New hazards on main Lake Minnetonka!
Be careful out there! Much of the fine, new ice did freeze to a maximum of 4” and apparently less in some spots. Lots of boats are set up around the main lake so please take note and tell your friends. High winds and warm temps have opened up new hazards.
Known Hazards: Duck hole over Diamond reef. Working seems with some open spots from Spirit Island to the SE. From the South point of Robinson’s Bay to the NW. From 200 yards out from Strothman’s going to the West. Multiple questionable spots to the West & NW of Big Island, along Bracket's Point and the Ferndale shores. Probably other new, questionable spots after Monday’s strong wind.
Ice seems the most solid from Excelsior Bay to mid Big Island - to the "Strothman Seam". The eastern shore of the main lake including in front of Harry Allen's house and the Minnetonka Yacht club still appears to be good.
Also reported: Sand and dirt has blown on to areas of the ice due to the high winds - so put your better runners away.
Please report what you see. Carry ice picks, Safety first! Rob Evans DN 4975
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Hazard Zones on Main Lake
I sailed all around the area from Excelsior up to Minnetonka Yacht Club on Thursday December 29th and here's what I found:
EXCELSIOR - all good except for the crossing from Gideon's Bay into "The Slot". I guess the point opposite from the Excelsior Commons is called Sunset Point. There's a BIG working seam from that point going East to be avoided. The landmark to look for is a big rock pile sticking out of the ice near Excelsior Commons. CROSS NEAR THE ROCK PILE, and don't go farther West. Huge crack there which will probably get worse.
Here's an image of the Rock Pile. Cross near this pile:
http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll81/gevansevans/ExcelsiorRockpile.jpg
GIDEON'S BAY SEAM: I'm pointed to the Southwest here, looking at Sunset Point.
http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll81/gevansevans/GideonsBaySeam.jpg
GIDEON'S BAY SEAM: looking into Gideon's Bay from The Slot / Excelsior Bay:
http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll81/gevansevans/GideonsBaySeam2.jpg
THE SLOT - what we're calling "Strothman's Seam" has gotten worse. You can cross safely by finding the stick with an orange streamer I planted at the WORST SPOT and the shoreline. The ice is bumpy here but it's plenty thick. Don't cross anywhere between the stick and Big Island.
VIEW FROM SHORE shows the bad spot in the middle of the picture. Cross in-between shore and the bad spot.
http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll81/gevansevans/StrothmansSeam.jpg
STROTHMAN'S SEAM:
http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll81/gevansevans/StrothmansSeam3.jpg
STROTHMAN'S SEAM looking from the Excelsior side of seam pointed North. Cross near the shore.
http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll81/gevansevans/StrothmansSeam2.jpg
COTTAGEWOOD SEAM: On Thursday, I observed a seam running from Big Island towards Harry's house that needs to be watched. As of Thursday it was fine but it showed some signs of melting and may open up. This view is looking towards the point of Big Island which goes into the Main Lake.
http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll81/gevansevans/CottagewoodSeam.jpg
MAIN LAKE: I never went near Diamond Reef or anywhere towards Wayzata and recommend no one goes out there.
Open hole near Gale Island
My brother inlaw and niece dropped a runner of their Nite into a 5' hole East of Gale Island. Dead stop from 40-50 mph. At least one broken ankle and banged up nose. I helped pull a DN out of the Sunrise Point pressure ridge. Be careful it is a little iffy out there.
Gevens... Did the you get the Nite on video? I think my Niece would like to be able to show it to explain how she got the cast.
Mike M
wed, 12/28, sailed main lake in light wind
perfect ice, but not safe, cracks with open holes in them to eat your runner. crack running north/south with open holes in the middle. even bad in front of myc club north along shoreline with a crack running NE with open holes out from flag pole. ok from harry's south in narrows to the crack at strothmans. can get over it, and from there south to shorewood sailing club looks ok. main lake toasted till sat cold night. meyer
ya xxxxx
"Strothman's Seam" claimed
Heard that "Strothman's Seam" claimed two victims today. Jerry Kresback hit it at low speed on his Nite and dropped the front runner and spring board in - no damage done.
My brother Geoff & Willdog witnessed a Skimmer hit it at full speed with unfortunate results. The boat was very banged up including a dismasting but the skipper was OK. Long push home for him though.
Careful with this one. Geoff did set a marker stake with orange streamer by the worst spot. To pass go well to the East shore side of the stake. Ice is bumpy here but has been frozen for a long time.
Ice still seems nicely solid in most places - just know where the hazards are.
Newly observed hazard: Stay at least 100 yards off Sunset point of Gideon’s bay. Please add your hazard observations.
Lost & Found
For those who sailed on West arm the last couple weeks. I have a Indy snowmobile helmet, mitt, neck gaiter and a small red/black striped hat. I will leave it on my dock if it is yours.
By the way, if the main lake gets any more unsafe, West Arm is 5-6 inches and zamboni smooth. I see no hazards from my house in a scan this morning. All are welcome back. Since we are still in global warming for another week, I see the New Years weekend on West Arm. No since going for a swim or damaging your boat!
West Arm still safe
Kennedy and I ripped around West Arm this afternoon. Still fast and safe.
More are welcome. Only open area is. Between West Arm and Jennings Bay.