoint Cafe!

Monday? Stay tuned!

Sunday December 30th

At this point, we are planning on putting the first trucks on the lake tomorrow(Monday) morning. First, we will attempt to bridge the main crack safely and if that goes well, we will start pulling smaller houses.

We have a full 13 inches of ice where we plan on traveling this week. That should grow as the week goes along. By waiting for that extra inch or more, odds go up that we don’t have issues with the crack etc. and also an extra inch of ice or more means less flooding when the houses finally get put into place–especially the heavier ones.

As usual, as ALWAYS, we will err on the side of caution. Thanks for everyone’s patience.

Do you think it is safe enough for an 18′ Ice caastle?
I have a condo at Myr Mar and would like to get out this comming weekend.
Thank you in advance

December 31st

We have started to allow full-size vehicle ice access. We have between 13 and 14 inches of ice.

With the cold temps, the ice is contracting and new cracks will and are forming. We have one crack bridged a couple hundreds yards from shore. But we have a live crack north of the first mudflats that runs SE to NW, coming into Knox Point. We have not bridged any of that yet.

So, we are gradually getting houses out, hoping there is not a big change over night. Call the office for any ice updates during the day.

Don’t abuse the 10 mph. speed limit on the ice. Please…

Quote:

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Do you think it is safe enough for an 18′ Ice caastle?
I have a condo at Myr Mar and would like to get out this comming weekend.
Thank you in advance

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Please call the Red Door office Tuesday and get the latest ice conditions. At this point, we have no idea what, if any, limitations we will have this coming weekend.

Late Tuesday January 1st

The ice is pushing 14 inches in most places–or more.

The cold temps over night locked up one crack and opened another. One move of the bridge and all went well today.

We will study the ice between the shoreline areas and the first mudflats first thing tomorrow(Wednesday) and decide if it is okay to go or not. Stay tuned on that! Current updates are via the office during the day…

Fishing reports are pretty good at night on the rattle reels and slower during the day.

Warm temps coming will shift the ice again so pay attention! And slow down—at or UNDER 10 mph.–please.

Wednesday January 2nd

All is fine on the ice on the north shore as of late today. The live crack is tight on the bank now.

We have houses now on Weimer, Bombeck and Eileens. Our road is out to the south tip of Eileens–following the east side of Resort and Fish House on the way.

The ice is almost snow free so driving cross country is fine as long as you are watching closely for any fresh cracks etc. As of now, leaving Red Door, there are no live cracks between shore and the south tip of Eileens. We have 15 inches of ice on the flats. A little less ice (14 plus inches) closer to shore.

Fishing reports are good after dark and during the night in the deep flat areas (26-28 ft.) right out front to the east and west of Red Door. For more current info, call the office during the day as things can change as the weather changes. All is good now!

Please drive slowly……..very slow–please

Our ice is in pretty good shape on the north end for now. We are sure all of you would like it to stay that way.

Like a broken record, you hear “drive slowly” and “speed limit is 10 mph.” each year. We are only trying to help keep you be safe and keep access to the lake as good as it can be for you. It is up to you to keep it that way by taking the resorts advice. 10 mph. is ONLY that.

You are driving on water! Not a highway. PLEASE look at your speedometer. If it is above 10 mph.–even 15 mph.—let up on the gas. Yes, it is a long ride out to the mudflats at 10 mph. And it is a longer ride back if the road is busted up and closed. (ask the people that were on the east side last weekend)

10 mph. is just that. NOT 15mph. NOT 13mph. Look at your speedometer. Yes, it is hard to go that slow. Your driving on water! Take you foot off the gas. it is that simple. Please…

Thursday January 3rd

All but a handful of our houses are on the ice and in place. All the rentals are on the lake and ready to go. Some already smell pretty fishy…

There is very little snow on the ice so don’t be surprised we don’t have big wide plowed roads all over the place. As long as things stay the way they are, we will not do much plowing and create snow banks that will drift in. Yes….we have roads to follow to the mudflats and areas to the east and west. There is zero need for driveways into the houses as any form of vehicle can go through the 1-2″ of snow–without us making banks to drift in and around the houses.

We have a live crack bridged along shore that is fine for wheelhouses as well as all other vehicles. ( creep as slow as you can as you go down the ramp and onto the ice and cross the bridge–please) As of now, there are no other live cracks on our road system that runs out as far as Eileens Point, to the east along shore one mile and to the west along shore one mile–in 25 ft. and 28ft.

Fishing reports from most are pretty good–especially during the night and early morning.

How many inches of ice are out in the middle of the lake on average?

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How many inches of ice are out in the middle of the lake on average?

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15 to 16 inches.

Saturday January 5th

Pulling houses is about done. Ice travel is fine about anywhere once you have crossed the crack via our bridge along shore in our area. Snow cover on the ice is about 2 inches with very little drifting.

Ice is about 15-16 inches throughout the area. Can’t say it enough–“drive 10 mph. or less! PLEASE look at your speedometer.”

Fishing reports are “spotty”. Some are saying “Great” and some syaing “slow”. Both the deep water along the mudflats (30 plus feet) and the deep water( 27-30 ft.) along shore are producing good catches. A plain hook/minnow/bobber is the best lately.

Remember, ice conditons change on the big lake. Be very vigilant as you drive–even if you have been over an area many times before without issues. SLOW!!!