Spring Cometh and Ice-out Too
When the sun sets later, when the Pussy Willows blossom, when the ice cover recedes and Spider Lake flows again, when the loons return; then Spring has cometh! After the beauty of Winter subsides, Spring is indeed a longed for season. Its signs are closely watched, especially ice-out.
WHAT IS ICE-OUT?
Ice-out signifies the point when a lake or other body of water becomes free of ice, allowing for navigation and other activities. In contrast, ice-inoccurs when the entire lake surface is ice covered. Ice duration is the time period between ice-in and ice-out.
ICE-OUT DATES on SPIDER LAKE
On Spider Lake, ice-out is closely monitored by SLPOA Water Quality Committee volunteers, as that is when the first annual water testing begins. That testing (known as “Spring Phosphorous”) involves gathering a water sample near the deepest section of the lake and freezing it for later testing along with a fall sample to determine phosphorous levels. Ice-out dates have been recorded with those samples for many years. The first recording was in 1980. The second recording was in 1987 and nearly annually thereafter, dependent on volunteer availability. Spider Lake ice-out dates vary, but usually occurred in April. Below are recent ice-out dates:
2025 - March 26 (main body ice free; ice present on portions of coves)
2024 - March 5
2019 - April 20
2017 - April 2
2015 - April 13
2014 - April 15
2012 - March 22
2009 - April 10
2008 - April 14
2007 - March 28
2005 - April 7
2003 - April 14
2002 - April 14
2001- April 10
2000 - March 7
IMPACTS OF ICE DURATION
According to the Ausable River Watershed (ARW) in New York, “Ice formation, coverage duration, and thaw are dependent on air temperature, cloud cover, and wind.” Ice-in, ice duration, and ice-out all affect lake water quality. The ARW explains, “The timing and duration of ice cover on lakes also effects spring turnover, a crucial process that redistributes oxygen and nutrients throughout the water column. Longer periods were the lake is thermally stratified (divided into sections based on temperature) can (deplete oxygen levels) in the bottom waters…” Lower oxygen levels can lead to algae blooms and even fish kills. Learn more about those impacts and lake turnover at https://www.ausableriver.org/blog/look-under-ice-winter-lake-ecology .
IMPACTS OF ICE-OUT & ICE RIDGES on SPIDER LAKE
Varying weather conditions, especially temperatures and wind, can create challenges during the ice-out process. On or near April 14th, 2022, the combination of sudden above freezing temperatures and strong winds created large ice sheets and pushed them together, creating ice ridges at some shorelines. Those ice ridges damaged some shorelines and structures, including the historical red and white striped lighthouse at the entrance to “Lighthouse Cove”. Ice-out and spring winds often loosen equipment, such as chairs, docks, and rafts from their winter storage sites and set them adrift on Spider Lake’s open water. This year, at least two rafts and one dock have been reported “eloping”.
SHORELINE EROSION - IMPACT of ICE-OUT & ICE RIDGES
A common negative impact of ice ridges is shoreline erosion, especially those with little vegetation. Calla Beers eloquently described this “natural part of Northern Michigan’s winter landscape” in her article from the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council’s newsletter, “Ripple Effect” (March 2025 edition). Her article and photos are shared below with permission.
Ice Ridge Damage
Ice ridges, while a natural part of Northern Michigan's winter landscape, can cause significant damage to shorelines. These ridges form when ice sheets on the lake expand and contract due to temperature changes, pushing up along the shoreline and creating mounds of ice. This process can exert tremendous force on the land, uprooting plants, moving rocks, and causing erosion. For shoreline property owners, these ice ridges may damage the stability of their waterfronts and harm any structures close to the water’s edge.
One of the biggest concerns ice ridges pose is long-term erosion. When an ice ridge forms, it can disturb the natural vegetation that helps stabilize the shoreline. Vegetation, especially deep-rooted native plants, plays a crucial role in preventing erosion by holding soil in place. When these plants are uprooted or destroyed, the shoreline becomes more vulnerable to wave action in the warmer months, accelerating erosion.
This not only leads to the loss of land and shoreline instability but also harms water quality. As eroded soil and sediments wash into the lake, they cloud the water, making it difficult for aquatic organisms to thrive. Sediment suspended in the water can block sunlight needed by aquatic plants, smother fish eggs, and clog the gills of fish and other creatures. Higher rates of sedimentation in riverine (river) or lacustrine (lake) environments can also contribute to warmer temperatures and changes in dissolved oxygen concentrations, further disrupting the delicate balance of freshwater ecosystems.
PREVENTIVE ACTIONS
While it’s difficult to prevent ice ridges from forming, there are steps property owners can take to minimize the damage they cause. One effective way is to establish or restore a greenbelt—an area of natural vegetation along the shoreline. Greenbelts provide a buffer that helps absorb the impact of ice ridges and reduce erosion by stabilizing the soil with native plants. In addition, greenbelts improve water quality by filtering runoff, absorbing excess nutrients and contaminants, and can even provide wildlife habitat while deterring nuisance species.
So as the earth thaws and ice recedes from our lakes this spring, take a moment to observe the shoreline. Winter weather can have a significant impact, and knowing where and when to look for signs of erosion can help identify how to prevent it.
To protect your shoreline and be a better Spider Lake steward, consider heeding these actions.
Examine your shoreline this spring. Look for signs of erosion.
Establish or restore a greenbelt with a variety of native plants.
Look for signs of damaged or missing objects stored on your shoreland over winter, e.g. rafts, docks, furniture, etc.
NOTE: The SLPOA Facebook page often is a helpful source for locating missing objects.