Yes, I think so. The coldest average surface water temperature I found is 4.7°C, in February in Balykchy in 2023. The Feb 2024 average at the same place was a degree warmer. Apparently the record low temperature for the main body of water is 2.75 degrees Celsius. Small shallow inlets do occasionally freeze, but not the lake in general, and most of the data (such as the 4.7) are from coastal zones that do not freeze.
Very interesting read, thank you.
Never heard of it. Good to know.
So does saltiness keep it from freezing? Is it's winter average surface temp known?
Yes, I think so. The coldest average surface water temperature I found is 4.7°C, in February in Balykchy in 2023. The Feb 2024 average at the same place was a degree warmer. Apparently the record low temperature for the main body of water is 2.75 degrees Celsius. Small shallow inlets do occasionally freeze, but not the lake in general, and most of the data (such as the 4.7) are from coastal zones that do not freeze.