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Mink Islander · 01-11-2012, 08:31 AM

Just as it has for over a month, the 10 ft probe continues to show a temp several degrees below the 2 ft probe. Consistently. Every day. Regardless of weather conditions. Right around 3 degrees difference. And now it's suggesting that we have ice (31.9 degrees) at 10 feet on top of water nearly 3 degrees warmer. And of course the water at the surface is below 32 degrees -- it's ice now. Both probes should be reading somewhere between 33 and 35 degrees at this point with the colder temps more likely at the 2 foot probe since 33 degree water is less dense than 35 degree water. At this time of the year the lake has its most consistent temperature from top to bottem -- around 35 degrees throughout -- except very near the surface where the air temps can further cool it to make ice or warm it for that matter. While wind and other currents can swirl things around (and keep that warmer 35 degree water at the surface so ice won't form), I would not expect to see this type of temperature inversion at 10 feet and these temps.

Sorry to be such a nudge, but I think the 10 ft probe is reading about 3 degrees colder than it should. As you can tell, I really enjoy your site and check it often along with a number of other lake cams to get at least a partial view of conditions on the lake.

Thanks!

01-11-2012, 08:31 AM	#3
Mink Islander Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 753 Thanks: 59 Thanked 271 Times in 129 Posts	It a calibration problem Just as it has for over a month, the 10 ft probe continues to show a temp several degrees below the 2 ft probe. Consistently. Every day. Regardless of weather conditions. Right around 3 degrees difference. And now it's suggesting that we have ice (31.9 degrees) at 10 feet on top of water nearly 3 degrees warmer. And of course the water at the surface is below 32 degrees -- it's ice now. Both probes should be reading somewhere between 33 and 35 degrees at this point with the colder temps more likely at the 2 foot probe since 33 degree water is less dense than 35 degree water. At this time of the year the lake has its most consistent temperature from top to bottem -- around 35 degrees throughout -- except very near the surface where the air temps can further cool it to make ice or warm it for that matter. While wind and other currents can swirl things around (and keep that warmer 35 degree water at the surface so ice won't form), I would not expect to see this type of temperature inversion at 10 feet and these temps. Sorry to be such a nudge, but I think the 10 ft probe is reading about 3 degrees colder than it should. As you can tell, I really enjoy your site and check it often along with a number of other lake cams to get at least a partial view of conditions on the lake. Thanks!