Red Door Access Tentatively Opening For Walk On Traffic
The Red Door Resort access will tentatively open to foot traffic only out to the first and second break starting tomorrow (Friday) morning at sunrise. The Ice Team will be out inspecting again in the morning to make sure ice hasn’t shifted or changed enough to alter the access open decision. This afternoon, there were two cracks running along the shoreline in 1’ and 2.5’ of water. Once the Ice Team crossed the shore cracks all holes drilled measured a consistent 5.5” to 6”. The rain overnight rippled the surface of the lake, so ice cleats are unnecessary even with the limited snow cover.
Should you opt to venture out, please stop by the office or give us a call for the latest conditions and bring your early ice gear including spud bar, float suit and ice picks. Be sure to travel cautiously with a buddy and remember that early ice can be unpredictable.
Not Much Snow and Rippled Surface Ice
Weather Impact and Outlook
As in much of Minnesota the weather yesterday (Wednesday) was crazy on the north side of Mille Lacs. Thunder rumbled, lightning flashed, the rain came down and the temperatures topped in the 40s before plummeting to below freezing by 2am this morning and continuing to cool hitting single digits by this evening. The wind was a significant factor overnight and throughout the day today with a consistent 20-25 mph whip and gusts up to 35-40mph. The ice out front of the resort was relatively unscathed, but the west side of Mille Lacs was impacted.
By tomorrow morning and likely staying that way through early Sunday the wind is expected to quiet way down and with sustained wind of 5-9 mph and gusts into the mid-teens. Temperatures will range from about 8 to 18 degrees, providing opportunity for additional ice making. The wind may pick up and change direction midday on Sunday. The temperatures will also experience a ~20-degree swing, though it is anticipated remain below freezing. The late weekend wind and temperature changes will be something to watch.
West Side Open Water
From what we could tell from our shore observations, the ice split started off Twilight Road in Onamia and headed north, getting wider and wider as it went. Off Indian Point, the open water channel was at least a couple of hundred yards wide. By the time we reached Garrison very little shore ice remained and it was open water as far as the eye could see. Wrapping around to the north shore of Mille Lacs off State Highway 18, the ice appeared contiguous again at the Wealthwood Public Access. Ice reports from the East Side of the lake seem to consistently indicate that many resorts are continuing to keep accesses open or checking again before final decision for the weekend.
Twighlight Road, Onamia Crack Spotted
Open Water in Garrison Minnesota
Back to Ice near the Wealthwood Public Access
5.5″ of Ice Out Front of the Red Door Resort
