Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Minnesota News
Dan Kraker
Duluth

Springtime icebreaking ritual begins again in Duluth

The return of the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Alder.
The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Alder began its annual icebreaking activities Tuesday in the Duluth-Superior harbor.
Courtesy of Jayson Hron | Duluth Seaway Port Authority

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Springtime in Duluth is signaled by the return of the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Alder, which began its annual icebreaking activities, dubbed “Operation Taconite,” Tuesday morning in the Duluth-Superior harbor.

Every March the Alder helps clear channels through the ice for the upcoming shipping season, so that 1,000-foot long ships loaded with taconite, coal, limestone and other cargo can maneuver without getting stuck.

"Given how relatively warm the conditions have been so far this early spring, there was ice up to almost a foot thick, which was a little surprising,” said Jayson Hron with the Duluth Seaway Port Authority, who rode aboard the ship for its first day of operations.

"It was the first day of fracturing those shipping lanes and starting to open things up throughout the harbor,” said Hron. “The folks at the Coast Guard will continue to maintain those channels as needed, also in conjunction with the local tug boats that can help on that effort as well."

He said the Coast Guard is also responsible for maintaining the ports in Two Harbors and Silver Bay, and may also help clear ice in the harbor in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

The shipping season on the Great Lakes begins March 25 when the Soo Locks open between Lake Superior and lakes Huron and Michigan.

High water levels have delayed the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway on the eastern side of the lakes by two weeks.