Gerry Lachance, who has an ice hut on Lake Panache, is concerned about the slushy conditions on the lake, located in Whitefish. In 35 years of fishing on Panache, Lachance said he has never seen it in this condition.
Gerry Lachance. Photo by Marg Seregelyi
A truck went through four inches of ice last weekend and became submerged under 50 feet of water. Because people are unable to venture too far out on the lake, around 50 fish huts are clustered at the “point.” Lachance said it is noisy with snowmobiles and four-wheelers and it disturbs the fish.
Norm Hein, director of operations for the Sudbury Trail Plan, said in a press release that the recent snow accumulation serves as insulation and prevents the cold from forming quality ice on the lake.
The weight of the snow presses down on the ice and causes water to make its way between the snow and the ice, creating slush. The Sudbury Trail Plan has placed “Trail Stops” signs as a precaution.
When the ice becomes safe again, the signs will be removed and the trails leading to the lake will be staked and groomed.
The Sudbury Trail Plan recommends checking ice conditions before venturing out on lakes or other body of water.
