February 19, 2026: Minnesota Ice-Out - Register
Presented by: Dr. John Downing, Director of the Sea Grant College Program, a research scientist at the Large Lakes Observatory on Lake Superior, and a professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Minnesota, Duluth.
Topic Summary: John Downing of Minnesota Sea Grant will present his 2026 ice-out forecasts and show you how you can win your ice-out pool for your favorite lake. Minnesota Sea Grant’s Ice-Out Clock yielded accurate ice-out forecasts for 2024 and 2025. This year, the models are improved and now give forecasts for any lake you choose. The new models consider snow, latitude, how big the lake is, cumulative cold and cumulative thawing. Tune in so you can plan when to put the boat in the water.
Host: This series is presented by Itasca Waters with the support from Minnesota Sea Grant, Itasca Soil and Water Conservation District, Itasca Coalition of Lake Associations, KAXE/KBXE, Rapids Radio and Grand Rapids Herald Review.