Winter and the Great Lakes

This winter has been especially cold (for the second year in a row).  How has this affected the Great Lakes?  Read the article (use the link provided below).  Comment on the article.  What did you find interesting?  Post at least one advantage to the Lakes being frozen, and at least one disadvantage to the Lakes being frozen.  If you could visit the Great Lakes right now, would you?  Why or why not?

http://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2015/02/20/most-of-great-lakes-surface-frozen-for-second-straight-year