Has anybody ever winter camped on Stuart Lake? Is the Stuart river safe to travel in winter?

I would have to believe that travel on the river would include both slush and thin ice. It might be safe around the end of February. The good thing is that I don't know of any deep spots on that river, but then then you'd still get wet if you went through the ice. You could try following the old Stuart Lake trail (used to be the Lac La Croix trail) instead. You'd still need to cross the river at the top of the falls once you got to the lake, but there probably isn't any flow there in the winter.

In late Feb 2014 the river was full of slush. Ely had just received over a foot on snow. We paralleled the river the entire time, crossing only when necessary. Broke thru once. Took 6 days round trip to Curtain Falls.

quote PortageKeeper: "I would have to believe that travel on the river would include both slush and thin ice. It might be safe around the end of February. The good thing is that I don't know of any deep spots on that river, but then then you'd still get wet if you went through the ice. You could try following the old Stuart Lake trail (used to be the Lac La Croix trail) instead. You'd still need to cross the river at the top of the falls once you got to the lake, but there probably isn't any flow there in the winter."

I like this idea. Any map available of this trail?

I've never winter camped on Stuart, but I've skied and snowshoed the river many times. The river freezes quite well. As on a lake, slush can form on a river. If this is the case, try and ski along the side of the river.

Be aware that river ice is 15% weaker than lake ice. Also straight sections on river are stronger than bends in the river do to the currents. Plus slush and water on top of the ice adds to the weight on the ice and makes it weaker.