Cooler temperatures are a sign that Five Island Lake’s ice season is not far off. The numbers of geese and ducks on the lake lessen each week. And night time temperatures are headed to the mid-twenties. Winter enthusiasts who enjoy ice fishing, ice skating, snowmobiles and cross- country skiing are looking forward to five inches plus of ice.
How soon will the lake freeze? An estimate is provided online from the Midwest Bass Hunter. Average the high and low temperature for one day when there is a skim of ice on the water. So, if the high were 22degrees and the low was 10 degrees add the two together. Then divide by 2 which would be 16 degrees. Water freezes at 32 degrees. Subtract the 16-degree average from 32. That is 16 freezing degree days which will produce 1” of ice. Ice will first form around the shoreline then spread inward.
The following explanation of the lake freezing process was produced by whyfiles.org (the weather guys). As winter sets in, lakes lose energy to the atmosphere, and water near the surface cools, becomes denser and sinks. Warmer, less dense water under the surface will rise to replace the surface water. When the entire lake reaches 40 degrees the surface water cools further, dropping below 40 degrees. Because this water is now less dense than surrounding water, it will stay on the top and continue to cool.
Once the surface water falls to 32 degrees, it freezes. The freezing then spreads downward into the lake and the ice thickens. The deeper water temperature remains about 40 degrees which makes it possible for fish to live in that environment.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ website provides safety tips for being on a frozen lake. These important reminders include the following:
· No ice is 100 percent safe
· New ice is usually stronger than old ice
· Don’t go out alone – having another person assures help if the worst happens
· Let someone know where you are going and when you will return
· Check ice thickness- there could be pockets of thin ice or places where ice recently formed
· Avoid off-colored snow or ice. It is usually a sign of weakness.
· The insulating effect of snow slows down the freezing process.
· Bring along basic items to keep you safe: hand warmers, ice cleats, ice picks to help you crawl out of the water if you fall in, a life jacket, a floating rope, a whistle to call for help, a basic first aid kit and extra dry clothes including a pair of gloves.
While Five Island Lake is not yet frozen, winter temperatures are not far off. Keep in mind the safety tips and the lake’s freezing process that will provide winter recreational opportunities.
Previous question’s answer: Emmetsburg passed the 1990 $400,000 bond issue to improve the lake with 90% of the voters voting yes and 10% voting no.
Question: Is Five Island Lake a private lake or state-owned body of water?
Submitted by Diane Weiland
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