Feb 16, 2021
Low ice covers effect on erosion
A lack of ice cover this year could lead to increased shoreline erosion, according to experts.
An analysis of Great Lakes ice coverage shows a decline of about 5% since the 1970s. In the last 20 years, 14 of those years had ice coverage levels below the 53% average.
Door County’s ice coverage
Lake Michigan has ice coverage of around 7 – 12% – a far cry from the 100% coverage we have experienced in our lifetime. These are new records for the Great Lakes.
The Great Lakes coverage is currently at a record low for January. Coverage is well below the seasonal average. The situation has prompted concerns about the environmental impact caused by the lack of ice.
What’s causing low ice coverage this year?
The low ice coverage results from local weather patterns. These patterns impact ice formation on the lakes. The warm air temperatures we all enjoyed earlier this winter have had an impact on ice formation. It has made for thin ice and a general lack of ice formation.
How low is the ice coverage?
Long term ice coverage has been around 50-55%, but this year it has hovered about 30 %. Even the Bay of Green Bay, at its narrowest locations, has not frozen entirely over. In the few areas where ice extends across the Bay, its total thickness is lacking.
Low ice affects the Great Lakes in many ways.
Remember, even when the ice is 100% frozen, it continues to “crack,” as anyone who has ventured out on the ice can tell you. If the ice completely covers the water, the chances of ice movements are minimal.
But, when the ice breakers open the shipping lanes south of Sturgeon Bay, it allows for ice movement.
Ice Damage
With strong winds, ice shoves develop and create havoc along the downwind shorelines. Once the ice begins to move, there is nothing that man can do to stop it.
A recent incident in the Sturgeon Bay area demonstrates what happens with strong winds. https://www.wbay.com/2021/02/04/large-crack-in-ice-strands-people-in-door-county/
The dangers of low ice – Shoreline erosion
Shoreline erosion is a real challenge without the protection of ice coverage. Ice prevents wave action from eroding the shoreline during the winter.
Winter winds cause wave action. Without the ice cover, wave action continues to wear away the shoreline.
Along the Lake Erie coast, shorelines have caved in due to the lack of ice cover protection. The waves keep slamming the shoreline. Ice calms lake water in the winter.
Another effect
Prevailing winds pick up more precipitation without ice on the lakes. It is then dumped on communities downwind.
Expect more occurrences of large snowfalls when lakes remain ice-free.
More Contaminates
Without ice cover, more suspension of run-off nutrients occurs. The lack of ice coverage results in the reintroduction of contaminants into the water. The long term effect is more algae blooms.
Low ice cover affects fish too.
Whitefish spawn in the winter months and need still waters, so their eggs are not disturbed.
What are the projections for the Door County Peninsula?
Projections for 2021 are for coverage of around 30 percent, sometime in February or early March. The long-term average is 53 percent.
Who benefits from low ice?
Lake freight is one of the few things that benefit from the low ice. It reduces the need for ice breakers to keep the shipping lanes open.
Good news
It’s not all bad news! The Great Lakes are resilient waters, and they do recover. Various pressure, including contaminants, invasive species, and algae blooms, assault the Lakes every year.
It may not be the same as it was, but there’s a lot of resiliency in the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes continue to bounce back and are still intact. They are an essential ecosystem.
Where is Pier & Waterfront Solutions?
PWS, 7325 St. Hwy 57, is 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay and 1 mile PAST County road MM’s intersection (heading north). Look on the right at the intersection of Idlewild Road and Hwy 57.
ARE WE OPEN?
Pier & Waterfront Solutions remains “open” year-round.
The virus continues to spread. PWS is conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone.
Site visits continue as usual. When making in-person contacts, we follow “social distancing” guidelines whenever possible.
Our display yard is OPEN 24-7
Red Tag
PWS‘s display area is always open for you to examine at your leisure. All displays available for sale have a numbered, red tag on them. Want more information on something you saw in our yard? Please reference that number when you inquire.
PWS provides estimates and quotes by email to make the process faster, safer, and paperless.
Call, message, or email us with any questions.
Thank you for allowing us to work with you safely.
Let’s all stay safe!
Feb 11, 2021
Hi Jerry,
Just a note to say Julie & I are very happy with the Shoreline Repairs.
The workers did a great job from start to finish. The grouting looks good, also.
We are looking forward for summer to arrive.
Have a healthy New Year!
Dee & Julie Door County peninsula
Feb 9, 2021
Gray Dock Decking – Absolutely Stunning Docks
Decorators across the country have embraced gray as the hottest color for your home. Throw pillows, wall colors, furniture, and more now use gray as the primary color.
Thanks to ShoreMaster & Pier & Waterfront Solutions, you can have this stunning color on your dock too!
Gray Decking
In the 2020 season, PWS introduced gray options as a custom color for our decking.
Today, gray is no longer a custom color for us. PWS stocks gray Glacier flow-through decking along with the ever popular – tan decking.
PWS also offers gray dock furniture options and benches.
Isn’t Gray decking a sad color?
On the surface, gray may seem like a somber color. Homeowners (and dock owners) love gray as it plays so well with the surrounding colors.
Gray offers a neutral color palette that highlights other colors very well. It is especially true of all the colors present at the lake. Think of the canopy, the landscaping, blue skies, and the water.
Gray also goes GREAT with blues – especially ShoreMaster & PWS blue.
One of PWS‘s most significant advantages in the dock market has always been the number of color options we provide. This new color choice presents yet another opportunity for dock owners.
If you haven’t had a chance yet to check the new gray options, check out the color offered at PWS. Please stop in to ask about our new gray options.
Where is Pier & Waterfront Solutions?
Pier & Waterfront Solutions, 7325 St. Hwy 57, is located 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay. It’s 1 mile PAST the intersection with County road MM (heading north). Look on the right at the intersection of Idlewild Road and Hwy 57.
ARE WE OPEN?
Pier & Waterfront Solutions remains “open” year-round.
Please use face masks.
The virus continues to spread. PWS is conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone.
Site visits continue as usual. When making in-person contacts, we follow “social distancing” guidelines whenever possible.
Our display yard is OPEN 24-7
PWS‘s display area is always open for you to examine at your leisure. All displays available for sale have a numbered, red tag on them. Want more information on something you saw in our yard? Please reference that number when you inquire.
Red Tag
PWS will provide estimates by email to make the process faster, safer, and paperless.
Call, message, or email us with any questions.
Thank you for allowing us to work with you.
Feb 2, 2021
Top Signs You Need a New Dock
Time for a new Dock? Piers and docks that are more than ten years old may show some signs of wear or damage. Without proper maintenance, your dock system may not look or perform properly. Remember, it is possible to repair minor damage at a reasonable cost.
New Dock Needed
Be sure to contact Pier & Waterfront Solutions for an inspection if you have damage and you aren’t sure what repairs to make.
If your dock is getting dangerous, unsteady, replacement may be the only option.
Here are the five signs that you should think about when investing in a brand new pier.
Widespread Rust
Some metals exposed to water will rust. Small amounts of rust can be an easy fix. If possible, replace or repair an individual part before it gets out of control.
Larger rust areas could spread, which can lead to structural failure in the future. In cases like these, a completely new pier might be necessary.
Aluminum docks made of durable, rustproof metal are more resistant to rust than others. Aluminum is an option when considering upgrading or replacing a failing wood dock.
Wood Rot
Wooden docks can rot when the water has been allowed to seep in. Moss, mildew, algae, and other growth can trap moisture in a wood dock, worsening the problem. You can solve or prevent this problem by keeping your pier clean and well maintained.
If the damage involves minor areas, replace the components with new, treated lumber. But, when several locations are rotting, it’s time to replace your dock.
Consider replacing a wooden dock with different materials. Those materials include aluminum painted to look like wood. These are some of the premium ShoreMaster decking options.
Cracking or Warping Dock Supports
Certain support materials can become cracked or warped thanks to pressure from waves.
Accidents can also happen. If a boat or a large floating object hits the pier, cracks may appear on the legs or structural components. PWS can make the repairs.
But, stay safe, replace the entire structure when significant damage occurs. If the damage involves the legs or critical structural components, it may be time to replace the whole section or structure.
Tip: Prevent damage from boat collisions – install bumpers on the perimeter of your pier.
Damaged Foundation
Permanent docks sit on posts that support the pier. Assessing the damage below the waterline is difficult. Repairing it requires specialized equipment. PWS can help.
Pier foundations are subject to shifts causing severe damage. Any cracking is a sign that further investigation and possibly replacement is necessary.
Contact Pier & Waterfront Solutions for an inspection.
Can’t Secure the legs Properly?
Permanent dock systems have supports to hold them up. Supports are driven into the ground until it hits a stable area for stability. In some cases, depths reached can be as much as 100 feet.
A floating pier might be a good option if you do not encounter large waves. The advantage of a floating dock is that it compensates for changing water levels as they occur.
In some cases, a floating dock can remain in the water throughout the winter months IF there is no ice movement. The pier may be released from its shore anchor points in small harbors, moved into deeper water, and tied off. The pier is allowed to float with any minor ice movement, but it stays secured until spring.
Custom Boat Docking Systems by PWS.
If it’s time to replace or upgrade your boat docking system, PWS can help.
PWS has helped many shoreline owners find their perfect dock and boat lift solution.
Need a repair, a completely new pier or boat lift system, or the ideal accessory? PWS‘s customer support team can help.
Contact Pier & Waterfront Solutions for more information. We know what works best for your area.
Where is Pier & Waterfront Solutions?
PWS, 7325 St. Hwy 57, is 3 miles south of Sturgeon Bay and 1 mile PAST County road MM’s intersection (heading north). Look on the right at the intersection of Idlewild Road and Hwy 57.
ARE WE OPEN?
Pier & Waterfront Solutions remains “open” year-round.
Please use face masks
The virus continues to spread. PWS is conducting as much business as possible by email, text, or phone.
Site visits continue as usual. When making in-person contacts, we follow “social distancing” guidelines whenever possible.
Our display yard is OPEN 24-7
Red Tag
PWS‘s display area is always open for you to examine at your leisure. All displays available for sale have a numbered, red tag on them. Want more information on something you saw in our yard? Please reference that number when you inquire.
PWS provides estimates and quotes by email to make the process faster, safer, and paperless.
Call, message, or email us with any questions.
Thank you for allowing us to work with you safely.
Let’s all stay safe!
Jan 28, 2021
…. As we look forward to 2021, I would like to request that we have our pier installed by May 27th. Right before Memorial Day weekend. As you know, this is a summer house and it is only open for about four months for the entire family to use.
The work you did last year was awesome! I look forward to working with you guys again this year!
Roger W. Door County
