A somewhat dubious record fell to Northwoods residents yesterday. 45 Straight days in which the outside temperature fell below zero. The previous record was set in the mid 1970's. Don't you feel proud?
Today's question for Mr. Wizard comes from G.S. of Katinka Lake: "Why is there slush on top of the ice?" Answer: One possibility is the plethora of ice fisherman plying the waters of Katinka in these below zero temps. (Katinka residents are a hardy lot). Snow is a pretty good insulator and ice puts the water below it under a degree of pressure. Cut a hole and the water immediately fills the hole to the very top and will run out onto the top of the ice. The 18" of snow on the ice actually prevents the water from freezing even in the coldest temperatures. Springs in the lake can also have the same effect. Water under this much snow, regardless of the air temperature, probably isn't going to freeze unless the snow becomes compressed by walking on it.
An alternative answer to GS's question could also relate to ice fishermen but then the slush would have a distinct amber color. Mr. WIzard
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