The amazing, frozen Lake Superior

It’s been a long time since Lake Superior has completely frozen, but it’s getting close.

Here’s today’s satellite photo.

Credit: Space Science and Engineering Center (SSEC) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

A little closer view reveals the recalcitrant sections:

Credit: Space Science and Engineering Center (SSEC) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

It’s the north shore, specifically the area around Two Harbors, Minn., Grand Marais, Minn., and the water south of Isle Royale. The rest of it is locked up tight this afternoon.

In 1994, 94 percent of the lake was frozen. That’s a record that may fall in the next few days. This morning, 89 percent of the lake was ice covered. The thickest ice — about 20 inches — is southeast of Isle Royale.