• Monday-What'sUP January 11 - 09:56 pm

When you think of winter UP North, you think of everything all covered in white. For the most part, that's correct, but not always for Lake Superior. Frederic W. Koski has just the shot to illustrate what I'm talking about, here today. I don't know the exact location of this shot, but I'm guessing it's in the L'Anse area and it looks like there isn't too much of an ice build up there, yet. What is built up at the moment Frederic pushed his shutter button, though, is a good bank of dark, wintry clouds. They seem to be hanging right over the Big Lake, making her waters look dark and menacing. I bet they're just waiting to drop some more Lake Effect snow on the Keweenaw Peninsula.

Looks cold and ominous.

Thanks for the great picture. It fits my mood on this Monday morning.

"Lake Effect" Isn't that one of the words or phrases dropped from the Queens English by Lake Superior State University? ;-) If not it should be.

That is one of the many neat things about snowmobiling up in the U.P. riding out to the edge of Lake Superior and watching a lake effect roll in!

Ah, snow clouds! I remember them well. In January 1968, my first winter living in the Keweenaw Peninsula I learned quickly what those clouds could bring in one night. It was an experience totally different from what I was use to growing up in Kingsford, Michigan. I also learned a whole new way of living in the UP.

Seem like there is a lot of open water on the lake even still. Isn't there usually more ice by this time of year? Just curious.

In spite of the fact that we've had below normal temperatures Lake Superior is still relatively ice free because we've had a lot of windy weather. The wind is as much of a factor in ice formation on the big lake as are the temps. When the lake is constantly being stirred up with rough water the ice just doesn't have a chance to form even in real cold temperatures.

Beautiful Picture! Can't wait to see her again! One more week!

Cold as the northern winds
In December mornings
Cold is the cry that rings
From this far distant shore

(Enya)

WOW very beautiful cloud formation, I just love clouds! I live on the upper floor and I sit on the balcony watching them roll by on in for a evening storm. Amazing picture Frederic Thanks!

Certainly cold looking.

Wow... what a great pic of the storm over the big lake!