The wind huffed and puffed enough to make our building creak and crack with every passing gust that came barreling off of the lake today. The rainfall we received on Monday evening, the night before, had also found its way to our shoreline causing a small pond to form on top of the lake.
I was startled at first glance to see what appeared to be open water, until I realized it was rainwater that had been forced across the lake by the high winds. Twenty inches of ice are not going to melt overnight, especially since the pond is 100 feet from the shoreline, which is still frozen. Lakes simply do not thaw like that without a spring causing the isolated area to open up.
The cold temperatures that are to follow this storm will cause the pond to re-freeze, hopefully in time for the snowmobile drag races that are happening here at Skyport Lodge on Saturday, March 11. The trails may not be very fun to ride, but this event will be great for spectators and there will be live music to follow.
Monday’s rainfall was not a welcome sight, but the lightning and thunder that came with it were spectacular. At first we thought we were seeing the lights from the airport, until hearing a slight rumble following one of the lightning flashes. It has been a long time since we have seen lightning and it made me long for spring – even though we still have a few weeks of winter left.
The dusting of snow we received today was not enough, but it could improve some of the icy corners and hills along the trails. I hear a lot of chatter about winter being “over” already, but it is hard to believe that is true since it is only the first week of March – the snowiest month of winter. There are people who cannot stand winter until March because of its beautiful sunny days that are enjoyed while taking advantage of winter’s accumulation of snow, but we are not looking at a traditional March this season.
In fact, if this warming trend continues we will be seeing open water sooner than we think, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. One big storm, soon, could turn this season around.
Cory Christianson has worked as a fishing guide on the Gunflint Trail since 2000. If you have any fishing or wildlife reports or stories to share, send an email to: christiansoncory@hotmail.com or call 218- 388-0315. You can also visit Cory’s website at Gunflintfishingguide.com.
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