Ice Caves Taking Shape Along Shoreline Of Lake Michigan

GLEN ARBOR, Mich. (WWJ/AP) - Ice caves are once again forming along the shoreline of Lake Michigan outside Traverse City.

A video by WPBN-TV shows a number of ice caves that have taken shape near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

The caves are formed by wind and waves pushing new ice on top of existing ice.

Glen Arbor resident Eric LaPaugh says the caves aren't quite as big as they were last year. Thirty-foot ice formations were spotted on Leelanau County's shoreline last winter, attracting many visitors.

"It's amazing," he says, "like being in an underground cathedral. The ice and snow glowed from the sunlight which came through."

For people interested in seeing the caves, LaPaugh says to not to walk on the mound of the cave because it's hollow, and that they could fall through the ice.

LaPaugh takes precautions: he never goes out alone, stressing the buddy system and telling a third-party where he is going, when he's going and what time he should be returning.

You can find more photos [here].

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