The days have begun their slow climb to more and more daylight. The winter solstice has always been a day of optimism for me. Similarly, I always have a slight pang of sadness on the summer solstice, knowing that the days are beginning to shorten and we are beginning our slow descent into winter. But that would seem a ridiculous comment to make in late June with the promise of summer ahead of us – so you won’t ever see that in this column in June!
The difference with the winter solstice is that the promise of longer days is more than offset by the outlook of winter weather before we get there. I am choosing optimism here, too. (I got a pair of rose-colored glasses for Christmas).
For many, the promise of a good snow cover and sustained cold temperatures means skiing, snow-shoeing, ice fishing, ice skating and other fun winter activities.
For those who are not so into these outdoor activities, there are long-lasting benefits to a cold winter. Weather that is cold enough for long enough to provide ice cover on the lake actually helps to moderate the severity of our weather as the winter goes on. Ice coverage across the Great Lakes is a natural part of the regional climate. Low ice years, which are common during El Niño winters, can have implications for the weather, lake environment, and economy. Not all of the impacts are negative, like the extension of the shipping season. But some can have cascading effects.
The Great Lakes often experience hazardous winter weather conditions—like Arctic air outbreaks, large winter storms, and lake-effect snow events—but ice coverage throughout the Great Lakes can help to buffer some of the impacts of these winter storms.
Some of the biggest storms to impact the Great Lakes occur in the fall and winter as cold air from Canada plunges south and interacts with warm, humid air rising north from the Gulf of Mexico. These large winter storms can produce very high waves within the lakes. Ice cover along the shores and in the bays work as a barrier to protect the shoreline from erosion and the coastline from flooding, especially when water levels are high. If there is little to no ice, the shoreline and coastal infrastructure are much more susceptible to damage from these storms.
In addition, lake-effect snow is also common in the late fall and early winter across the Great Lakes. The amount of lake effect snow events and the severity of such events are tied to the amount of ice cover across the Great Lakes and how warm the waters are compared to the air blowing over it.
Some species of fish, like Lake Whitefish, rely heavily on winter ice cover. They spawn in the shallow waters near the coasts, and ice protects their eggs from turbulent water conditions caused by strong fall and winter storms. Without the protection of ice, these high waves can lead to high rates of death before the fish even have time to hatch in the spring. Warm winters or rapid warming in the spring can also lead to mismatches between when the fish are hatching and when their main source of food, plankton, bloom in the spring.
The heat content and heat memory of the lakes is also altered by warming winter conditions. Less ice and a short ice season can lead to earlier spring warming. Earlier spring warming can have cascading impacts such as earlier blooms of microscopic plant- and animal-like organisms, as well as harmful algal blooms. Just think “Less algae” as you don your third layer of clothing to venture outside!
Trees also benefit from cold winters. Warmer winters increase the survival rate and fertility time of harmful insects that stress the trees and increase the range of pathogens and planteaters that beset them.
I know that being out in this weather can be hazardous, but people my age know about living on the edge. We used to answer the phone without knowing who it was.
We are fortunate to have lots of indoor activities in our area to enjoy during these months. The Northport Arts Association (NAA) will be offering many interesting classes in the new year, including a few new ones like The Novel: Getting Started and Neurographic Art. The Pottery Studio will be offering a variety of classes. You can find more information and how to register on their website.
The NAA’s Christmas in the Village Arts Building exhibit continues through January 4, Tuesdays through Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m. The exhibit includes a wide range of media. They will be closed on December 24, 25, and January 1.
The Community Coffee Hour continues every Thursday from 10 – 11 am at the Omena Historical Society. Everyone is welcome.
Happy Birthday this week to Jake Buzby, Tish Renz, Rob Biederman, and to Flora Oosterhouse, who turns 8.
I wish everyone a safe and fun New Year!
