Ice Update

Good Evening,

With the help of the rain and warmer temperatures, the Mackinaw, Samuel Risley, Bristol Bay, and Neah Bay continued flushing the ice currently plugging up the St. Clair River. Though three vessels were successfully escorted through the river today, limited results were achieved in flushing the ice due to the southerly winds pushing the ice back up the channel. Additionally, as the ice flows down the river, it gets into tighter areas and can make the flushing more difficult in the long run. The latest reports indicating that the thickest brash ice is around Willow Point, reaching from one to five feet in places. We will continue to monitor water levels in the river and lake to avoid potential flooding situations due to this ice jam.

We will not be breaking into the North Channel tomorrow. However, temperatures are expected to drop in the coming days, which may significantly slow the flow of ice down the river and create a potential flooding situation. We will reassess the conditions tomorrow and make a determination as to whether to break the North Channel on Thursday.

We will continue to update you on changing conditions, and should the need arise we will give you advanced notice via this blog, 911 alerts, and press statements of our intentions. Again, we appreciate everyone’s patience during this busy operation.

Updated Ice Conditions and Situation for Today

Good Afternoon Everyone!

Well, the Mackinaw and Samuel Risley have escorted one vessel through the river this morning and worked the track throughout the day. This sunshine is helping to warm the ice and move it around a little making our job slightly easier this morning. The Bristol Bay and Neah Bay continue to conduct flushing of the Old South Channel and Seaway Cut and this has proved useful.

There will be one upbound vessel and four downbound vessels through the river tonight into tomorrow. Tomorrow, we are looking at about the same amount of traffic. After that, the Soo locks will close and traffic will significantly slow down.

What all this means to you is that once we get this heavy volume of traffic clear, we will be more focused on maintaining the flow of commerce for things like heating oil, coal, salt, etc...that are important for Great Lakes customers for both sides of the border and keeping a close eye on water levels. If there is a need to break into the North Channel and interrupt ferry service, we will give you advanced notice via this blog, 911 alerts, an update to the Clay Township website, and issue press statements.

We appreciate everyone's flexibility, patience, and understanding as we work another busy ice season. Thanks again to Melon and Sue for this forum to reach all of you!