Ice report 12-14-13

[Wilderness Warmth]

We were out again today drilling and this is what we found.  The average ice thickness in the bay is 10"-12" depending on the snow cover. There are several spots of heavy slush and water in the beginning of the bay.  As you work your out through the bay there are a couple more heavy slush spots.  Ice remains 10"-12" all the way through the channel.  We drilled past the channel to just shy of the Beard and the Horse Shoe.  The ice was 10"-12" with a couple spots of 13" when there was little to no snow cover. 

The ice to the west of our road (approx. 300 yards) dropped to 8" and heavy slush.  We staked the road all the way to just short of the Beard and the Horse Shoe.  Past our last stake there is a heavy and wide slush layer heading to the west.  We did not plow the road at this time as we are going to wait for the slush to freeze up. We are only advising ATV and snowmobile travel.  If you have an ATV and are pulling sleds chains are a must.

It will take some time for the slush to freeze up so proceed with caution and drill your way off the road.  PLEASE stay at least 100' off the stakes when drilling holes or traveling so as not to flood or create ruts where the road will be (these will freeze and be hard to plow).

Thank you.  Be safe and be patient.  Good luck!!