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 Boundary Waters Quetico Forum Winter Camping and Activities December Winter Camping - Ice/Snow Reply
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| Previous Messages: | |
| Author | Message Text |
| Gadfly |
11/08/2018 03:41PM This may be a good year for a mid December trip. Ice is already forming on many lakes in the area. Was told a 200 acre lake in east central MN was 2/3 covered with ice this morning. Temps are supposed to stay below freezing for at least another week and the wind is supposed to stay down for the next couple days which perfect for ice making. I had a trip penciled in for the weekend of the 15th and unless temps really swing the other way I think I'll be making that trip. |
| fsupp |
11/05/2018 03:48PM My first winter camping trip in the BWCA was around the Angleworm lake trail in early/mid November in 1996. About a foot of snow, plenty of cold, and other than having to hack a hole in the lake ice for water, we didn't have to make any water crossings. The wolf pack that howled in stereo near our camp did, however, as they were chasing a deer across the lake. We didn't follow them, but we probably could have. Anyway, the point is that you don't know what you'll get until you get there, but Angleworm might be a good spot to visit early in the season. |
| wharrier |
11/05/2018 02:10PM I believe that ice and snow that early in the season are mutually exclusive blessings. If there is enough snow to build a quinzee, the ice will probably not be safe enough. The best thing for winter camping is for the ice to setup before it gets a good blanket of snow on it. |
| SevenofNine |
11/03/2018 05:52PM My thoughts are you should consider a state park such George Manitou or Big Bear. However there are so many more to choose that will give you a unique experience without worrying about ice thickness. Choose the right park and you can have Lake shoreline all to yourselves. |
| Jaywalker |
11/03/2018 09:01AM You could consider the Eagle Mountain trail. It stays off the lakes, though there may be a wet area or stream to cross it should be doable. If there is a little snow you could ski, or if not enough hike. Two campsites at the base of the mountain, and a great view from the highest point in Minnesota. If the lakes are thinly frozen and there isn't much snow, water could be a hassle is the only bit issue I can think of. Otherwise, any of the other hiking trails might be a good option if the lakes are not safe. Like Dan said, impossible to tell this far out. Two years ago I got to Gillis on New Years Day and it was just over an inch thick - had to turn back. |
| DanCooke |
11/02/2018 11:01PM Too many variables. Only small lakes typically have ice safe enough to walk on for most. Stream / moving water spots are often tricky as well. Often not enough snow to ski or make a quinzee. I have walked the edges with waves in the middle of lakes that time of the year. Be prepared to alter your plans based on the weather we will have and what is predicted for while you are out. |
| jmhedin |
11/02/2018 02:57PM Hi All, I was wondering if anyone had some veteran advice for winter camping in the BWCA? Me and a buddy are planning on making a trip from Dec 8-11th. We are both are experienced campers but still pretty new to winter camping (I've been to BWCA during the winter a few years back, his first time). We aren't worried about the cold so much (we're both camped/hiked in Colorado/ND/MN) but aren't familiar with ice in or snow conditions in early December. We don't have a lake/route picked out yet, but need to know which ones would likely be frozen by then as we plan to hike/ski in. Also, would their be a chance of enough snow (predictions being difficult to come by) to build a quinzee? We're bringing a tent as backup. Thanks in advance! Jon |
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