Rotten Ice

Definition: Any piece, body, or area of ice that is in the process of melting or disintegrating. It is characterized by honeycomb structure, weak bonding between crystals, or the presence of meltwater or seawater between grains.

Although Lake Winnipeg is still a solid mass, the top layer is starting to give way along the shoreline. Sections of ice start to break away and the ice crystals make a tinkling sound as they slide into open water.