In fact, the blustery weather with wind chill factors in the minus 20 degrees range early this week served to expand the amount of open water, according to Matt Albright, assistant to Biological Field Station director Dr. Willard Harman.

Albright said Tuesday morning that most people would expect the frigid cold to the complete the ice sheet covering the lake, but the wind churns up the water bringing warmer water to the surface.

``Even though it’s been cold, the wind pushes warm water up,’’ he said. ``If you have sub-zero nights with wind, it’s not going to happen.

Once the wind subsides, only the top layer of water has to be cooled and the lake should close, Albright explained.

The stage has been set for the lake to close for the last week and a half, but it hasn’t occurred, he said, adding that there is still a considerable expanse of open water in the vicinity of Five Mile Point.

Records going back more than a century and a half indicate the lake typically freezes before February, although only a few years ago, the lake remained open all winter.

Some brave ice fishermen have been out on the lake, but Albright said he doesn’t think it’s too wise.

Once the lake closes the ice covering will build quickly, he said.