Lake Michigan is normally about 15% ice covered by now. We are currently under 2%. For us personally, trying to get a new home built, the lack of ice… and snow… is a positive. We have a foundation, but the framing and roofing has been delayed into February… so hoping our luck holds. But what about Lake Michigan and our coastal neighbors in general? Is lack of ice on Lake Michigan a good or bad thing?
Articles have been written about the negative impact of warmer weather and resulting lack of ice. Mainly more evaporation of water resulting in lower lake levels and more summer algae. Perhaps true for other lakes… but Lake Michigan and most of the other Great Lakes are about two feet over average, causing huge erosion and property damage issues. And as for nutrient levels, Lake Michigan needs more, not less… but in the right place. It’s complicated. Keeping the lake water drinkable, swimmable and fishable can benefit from less ice.
Thus, a winter of less ice and less snow would be excellent for us, and the rest of the Lake Michigan residents. Of course there is plenty of time for a late, brutal series of blizzards. Or just a more routine ice event. Gotta love it here, thru all four seasons.