The Great Freeze of 2014: Lake Superior’s Icy Spectacle
The winter of 2013-2014 delivered an icy masterpiece, with Lake Superior nearly freezing over entirely for the first time in decades. By February 5, 2014, 92% of the lake’s surface was covered in ice, peaking at 96% by the end of the month. This extraordinary event brought beauty and challenges to the region, from delayed shipping to icebergs lingering well into June. The freeze captivated onlookers and showcased the lake’s raw power and resilience. Let’s dive into the remarkable story of the Great Freeze of 2014.
The Ice Came Early—and Stayed Late
The freeze of 2014 was unprecedented in its timing and duration. Ice began forming in early February, a full month ahead of schedule. By late April, more than 60% of Lake Superior was still frozen, with icebergs spotted as late as early June. Never before, since satellite records began in the late 1970s, had ice lingered on the Great Lakes so late into the year.
This prolonged freeze wasn’t just a spectacle—it also created significant challenges for the shipping industry. The Soo Locks opened in late March, but ice-slowed convoys didn’t arrive in Sault Ste. Marie until two weeks later, with early cargo totals slashed by half.
Why Did It Happen?
The winter of 2013-2014 was unusually harsh, marked by persistently cold temperatures across northern Michigan. A polar vortex brought arctic air to the region, plunging temperatures well below normal and creating ideal conditions for ice to form and remain.
Impacts on the Region
The extensive ice cover caused delays and damage to ships navigating the Great Lakes. Icebreakers worked tirelessly, with U.S. and Canadian Coast Guard cutters escorting convoys across the frozen expanse. The Diana, an ocean-going vessel, didn’t complete its transit to Duluth until May 7—a record for the latest arrival through the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway system.
Meanwhile, an ice bridge formed between Isle Royale and the mainland, raising hopes that wolves might cross to strengthen the island’s inbred population. While the long-term effects on Isle Royale’s wolves are uncertain, one wolf, nicknamed Isabelle, used the bridge to leave the island but tragically met her end on the mainland.
A Year to Remember
2014 wasn’t just notable for its ice. After more than 15 years of below-average water levels, Lake Superior’s level returned to its long-term average. By December, the lake was 8 inches above normal—a dramatic turnaround that accompanied its historic freeze.
The Great Freeze of 2014 remains a defining chapter in Lake Superior’s history, blending natural wonder with human challenges. From ice-locked harbors to record-setting shipping delays, it was a winter like no other. While we may not see such an extraordinary freeze again soon, the icy beauty of 2014 reminds us of the power and unpredictability of this inland sea.
