I know we have estimates/guesses of ice out dates established in threads but curious what folks that live in the BWCA area think as we move closer to ice out. How are things progressing or not progressing? Checking some local webcams and appears to still look like February in some spots not April.....

Looking for input from locals. I have an annual group of around 8-9 that go in on the opener in the western part of BWCA. Any input is appreciated. Thank you.

Not a local but I’d still have hope for ice out in time.

The biggest thing is the days are getting longer. Thus more sun heating every day, even on colder days.

Here in the Twin Cities we could drive on the lakes one week and then it was ice out the next. So it can happen fast.

Last year I was on Snow bank Lake at this time and people were driving out on the lake…I believe ice out was less than a month later in Early May…like around the 3rd?

With that said…when ya pick an early May Date…you are always taking a chance.

As an example the median Ice out date for Fall Lake (in the last 10 years) is May 7th. The latest recent ice out was May 10th (2022).
Historically the latest ice out date was May 19th (1950). Earliest on record March 27th 2012.

I’m watching this website for accuracy this spring - it might be useful for you. If nothing else, it’s taking my mind off the disappearance of snow for skiing and snowshoeing. :-)



Minnesota Lakes Freeze-Up and Ice--0ut Clock

Mooselake,

I feel your anxiety! What has helped me in the past is to track the ice using daily satellite images. https://www.star.nesdis.noaa.gov/GOES/sector.php?sat=G19§or=umv# will get you started. I believe there is something better but cannot find it. Maybe somebody else knows a better site.

good luck

Eric/Farwater posted this today


Ice report

Saw that too…not looking good.

T