Risley hard at work (2 photos)

The Canadian Coast Guard's icebreaking crews are hard at work, clearing the way for Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway shipping after a long, cold winter.

The Coast Guard says the CCGS Samuel Risley made its way through the Poe Lock (at the Sault Locks) Sunday morning on its way to ice breaking operations in Whitefish Bay and to escort commercial vessels from Whitefish Point towards various ore ports in Lake Superior.  

Significant ice is reported in Whitefish Bay, with fast ice two to three feet thick, and thickness of four feet reported in other areas.

The Risley is expected to make its first escort of commercial vessels across Lake Superior Wednesday, with the Algoma Olympic and Phillip R. Clarke.

The Coast Guard says a number of heavy winter storms in February, accompanied by strong winds and cold temperatures, have contributed to the rapid development of thick ice, making conditions "extremely challenging."

Severe ice in southern Lake Erie prevented access to some ports, forcing icebreakers and commercial vessels to change their sailing plans.

The Canadian Coast Guard works very closely with the United States Coast Guard to ensure that marine traffic can move safely through or around ice-covered waters.  

While the Great Lakes ice coverage does not quite match last year's peak of 92.5 percent, it is still widespread and thick in many places.

(PHOTO: The Canadian Coast Guard Ship Samuel Risley arrives at Sault Ste. Marie to escort the MV Algoma Olympic March 29, 2015.  Courtesy of Dave Kaye via the Canadian Coast Guard.)