The fishless tarns have still developed complex ecosystems of smaller plants and animals. Cold and Clear Much of their equipment was lost. This past weekend park rangers received a report that two visitors fell into Lake McDonald, but were able to rescue themselves from the icy waters. The scenery is ... but cold. Glacially-carved Mow said, “Lake McDonald is a beautiful lake with a spectacular vista in the winter, but please enjoy safely.”. To see the daily forecast, scroll to the table below. Thanks to past ice-ages, Glacier has lots of water. Most of the low-elevation lakes are the remnants of long glacial valleys dammed at their outlets by end moraines. Lake McDonald is the largest of Glacier's many long lakes. Extended periods of below freezing temperatures are needed to form ice on the lake. The report indicated that the visitors were cross-country skiing on the lake when the ice gave way. There is potential presence of a disease causing parasite. If you can take a hike around the lake I recommend it. As weather conditions vary, so will the ice on the lake. Data are queried from the NCRFC database late morning each day. While official records have not documented annual ice levels on Lake McDonald, the most recent year with the majority of the lake frozen over was in 2007. Water temperature data is important in hydrologic forecasting for monitoring formation of ice on rivers and lakes in our regions. The lake surface ranges from open water to slush and areas of ice, often with all three conditions existing in close proximity. In some areas, the lack of plankton growth and the clarity of water would be cause for worry—pollutants like acid rain often kill the growth. In areas of ice, there are often cracks and the ice may not be stable or thick enough to support recreational activity. Temperature prediction accuracy is expected to range between 1 to 3 degrees Fahrenheit. Water Temperature data is collected daily from sources such as USGS and the US Army Corp of Engineers. Recent freezing temperatures have contributed to an increase of ice on Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park, and a reminder for visitors to be very cautious around bodies of water in the winter. Glacier's water can be considered the headwaters of the entire continent. Look at a map of the park and you will see these finger-like lakes stretching away from the Continental Divide. The Apgar Lookout and Lake McDonald webcams feature images of Lake McDonald. It is not unusual to spot details on the bottom of lakes beyond 30 feet. Thanks to past ice-ages, Glacier has lots of water. See All Videos. Intermittent records were also maintained prior to this dating back to the 1920s. Weather conditions, specifically temperature and wind, are key factors in water bodies freezing over. Of the over 700 lakes within Glacier National park, 131 are named. From Triple Divide Peak, a droplet can theoretically split three ways and eventually make it to the Pacific, Atlantic, and Hudson Bay watersheds. While official records have not documented annual ice levels on Lake McDonald, the most recent year with the majority of the lake frozen over was in 2007. Glacier waters are not necessarily drinkable. Depending on the level of nearby glacial activity, and therefore the amount of powdered rock they contain, these lakes have a milky turquoise, sapphire blue or extremely clear appearance. Glacier National Park Service maintains weather data in partnership with the National Weather Service, and has consistently recorded this information in West Glacier since 1950. Lake McDonald is huge and the best place to see it is from the Lake McDonald Lodge. This winter’s lowest cold temperature to date was last week, February 6, with -22 degrees. NPS / Jacob W. Frank. Read more. 14 Days. Lake McDonald, MT Weather 14 Day Trend. Conditions on the lake are dynamic and change within a matter of hours. Here is your temperature trend for the next 14 Days. Videos. These lakes are at the extreme low end of fertility, because of their low temperatures, extreme depth, and the kinds of minerals supplied by surrounding rock. For all sorts of lake-relatved recreation such as swimming boating,and fishing, this site provides mathematically generated instantaneous and 5-day predictions of lake surface water temperatures. Weather conditions, specifically temperature and wind, are key factors in water bodies freezing over. Lake McDonald is the largest lake in the park. For more information about Lake McDonald and visiting Glacier National Park, contact the park at 406-888-7800. Though clean, Glacier waters are not necessarily drinkable. At high elevations, most lakes exist as glacial tarns, new lakes filling the bottoms of ice-scoured amphitheaters. Of the over 700 lakes within Glacier National park, 131 are named. The coolest part is where avalanche creek meets it the bluish water hits the lake water. Weather conditions, specifically temperature and wind, are key factors in water bodies freezing over. Water quality can be significantly affected by air quality. Share. While official records have not documented annual ice levels on Lake McDonald, the most recent year with the majority of the lake frozen over was in 2007. Helpful. They often have small end moraines at their lower ends as well, sometimes with a headwall waterfall which isolates them from fish migration. The temperature of most lakes never gets above 50 degrees Fahrenheit at the surface, so plankton growth is minimal. The higher elevation tarns are sensitive to airborne pollutants because they get the winter precipitation load in spring, when the snow melts. Glacier 's water can be considered the headwaters of the park ’ s webcams via the park at 406-888-7800 sensitive. 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