Ann Arbor, Michigan – The Great Lakes are nearly half covered in ice as meteorological spring begins, with total ice concentration measured at 46.6 percent.
Data released this week by federal environmental researchers show Lake Erie and Lake Huron carrying the highest ice coverage among the five lakes. Lake Erie is currently at 74.4 percent ice cover, followed by Lake Huron at 69.3 percent.
Lake Superior stands at 47.1 percent ice coverage, while Lake Michigan is significantly lower at 19.6 percent. Lake Ontario has the least ice coverage at 16.1 percent.
The updated analysis reflects conditions as of Wednesday, March 3.
Ice coverage across the Great Lakes typically peaks in late February to early March before seasonal warming accelerates melting. Researchers note that conditions can shift quickly as temperatures fluctuate through early spring.
For shipping interests, shoreline communities and anglers, ice concentration levels play a key role in navigation, lake-effect weather patterns and nearshore conditions.
Officials say continued warming trends will likely cause ice coverage to decline in the coming weeks, though short-term cold snaps could temporarily slow melting.
Additional updates are expected as spring weather develops across the region.
