Winter is here, and ice is forming on the northern Great Lakes, prompting the start of ice-breaking season on Lake Superior.

The U.S. Coast Guard launched Operation Taconite at 1 p.m. on Wednesday with one icebreaker assigned so far, according to a news release. This is the USCG’s largest domestic ice breaking operation, encompassing Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, the St. Marys River, the Straits of Mackinac and the Georgian Bay.

USCG Cutter SPAR is the first ship assigned to the operation. SPAR will break ice on western Lake Superior between the ports of Duluth, Minn., and Superior, Wis. Additional icebreakers will be assigned as ice coverage expands.

Some commercial waterways may close to protect the marine environment, and to ensure safety for cross-channel traffic such as ferries

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