Minnesota in Photos

An exploration of our state in images.

RSS | Send Us Your Photos

January 16, 2013

Photos: Breaking ice in Duluth-Superior harbor

  • E-mail
  • Print
  • Save
  • Digg
  • Share

The Coast Guard Cutter Alder is stationed in Duluth to cut through the ice and keep shipping channels open. The 2,000-ton boat can ram through ice that's 3 feet thick, and leave a trail of open water even in the depth of a Duluth winter.

Breaking ice

1

The Coast Guard Cutter Alder clears a path Monday, Jan. 14, 2013 during an operation to keep the Duluth Harbor shipping channels clear of ice. (Derek Montgomery for MPR) link to this photo

Frozen rope

2

Second Class Petty Officer Andre Pinault laughs while dealing with a large section of frozen rope Monday, Jan. 14, 2013 aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Alder. Pinault and the Alder were concluding an operation to clear ice from the Duluth Harbor shipping channels. (Derek Montgomery for MPR) link to this photo

Lift Bridge channel

3

The Coast Guard Cutter Alder passes under the Aerial Lift Bridge in Duluth, Minn. Monday, January 14, 2013 during an operation to keep the Duluth Harbor shipping channels clear of ice. (Derek Montgomery for MPR) link to this photo

Watching ice break

4

Seaman Allyson Raby watches ice break apart as the Coast Guard Cutter Alder clears the shipping channels in the Duluth Harbor of ice Monday, Jan. 14, 2013. (Derek Montgomery for MPR) link to this photo

Breaking ice

5

The Coast Guard Cutter Alder breaks up ice in the shipping channels of the Duluth Harbor Monday, Jan. 13, 2013. (Derek Montgomery for MPR) link to this photo

Mannequin

6

Oscar may not have the best living accommodations, but he serves as one of the most important "people" on the Coast Guard Cutter Alder. Oscar is what the sailors on the Alder call the mannequin used in open water rescue drills. (Derek Montgomery for MPR) link to this photo

Approaching dock

7

The Coast Guard Cutter Alder approaches its dock Monday, Jan. 14, 2013 after clearing ice from the Duluth Harbor shipping channels. (Derek Montgomery for MPR) link to this photo

Erik Smith

8

Second Class Petty Officer Erik Smith prepares the Coast Guard Cutter Alder for departure Monday, Jan. 14, 2013 during an operation to keep the Duluth Harbor shipping channels clear of ice. (Derek Montgomery for MPR) link to this photo

Icebreaker path

9

The path left behind by the Coast Guard Cutter Alder as it clears ice from the Duluth harbor shipping channels Monday, Jan. 14, 2013. (Derek Montgomery for MPR) link to this photo

Cutter Alder at dock

10

The Coast Guard Cutter Alder at dock Monday, Jan. 14, 2013 after concluding an operation to clear ice from the Duluth Harbor shipping channels. (Derek Montgomery for MPR) link to this photo

View other Minnesota in Photos Slideshows:

Nature Valley Grand Prix
Photos from the Uptown Minneapolis Criterium on Friday.

Former Nazi SS commander
The AP says a Minneapolis man has a secret past.

Como Zoo's Gorilla Forest
Get a look inside the largest mesh gorilla enclosure in North America.

Appetites: Summer relishes
The trick to a dish is often just the right twist of flavor.

Minnesota Scenes: May
Your photos from Run or Dye, the same sex marriage debate and more.

Scrambling for cattle feed
Visit a Minnesota dairy operation caught in a feed shortage.

Clancey's Meats and Fish
Grilling season is here, and we visit this old school Minneapolis merchant.

Heart of the Beast May Day Parade
The annual tradition in Powderhorn Park attracts thousands of people

The deadly St. Paul landslide
Two children died on a fossil hunting school field trip.

The family cabin getaway tradition
Take a look as a family opens their cabin in a remote part of the state.

More slideshows »

Become a sponsor