The 2026 shipping season on the Great Lakes is facing substantial delays because of persistent ice coverage, particularly affecting regions like Whitefish Bay. Despite the reopening of the Soo Locks on March 25, which typically signals the resumption of shipping activities, the presence of thick ice, reaching up to two feet in some areas, is hindering navigation. The Lake Carriers Association has reported that over a dozen ships are currently stranded, struggling to navigate through these icy conditions. The situation was further aggravated by a late blizzard in early March, which deposited up to three feet of snow on top of the ice.