New Ice Breaking Update!

We sure had a good warm spell last week and it was looking like the entire river was going to be clear of ice. The North Channel did clear out and we even saw some large areas of open water develop at the delta where the channels dumped into the Lake St Clair. One main problem the warm temps brought with it was the deterioration of the ice bridge at Port Huron. Fortunately during most of this warming spell the winds blew predominately from the south. But then, of course as you all are aware, we had the winds shift significantly out of the north and with the shift a large accumulation of ice came right back down the St Clair River from lake Huron and proceeded filling all the channels back in with large brash ice rapidly until a plug formed at Port Huron and temps became cold enough once again to hold it fast and block any further large flows of ice from coming down the river. The good news is we possibly have another similar warming spell on the horizon that will likely deteriorate a large portion of the ice accumulated in the St Clair river. With that said, we now have the CGC Morro Bay in the St Clair river to help out with South Channel flushing over the next week. At this point we do not see any flooding issues arising and we intend to stay OUT of the North Channel unless we receive a direct request for assistance from the Harsens Island Ferry.

On another note, earlier this week I heard there were some concerns from residents that the presence of an Ice Breaker parked in Algonac could affect ferry operations for Harsens Island. That is nothing new, we have had a Coast Guard Cutter parked there many nights throughout this season just as in years past. Mooring a cutter there overnight allows the crew to rest and replenish supplies so that they can get back at it the next day.

Have a great day and be safe with all of this snow and ice!