Lake Michigan this time of year?

[Tol]

Had an idea and would like a dose of common sense (if needed).

The ice at the edge of Lake Michigan only goes out a few feet. Any reason we couldn't dive it? It's close (for me) and open so it seems a shame to waste it. We could shore dive or take dive kayaks out to the closer wrecks.

Any reason this wouldn't be safe?

T

 

[ILDiver]

Just cold....real cold. I'm guessing close to 30 degrees. The shaboygen outing they are planning would be in warmer in the outlet area.

 

[Whopperhead]

Lake Michigan this time of year 'shoud' be great- cold and clear- I'm thinking it's not super cold - maybe mid 30's. I don't believe it to ever really freeze. I would like to hit the Big Lake often this winter- TOL what is your work schedule like?

 

[Tol]

My work schedule is as follows:
Sat/Sun: 11-2330 (will be switching to 9-2130)
Two weekdays/week: 7-1530 (will be switching to 15-2330)
I really do have a ton of time (at least three full days off per week)!

I work in downtown Milwaukee and could roll into work still dripping if need be.

Upcoming days off....
Jan 1,3,11,15,16,17
I'm also off the 9th and 10th, but have some prior commitments. Commitments that might be juggled.

McKinley Marina some morning?

 

[bgill]

Been following these winter diving post and wishing I could go too.

I did however want to say that McKinley Pier would definately be "safer" than SSYC area or any area you have to access by boat, kayak, or canoe. When you are wet and it is very cold out a bad situation can get worse really quickly. Lake Michigan can be a killer. Conditions out of and IN the water can change drastically in mere minutes. I've spent thousands of hours on Lake Michigan in the spring summer and fall.

I'm sure you guys already know to take precautions in the winter. I just wanted to remind you that Lake Michigan is not just another lake. Bad weather and suprisingly strong currents can and do just pop up sometimes. I've experienced current in Lake Michigan that was stronger than any riptide I've ever experienced in the Ocean. I've also had 1 foot of chop turn into 7 foot rollers in minutes. No bad weather visible....Just the lake acting like itself.

Have fun guys! But most of all BE SAFE!