Kevin is starting to stake roads, but not quite enough ice to have a truck (even a light one) out there yet. We don't expect any driving this weekend, but sleds and 4 wheelers are good.
12/19: Good news/bad news. Wind blew off some of the snow, but we have 3" more coming today. Hoping next cold snap will start gaining some ice. Lots of 9 - 9 1/2" of ice and 7" of snow in the bay and out to Road C. Kevin is marking roads and has started plowing with the jeep. As he drills holes, he is still seeing 1/2-1" of water coming up, making for some slushy spots.
We haven't had many fishing reports yet, but the few we have are that fishing seems slower. Sleds and 4 wheelers are still good.
Ice conditions aren't changing much across the lake. Still about 9-9.5 in our bay with some spots with less. We have 2-3 guys out all day plowing the roads we have open, trying to keep the snow away and to allow the ice to build.
Snowmobiles and 4 wheelers are still ok, but no vehicles yet.
Now up to about 10" in the bay; more on some of the roads. All the plowing is helping the ice build on the roads. We'll keep at it:) Probably need to plow areas for houses, let it sit and then look to see if we can get some of the smaller houses out. No vehicles or wheeled houses yet.
We do have some rentals out and are hoping to start on some privates soon. We have about 10" in the bay; 15-16" on one of the roads. All the plowing is helping the ice build on the roads. We'll keep at it:) Probably need to plow areas for houses, let it sit and then look to see if we can get some more of the smaller houses out. Some small vehicles but no wheeled houses yet.
Every area on the lake is different, so please check with the resorts before assuming things are safe or not safe! We know you all want to get out fishing and the area needs the business but want everyone safe!
We have 12”-17” on a few of the roads (A, B, and crappie bed) and are pulling smaller private houses out (up to 10’x20’) on those roads. We are only placing them on driveways we are plowing ahead of time so that the ice can grow for a day or two before we place the houses.
We are allowing small vehicles to drive to their houses, up to ½ ton pickups and requiring a 10 MPH speed limit. No wheeled house accesses at this time. Off the roads, where we haven’t plowed the snow, the ice depth varies from 7”-12”, so we need everyone to stay on the road.
1/3/14: Ice has grown a bit and we have some more roads plowed. Now pulling to A, B, C, D, and the crappie bed. Roads and driveways we've plowed are coming along nicely--still ranges from 12"-20" depending on which road. All size trucks are good to go, as long as you stay on the roads and stick to the 10 mph limit.
We will continue to pull houses over the weekend. After the cold snap we should be able to pull all size houses. We also should be moving out as far out as Road I shortly but still dealing with some slush which is limiting our ability to get to places we usually place houses and roads. We thank you for your patience and thank our crew for all their hard work already this year.
Ice Update: Pulling out to Roads E, F and I. Still no daily wheeled house passes, sorry. We do have rentals available this weekend. Some day houses today and Sunday, too.
Ice & Roads Update: Getting roads cleaned up after the extreme wind yesterday. Snow drifts are extremely hard. We are heading to Hennepin soon, but it depends on how long it takes to clean up after yesterday and what tonight's 3-6" and 25 mph winds adds. Make sure to call ASAP about plowing - 24 hours' notice is important.
We can take wheeled houses, but plowing a spot will be $25 in addition to the daily/weekend access fee. It may take an hour before we can get to you. Additional plowing may be required, at an additional charge.
Fishing is still so-so, a few scattered walleyes and some nice northerns; perch are still pretty small
Lots of plowing today and trying to get to the gravel. Yesterday's snow and wind pushed us out a day, so IF we can get out, we won't be moving houses to the gravel until Saturday. We will keep you posted; should know more late afternoon. Let us know when you are coming so we can be sure your driveway is plowed. Also, with all the snow it is quite possible you'll need to have your house moved due to the water coming up the holes.
