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Chicago winds
Starting to get anxious and excited! My vacation will start Thursday 7-26. Leaving Detroit, trailering my 46’ Black Thunder to Trail Creek Marina, Michigan City. I am planning on launching there and running across the lake to Chicago. I have 3 nights reservation at 31st Harbor.
Will Trail Creek launch be deep enough for me? Winds are forecast to be NW at 20MPH. What lake conditions should I expect? in general, what direction of wind is most concerning on Lake Michigan? thanks for any info |
Not sure on the depth of the launch there, but north winds make for rough conditions on the South end of the Lake. |
We just made the trip last weekend from New Buffalo to 31st Street. I don't think you will be able to launch in Michigan City as the ramps are most likely not long enough. I would strongly recommend launching in New Buffalo Michigan. We have a season pass there and there is a lot of parking etc. |
Thanks for the reply. I’ve called Trail Creek a couple times, spoken to different people and am told there ramps can handle me. However, I definitely trust the advice of a boater over the dock crew at the marina. There looks like a number of launches in New Buffalo. Which one are you suggesting? Will I be able to keep my truck and trailer there for 10 days? How ie was your ride across the lake? Thanks for your reply |
Ride was fine, I would suggest using a GPS as there are multiple shipping channel markers and water intakes etc. I would call ahead to New Buffalo and ask but it leave mine for 3 days multiple times a summer. The only ramp you can use is the city launch ramp. North winds are typically not good for the south end of the lake. |
Yup, north winds NFG.
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Yesterday was north 20kts and there was 9ft waves..
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Google lake Michigan marine forecast by zone will give you detailed and accurate wave forcast.
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This shows the forecast from North of Chicago all the way over to Michigan City. https://forecast.weather.gov/product...H&issuedby=LOT |
Thanks. I’m keeping my eye on it. Right now it looks like Thursday will be 2-4’ waves with a 15kt wind coming out of the west |
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