Heard yesterday that the lake is on track to freeze over like it did last year. If true and if it does happen, this would be only the 3rd time in near 50 years. In which the latter two are consecutive. Could this winter end up being stronger than last? Last year the river blew out 3 times in winter due to 2/3 day thaws that occurred... Zilch this year... Only time will tell. If bait fish were a worry from last years winter, what's gonna happen this year... Again, time will tell

Thanks for the clarification tuna. March will play a big role in how the lake will unfold this season. Last march had many mornings below zero. A warmer march could possibly reset this unusual pattern that is taking place... Lake fishers, tackle and bait sellers are already getting very concerned

Charlie your insight on ice damming is precisely spot on. Its the worst I've ever seen and a friend of mine who is 50 years of age and entirely local to this area says its the worse she's ever seen. She is a no joke type of gal who leans towards the homesteading life style. I have quite a burden on my hands with my roof currently. These cold temps coupled with stronger sun rays and Lack of mid winter thaw is definitely killing us. I've seen icicles as large as 20' long. I honestly would be shocked if a 2 day warm up would even budge this ice pack we've got. It may in turn make for an excellent day or two of steelhead fishing though in areas that most wouldn't think of trying. I don't mind hiking myself. I've good access to some peaceful trails that are off the beaten path. Keep in touch. It would be a pleasure to join you if you don't mind the company one of the days your out and about

If the river is blown there is always hard water around too. I was just looking at the ice cover on the lake. Last year at this time  it was about 40%.  This year we are at about  60%.  2013 was an off year at only 7%.  
At least if it freezes over it will limit the lake effect. We are getting a moderate snowfall as we speak so another clean up is in order.
They also changed the forecast to -12- Monday and -15 on tuesday. That's goons be a cold one

I have pushed back a few tomes so it will be a normal one for me. I may shovel the back roof, but that is a 20 minute job.

UGHHHHH, I won't even ask. Just glad you are ok.

Be safe folks. The wind is howling and the temps are dangerously low. All I wish is that the power stay on.
I'm making preparations just incase it goes out

Just spent a couple hours shoveling and the wind chills are laughable. Meaning just F'in ridiculous. I'm used to cold and have the gear for it, but it's getting a little depressing. RJ, I hope your day yesterday is the worst of the season SO FAR, and you keep at it. You love it too much to call it this early. Most years we take our major vacation in the end of March to have something to look forward to through the winter. This year we're doing another major Grand Canyon backpacking expedition, and chasing trout in AZ., southern CO. and New Mexico.  I'm looking forward to coming out to the river in a couple of weeks, but that SW trip as a dangling carrot is what kept me sane this winter. I'm not checking the Winter Sucks! box yet, but it's getting close.

Lol clint... I almost pressed it this morning... The day is still young though...


Charlie, I saw why you were worried about a blow out but its already changing ;)

I got alot done. The barn is clean the roof I shoveled and I pushed the water out of the garage. Now to rest a bit..........
 

Hurry Spring cause Winter is wearing thin.  From snow to ice dams I've had enough.  Looking forward to a break from this present weather pattern so I can turn my thoughts toward trout fishing in April.  Seems like a long way off but it'll be here before we know it.
 
Has anyone used and had good success with the de-icing kits for eaves and gutters?    

Spent the day feeding the woodstove.. Sorted gear, kept the porch clear every hour and re evaluated things today..
Went to check the woodpile and it is empty..  I should make it through..
There are down trees out back if I feel like trudging but Rob has some to spare if need be.... 
Yesterday was an expensive mind & body challenge ..  Having the time today to recoup helped.. 
 
Temps here are already in the sub-0.. Still not out of the woods yet.. Be Safe folks  !!  
 

Up putting wood on the fire and our weather center says minus 5. Not so bad so far for 0152 am.................

60 miles south of Erie OAT -17.5F at 11:30 pm last night and -15F at 8:30 am this morning. Stay warm everyone and............... think spring!

dimebrite2
We hit -1 as the high just before dark yesterday. This morning at 6:48 a.m. I had a -18 reading on my thermometer... I'd say areas definitely went in to -20's. Took a ride up to sandy creek and back down through lacona and Orwell yesterday.. Gotta say, town of Richland/town of Albion/ in to Altmar seem to have more snow ... Gonna ride out by red field/Osceola county line soon to see what its like a little further out.

I thought -2 was bad here,don't want to experience what -20 feels like.....BRRRRR!
Got a laugh on the weather channel talking about the snow event down south,a whopping 5" is predicted and they are carring on like they are all going to perish