Snow & ice

I'd been wondering what kind of affect the snow would have on the ice conditions on area lakes since this recent storm rolled through.

Since my last post, I'd been hearing good reports on ice conditions, with most anglers agreeing that the ice was roughly around a foot on area lakes.

As of Dec. 19, Lake Washington was anywhere from 9 to 12 inches. But what would a good foot of snow do to those lake conditions?

Well, for one, it is making travel on the lakes difficult. Free Press staffer John Cross reported Saturday that Washington still had good ice, but the snow was making it very difficult to get around on the lake.

So even moving 20 yards to a better spot becomes less enjoyable.

He said Scotch also had "good" ice but a lot of snow.

In Monday's print edition of The Free Press, Dan Neinaber interviewed Minnesota Department of Natural Resources conservation officer Chris Howe.

Howe suggested what my gut was telling me: All this snow is going to be troublesome for continued ice making. What I mean is that the more snow we get to insulate the ice, the less we can count on good ice to keep forming even if the temps are cold enough for good ice.

Howe goes into more depth on other concerns heavy snow causes for ice conditions in the article.

This also tells me I worry for those who have to drive out on any of our area lakes.

And as the anglers I spoke to out on Washington said, you can go 40 yards and find a big difference in the depth of ice.

So what I'm trying to say, people, is wait to drive out with your trucks and SUVs (you'll be lucky to get a car through this deep of snow). And if you must, please, please practice safety.

Updates coming
I can't say they'll be good updates, but I'll be out Wednesday and Thursday this week. I'm not sure of the destination, but I'll make sure to snap a few photos, take a few measurements, and get back to you on the quality of fishing.

Hopefully, all goes well.