Lake Erie Nears Complete Freeze for First Time in 30 Years

For the first time in 30 years, one of the Great Lakes is almost completely frozen over.

Those of us in Michigan have been dealing with subfreezing temperatures for the past several weeks. It's been cold enough for the ice coverage to increase rapidly on Lake Superior, Lake Huron and Lake Michigan — but Lake Erie, for the first time since 1996, could freeze over completely later this month.

Why Lake Erie Freezes Faster Than Other Great Lakes

With an average depth of just 62 feet, Erie is the shallowest of the Great Lakes. That makes it more susceptible to freezing during prolonged cold spells than the deeper Great Lakes.

READ MORE: Every Great Lake in Michigan Has Completely Frozen Over Except This One

In a typical year, about two-thirds of Lake Erie will become ice-covered by its peak in mid-to-late February. As of the first week of February 2026, the ice coverage on Lake Erie has exceeded 95% according to the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory.

While it's too early to tell exactly how much of Lake Erie will end up frozen before the winter season is over, at least one weather expert is predicting a near-miss in 2026 for those hoping to see the lake completely frozen.

What Weather Experts Are Predicting Next

"We may soon see days with temperatures near or briefly above freezing, which would slow, and eventually halt, additional ice development," according to a social media post from Erie Weather Now. "Winter isn’t finished yet, but the window for complete ice coverage on Lake Erie is likely closing."

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Comparing Ice Levels Across the Great Lakes

For comparison purposes, as of the first week of February, Lake Superior was at 34% frozen. Lake Michigan was at 33%. Lake Ontario was at 37%. Lake Huron was 77% iced over.