Lake Erie is now reported to be nearly 80 percent ice-covered as of late January 2026, making it the most frozen of all the Great Lakes. Drone footage reveals an expansive, glimmering white surface stretching across the shallowest of the Great Lakes, with thick ice forming a dramatic winter landscape.

Researchers note that Erie’s relatively shallow depth of 62 feet allows it to freeze more quickly than deeper lakes such as Superior. National Ice Center data confirm that while this season’s ice coverage exceeds recent averages, it remains below the historic 95 percent record set in 1979. The extensive ice follows a powerful winter storm that pushed temperatures well below freezing, rapidly solidifying the lake’s surface.

The icy conditions have drawn attention from scientists, winter enthusiasts, and local communities alike. Beyond its visual impact, the coverage affects maritime operations and ecological systems, as frozen sections limit shipping and alter habitats for fish and waterfowl. Lake Erie’s transformation this January offers a stark reminder of the intensity of Great Lakes winters and the dramatic effects of prolonged cold spells in the region.