‘Ice-out’ declared on North Arm

Just one day after the U.S. side, “ice-out” was declared on the North Arm of Rainy Lake on Monday, Melaire Ltd. reported Tuesday morning.
“You could have got to the Cascades yesterday [Monday], but the day before you wouldn’t have been able,” noted Gord Melville of Melaire Ltd.
He added although there’s still ice on the North Arm, it’s just floating around and would not impede a boat.
Other parts of Rainy Lake, such as Redgut Bay and Commissioner Bay, also have opened up.
“Everything’s out,” said Melville. “The South Arm was open a few days ago.”
This is the earliest “ice-out” date for the North Arm over the past several years. Last year, for instance, the ice officially was “out” on Rainy Lake as of April 23.
It was declared “out” on April 22 in 2000, May 3 in 2001, May 8 in 2002, May 6 in 2003, and April 30 in 2004.
A look at the past 16 years shows the date of “ice-out” has varied within a 35-day window.
The earliest was in 1998 (April 13) while the latest was in 1996 (May 18).
On the U.S. side of Rainy Lake, “ice-out” was declared on Easter Sunday (April 16).
“Ice-out” on that side means it is possible to travel by boat from Island View to Kettle Falls unimpeded by ice.
Last year, it was declared “out” on April 23.