Ice-covered Lake Erie is a marvel to see Incredibly Iced

By Robert K. Yosay

yosay@vindy.com

ASHTABULA

222For the first time since 1994, when more than 90 percent of the Great Lakes surface was frozen, the lakes are now covered with ice extending across 88 percent. Also, the ice cover is second greatest in extent, according to the federal government’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory in Ann Arbor, Mich.

The ice-covered Lake Erie is a marvel to see as you look out over usually gentle waves. Last Wednesday, there was a solid block of ice for as far as the eye could see.

The Historic Ashtabula Harbor, covered in ice, is among the unusual sites.

All along the shores of Lake Erie, frozen water has made sculptures that have been formed and shaped by the wind and snow.

Although cursed by many, the freezing of the lakes has stopped “lake-effect snow,” stopped evaporation and has somewhat become a tourist attraction — such as the ice caves in Wisconsin. As the ice melts and with heavier rains from 2013, it is believed the higher water level will allow the Great Lakes ships to carry more cargo as the lakes’ levels are expected to rise.