The good news is that the ice is likely pretty thick in spots.  The bad news is that the ice has a few inches of snow cover and also probably has some holes in spots.

I found an ice fishing report that mentioned they drilled through 10 inches (25.4 cm) of ice on December 28, this after a couple of days in the 50s (~12° C) and even a little rain.  By mid-January, after the record breaking cold snap (as low as -27°F / -33°C at Moline airport), the ice was nearly 18 inches (45.7cm) thick according to a second report on January 17.    

The bad news is that besides the snow cover, the ice isn’t uniform.   I heard a story in one of the local papers that stated the ice is unsafe due to the repeated freezing and thawing, which has left some pockets of air under the ice.  Also, despite the length of the cold snap, at many of the earthen road bridges, the water in the pipe tubes where the canal passes underneath isn’t frozen.  Haven't heard any snowmobile reports about the ice--right now the towpath trail is closed to snowmobiles due to lack of snow.   

Since I’m not a local icemeister, I probably won’t be making a trip to the canal in the near term.  However, if you’re nearby, send me an ice report or some photos.  It may not be the year for a marathon skate of the Hennepin unless the weather cooperates--that or somebody with a plow or power broom attachment makes an excursion on their ATV and clears the snow.  Ahhh...one can dream anyway. 

 


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