The unusual extended-cold weather that has persisted through the midsection of the States has also gripped Red Lake this winter. Over the course of the season, the town has seen -40°F multiple times along with long stretches of well-below-freezing temperatures and an excess of snow to boot. At our winter home base in Wichita, we have had maybe an inch and a half of moisture since September. Quite a contrast but still colder than usual temps here as well.

The view from Howie Bay April 19 of 2018. photo by Sherry McCoy

We have received reports that there is still snow on Red Lake and at least 2 feet of ice beneath it. Check out this photo of Howey Bay taken by Sherry McCoy a few days ago. Then look at the one of it this time last year…two extremes in two years! We are waiting for the bush pilots to go airborne so we can determine what the ice is doing out by camp on Phillips Channel which is among the first areas to open up. 

Howie Bay about this time in 2017. photo by Sherry McCoy

After talking to a few of Red Lakes residents, I suggested maybe they could turn up their furnaces for us, which they quickly replied that they could open all their doors and windows too in hopes of promoting a good meltdown! Another added that really what they needed was a big blow torch. At least they haven’t lost their senses of humor through the long winter!

On the up side, some warmer temperatures have hit now, so things are starting to look more normal as far as seasonal temps are concerned. In any event, it is estimated that ice-out is about two weeks behind normal which would be right around our opener on May 19. We’ll keep you up-to-date on the progress as we get more information.