Thunder and lightning are not common conditions for the middle of March in the northland, but we are forecasted to see both rain and snow from the ensuing storm in the next couple of days. Snow accumulation is predicted to reach anywhere from 9-18 inches for the Gunflint Trail, which is certain to cover the woods in a blanket of white once again.
The warm sunshine last week was so powerful that you could actually hear the snow melting. It sounded like the muffled buzz of an electric fence. Brown grass has begun dominating the landscape, as the trails are reduced to about 50 percent coverage. Residents were excited about last week’s shot of sunshine and the much appreciated boost of vitamin D has put a pep in many people’s step, until hearing about the biggest storm of the year approaching.
The good news is that the trails and lakes will have a nice new coating of snow to extend some of the winter activities, but the gravel roads and driveways are going to be a nightmare to clear. The meltdown has saturated the ground causing muddy conditions and nothing is worse than plowing muddy roads that are covered with heavy wet snow. Yikes.
Ice conditions on the lakes have been surprisingly good, however there is a deceiving top-coat of ice caused by fresh runoff from last week’s meltdown that froze on top of the existing slush. Lakes appear higher than normal which happens when the ice separates from shore, and runoff causes the lake ice to “pop-up,” but that is not the situation we are dealing with currently. The new layer of ice on top of the lakes is solid for now, but will melt away quickly with a little sunshine and likely cause some flooding before finding its way to the lake below.
This has been an interesting season, to say the least, and I can say with no uncertainty that I am more than ready for the open water season on the Gunflint Trail. I guess winter thunder is just another unique trait we can add to the expansive list of things that make this place so special.
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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