Greetings all! I'm planning a trip to Bald Eagle Lake via the Little Gabbro entry Point (33). I want to go when Little Gabbro, Big Gabbro and Bald Eagle lakes are at their most frozen. Can someone with some wintertime BWCAW experience please give me their opinion on the safest time to do this? My biggest concern is overall ice thickness. There are also a couple of spots where there is moving water (shallow/narrows area in Gabbro and the falls between Big Gabbro and Bald Eagle) that I know I want to steer clear of. I have been to this area of the BWCAW many, many times so I am very familiar with these lakes; I've just never been there in the dead of winter. Any educated/experienced advice on this topic would be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

I would say mid February. For most frozen.

If the current cold weather continues I'd say sometime in December. But January would be a safe bet usually. Check with an outfitter before you go. Last year many areas with moving water did not completely freeze and were unsafe for the most part.

If you want to go when the ice is at its maximum thickness I would plan on going in late February. That doesn't mean that areas with current will be safe by then, some areas are just never really safe. But by then most lakes are going to have well over 2 feet of ice and the ice should be at its safest. Just keep in mind that no idea is 100% safe and common sense needs to be used.

I forgot one more thing that I wanted to ask. I know that overall BWCAW gets a lot of snow each year. Do the lakes typically have very much snow on them though, or does the wind usually keep the vast majority of snow off of the lakes? I plan to wear some really good ice cleats on my boots. Just wondering if I need to worry about bringing snow shoes for the trek across the lakes. Thanks.

quote scottschaeffer: "I forgot one more thing that I wanted to ask. I know that overall BWCAW gets a lot of snow each year. Do the lakes typically have very much snow on them though, or does the wind usually keep the vast majority of snow off of the lakes? I plan to wear some really good ice cleats on my boots. Just wondering if I need to worry about bringing snow shoes for the trek across the lakes. Thanks."

Every year is different , years with early + heavy snowfalls can blanket the ice and have nothing but slush underneath the snowline , those type of winters snowshoes would be a great addition. the snow can get very deep some years.

Don't wish to rain on your parade, but try a few excursions closer to your house before venturing to the BWCA.
You can learn to "read the ice" at times which can help in identifying thin ice or open water.
Never walk near a beaver house, no matter how cold, or how thick the ice is. The area between their feed bed and the house opening can have very thin ice.
Definitely take snow shows and ice cleats, as you never know what you'll run into. If the lakes are really slushy, snowshoes won't work many times.
Also use extreme caution on rivers, and narrows.

Most ice- mid late February. The only way to hit it "perfect" is to be flexible if possible. conditions can change drastically week to week, and sometimes overnight. Bring Snowshoes no matter what, they can make the difference between getting to where you want to go, or only making it 50 yards out on the ice.

Just know that snowshoes on lakes with slush = an extra 20+lbs on each snowshoe for every step when the slush accumulates and freezes on said snowshoe. Been there done that. Change to boots -- get wet feet-- and deal with it either with another pair of liners or a hot tent. Snowshoes in slush are a nightmare....

Foe actual max ice thickness -- Early March. For actual max ice coverage (area)-- Late Feb.

Just know that snowshoes on lakes with slush = an extra 20+lbs on each snowshoe for every step when the slush accumulates and freezes on said snowshoe. Been there done that. Change to boots -- get wet feet-- and deal with it either with another pair of liners or a hot tent. Snowshoes in slush are a nightmare....

Foe actual max ice thickness -- Early March. For actual max ice coverage (area)-- Late Feb.

I typically go in mid-February. The temps are cold enough so that I don’t get much slush/wet tent.

I usually call an outfitter that offers sled dog trips to ask about ice conditions. As mentioned already, it varies each year and those that go out often will know best. Wintergreen is usually a good place to call for conditions.

Have fun!

Depends on the winter. One winter in 1976 I was driving on the lake Jan 1st. By the end of January you will be fine. Take a set of ice picks in your pocket to be safe.