We have these here and got me wondering...where else in Alberta are they found and/or common?
http://lakeice.squarespace.com/ice-stars/
These are formed in a very cool process of up-flow and capillary action.
Small micro fissures or cracks or springs can allow water to flow to the surface when snow covered.
Snow weighs the ice down and once the warmer water below the ice starts flowing up to the surface, the insulation factor of the snow combined with the sponge action of the snow draws more and more water up and increases the weigh which in turn increase flow.
These can go from zero to quite large in a day.
This can create holes and may provide a hazard for all us anglers to watch out for.
If you find slush ice, it could be due to Lake Stars.
Please post photos if you have any.