02-09-2010, 03:46 PM
Slush on the ice isn't caused by temps.
Its a weight issue.
Ice is buoyant. When snow stacks up on the ice it pushes it down. Water seeps up threw cracks and you get a layer of slush on top of the ice. The snow then acts as an insulator to keep the slush from freezing. Until the snow gets packed down then its more likely to freeze. (previous tracks)
I noticed post of worry about the warmer temps coming and causing more slush. To the contrary it will help compact and melt snow on top of the ice. Reducing the blanket over the ice and allowing the slush to freeze.
Lakes in the high Uintahs that get lots of snow and super cold temps still have slush all winter long.
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Its a weight issue.
Ice is buoyant. When snow stacks up on the ice it pushes it down. Water seeps up threw cracks and you get a layer of slush on top of the ice. The snow then acts as an insulator to keep the slush from freezing. Until the snow gets packed down then its more likely to freeze. (previous tracks)
I noticed post of worry about the warmer temps coming and causing more slush. To the contrary it will help compact and melt snow on top of the ice. Reducing the blanket over the ice and allowing the slush to freeze.
Lakes in the high Uintahs that get lots of snow and super cold temps still have slush all winter long.
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