The unusually warm winter has significantly affected ice coverage on the Great Lakes. In mid-February, the ice extent across all the lakes was the lowest it has been in more than 50 years. Currently, Lake Huron has the most ice coverage at 13 percent. Lake Erie has the lowest ice coverage, at less than half a percent. The exceptionally warm weather in February raised the water temperatures in most of the lakes, resulting in the low ice cover. Predictions for the rest of the winter suggest a continuation of warmer-than-average temperatures.

The lack of ice has allowed shipping traffic to move smoothly through lower Lake Huron and the St. Clair River. The lower ice coverage has reduced the need for local Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) icebreaker support. While the icebreakers are strategically positioned to assist ships as needed, the CCG has been deploying icebreakers to Northern Ontario to assist with icebreaking operations near Sault Ste. Marie.