Lake Superior Freezing?

[intowishin]

Hey John. I heard that Lake Superior is starting to freeze over more than the norm because of these extremely low temps. If that is true, how will that affect the lake effect snow and other weather patterns? Just out of curiosity has Lake Superior ever completely froze over? If so, how long ago?

 

[blizzardmk]

I can't answer any of your questions, but I'm hoping that the strong winds over the next few days will churn up the lake and delay the freezing.

 

[jd]

Well, about a week or so ago, there was some quick buildup of ice on the north shore, but it seems to have not survived and much of the lake is open again.

As ice accumulates on the ice, the amount of LES it produces decreases until the lake is frozen, then it stops completely. Also, the moderation in temps does not happen once the lake freezes.

I forget the years, but it has frozen over 2-3 times in the past 50 years or so. It does not stay completely frozen for too long.

-John

 

[frnash]

It looks like there's a long ways to go for a frozen Lake Superior!

The latest (click →) MODIS image at 01/05/2014 18:59 GMT (13:23 EST today) — That's a lot o' lake effect, eh?

The most recent reasonably clear view, (click →) at 01/02/2014 46:46 GMT (11:46 EST) — Plenty of open water visible.

Check the NOAA CoastWatch - Great Lakes Region web site (click →) here.

 

[intowishin]

Thanks for the info. Enjoy the LES.