Lake Ontario Freeze: A Century Since Its Last Complete Freeze
Lake Ontario’s last complete freeze occurred in February 1934, marking nearly a century since. This winter, cold temperatures raise questions about a potential freeze. However, meteorological experts caution that a complete freeze of the lake remains unlikely.
Current Ice Coverage Insights
Lake Ontario’s ice coverage currently stands at roughly 34%. In contrast, the overall ice cover for the Great Lakes is about 44%. Most of the ice accumulation is observed in the northeastern shallow regions of Lake Ontario.
Factors Impacting Freezing
- Depth of the Lake: Lake Ontario has a depth of around 800 feet, significantly greater than Lake Erie’s 200 feet. This depth translates to a higher heat capacity, making it more resistant to freezing.
- Lake Erie Comparison: Lake Erie, being shallower, experiences quicker freezing conditions which can lead to lake-effect snow. When cold air moves over the warmer waters of Lake Erie, it absorbs moisture, resulting in snowfall.
Historical Ice Coverage Data
Satellite monitoring of Lake Ontario’s ice began in 1973. Since then, it has exceeded 80% ice coverage only twice: in 1979 and 2015. Notably, it has never been recorded at 100% during this monitoring period.
Historical records suggest complete freeze events are possible, particularly referencing 1934. However, recent winters, such as those in January and February 2015, also did not result in a complete freeze, indicating that current conditions are not favorable for a repeat of that phenomenon.
In conclusion, despite the colder temperatures this winter, meteorologists predict that Lake Ontario will not achieve a full freeze, continuing a trend observed over the past several decades.
