This evening, I had intended to drive across the ice between Bayfield, Wisconsin and Madeline Island.  Things didn't turn out exactly as I had planned.

Temperatures in the mid- to upper 30s and rain have begun taking their toll on the ice road that connects La Pointe and Bayfield.  When I reached the Bayfield approach this evening at around nine o'clock, the sandy approach was slushy and there was a sizable pool of water standing on the ice close to shore. 

Not surprisingly, longer mid-March days and warmer daytime temperatures usually signal the end of ice road season is approaching.  The weather forecast for the rest of the week is for daytime temperatures in the 30s, perhaps nearly 40.  A couple of days of sunshine are likely later in the week. 

Cars and light trucks are still driving the ice road.  I did see a light pickup truck venture onto the ice.  But I decided to forgo the trip, particularly since the approach was so muddy.  I imagine the Griggs approach on the Madeline Island side is a similar situation.

Photo above: Passenger vehicle drives through slush and water while crossing the ice road between Madeline Island & Bayfield 

[UPDATE 5:28 p.m. March 13, 2008]:

If you expect to be able to drive the ice road much longer, don't get your hopes up!

The Chequamegon peninsula & Apostle Islands region experienced sunshine and temperatures in the upper 30s and low 40s this afternoon.  It appears the ice road is rapidly deteriorating.  An Islander told me this morning that cracks were opening up close to the Madeline Island side.  And Arnie Nelson, who drives the van and windsled told my colleague (and AR member) Gary Larson, "if you don't want to see your car stranded on the Island for the next four days, I'd get it over to the mainland as soon as you can".

There's a pretty large pool of water on top of the ice near the Bayfield approach, almost like a small pond.  Right now, drivers are navigating through 6 to 8 inches of water in some spots on top of the ice.  When that depth reaches a foot of water, it becomes pretty difficult for cars to move.

Before you venture onto the ice road in your vehicle, please call the Ice Road Hotline!

Here's the number again.. 

715-747-5400