SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. — Coast Guard Sector Northern Great Lakes is set to begin ice-breaking operations in Duluth, Minnesota, and on the St. Marys River on Monday, March 9, in preparation for the upcoming Great Lakes commercial shipping season.
Initial activity will focus around the Duluth Harbor, south of Munuscong (Mud) Lake and the Middle Neebish Channel north and east of Neebish Island.
The Coast Guard is scheduled to extend ice-breaking activities into the southern half of the West Neebish Channel, and as the week progresses, from the Mud Lake Junction Light northward to Moon Island.
The Coast Guard is not scheduled to disturb the ice south of West Neebish Channel Light 45, above the ferry crossing or the ice north of Moon Island below the ferry crossing.
The targeted opening of the Soo Locks is scheduled for March 25, 2026. Coast Guard ice-breaking activities will encompass all navigable waters on the St. Marys River, the Straits of Mackinac and Green Bay.
The Coast Guard recommends all recreational users plan their activities carefully, use caution near the ice and stay away from charted navigation areas.
For more information, please contact the Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Service at 906-635-3299 or via email at SOOTFC@uscg.mil.
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