Following multiple days of below normal temperatures the ice coverage on the Great Lakes has risen quickly.
Here is the ice coverage percentage from the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) for each of the Great Lakes from January 18, 2026.
- Lake Superior: 7.05%
- Lake Michigan: 14.34%
- Lake Huron: 24.64%
- Lake Erie: 44.69%
- Lake Ontario: 4.19%
- Lake St. Clair: 93.84%
The overall Great Lakes ice coverage was 16.54%.
Look at the increase in just over one week. These are the totals as of January 27, 2026.
- Lake Superior: 24.69%
- Lake Michigan: 28.59%
- Lake Huron: 50.17%
- Lake Erie: 94.63%
- Lake Ontario: 19.21%
- Lake St. Clair: 100.00%
The overall Great Lakes ice coverage was 38.09%.
Ice coverage in the lower lakes typically peaks in mid to late February, and in the upper lakes it’s usually at the end of February into early March.
Ice coverage plays a role in lake effect snow, too. With more open water, there is a better possibility of lake effect snow forming, while more ice generally means less water to help produce snow bands.
More ice can also lead to a delayed Spring. Ice coverage limits evaporation leading to a drier start to Spring. Also, the ice reflects sunlight verses absorbing it, so it takes more energy to melt the ice and the water remains cold for longer. Any wind coming off of the Great Lakes will help to keep temperatures cooler, even as the ground warms in later Spring.
A friendly reminder that if you’re going out on the ice, remember to check the thickness, especially since recent snowfall can make it tougher to see weak spots.