Whether it is in the middle of the bay or lake or right along its shorelines, Mother Nature is giving you many reasons to stay off the ice for the time being. The National Weather Service warned there would be a medium risk of ice floes between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. due to gusty winds backing to the south-southwest and warmer temperatures. The concern for ice floes stretches from the area of the Town of Scott in Brown County to an area between Little Sturgeon Bay and Sherwood Point.

Door County Emergency Management Director Jeb Saelens expects a lot of ice moving this week, making it dangerous for people to be out on the ice.

In some areas, it is not much safer closer to shore as ice shelves form. The Algoma Chamber of Commerce took to its social media channels to warn people against walking on the ice shelves formed when breaking waves and spray freeze in frigid temperatures. While they look cool, shelf ice is dangerous to walk on because of its series of holes, crevices, and cracks, along with temperature fluctuations that could affect its integrity. The National Parks Services says wave action could poke holes into the ice shelf, causing ice volcanoes to form. Ice volcanoes make it easier for people walking on them to fall in and potentially not be able to climb out. Temperatures are expected to fluctuate throughout the week, including another day in the 40s on Thursday.

Picture courtesy of Algoma Chamber of Commerce