Official 2010 Ice-Out Thread

Island Girl · 02-26-2010, 11:53 AM

This is the Official 2010 Ice-Out thread. It is hard to believe that were are watching the ice melt so soon. We should be still snowmobiling!

Put your comments, observations, warnings, experiences, PhotoPost images, etc here for all to follow our annual quest to go boating again on Winnipesaukee and the other lakes in the region. The Ice-Out Page is up on Snake Eyes at www.rattlesnakecam.com/iceout.htm where you will find views of all the Lake Winnipesaukee webcams, courtesy of their owners. Other lakes can be viewed on the Lake Cams Page at http://www.rattlesnakecam.com/lakecams.htm.

Happy Boating!
IG

The bad links on this note have been fixed.

corollaman · 02-26-2010, 01:23 PM

Bring it. I'm ready for some kayaking.

Rattlesnake Gal · 02-26-2010, 02:01 PM

Maybe it's just my computer, but the links to your ice-out page aren't working. I assume Snake Eyes is down due to power failure?

I cannot wait to see what is going on in DRH's neck of the woods!

Thanks IG. I look forward to your Ice-Out page every year.

DRH · 02-26-2010, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rattlesnake Gal

Maybe it's just my computer, but the links to your ice-out page aren't working. I assume Snake Eyes is down due to power failure?

I cannot wait to see what is going on in DRH's neck of the woods!

Thanks IG. I look forward to your Ice-Out page every year.

RG, there appear to be typos in both links. This one works: http://www.rattlesnakecam.com/iceout.htm And yes, power is out on Rattlesnake. According to DBA, it could be out for a number of days until NH Elec. Coop can free up a crew to go out to the island with Airboat Guy and repair the damage. I'll be posting my daily ice-out photos very soon!

Pepper · 02-26-2010, 02:37 PM

I am SOOOOOOO ready for spring!

Chaos · 02-26-2010, 05:32 PM

DRH can't wait for your pics. They are my Ice Out yardstick. After the last few summers, I have some serious boating to do!

trfour · 02-27-2010, 01:10 AM

It's way too early for ice out. Us snowmobile rs would like to wring out a few more rides around here!
This winter started off in good shape with the snow and lots of hard work from the Clubs to get the trails ready. Then the cold got the Lake to kick, and we were styl'in.
The winter of 2009-2010 was well on it's way to help put the pain of the economy behind us.
The ice boater's had their best year since years, a new organised tradition of Ice Hockey got under way in Meredith, the Ice Airport was in very good hands with Paul & Crew.
The Alton Bay International Winter Fest got a HUGE BOOST, when the "Forum Flyer" was taken out of mothballs, only to go forward and win the bed race in that event!

Now, I can find my way around the dance floor. I would invite any of you to check me out.

When the Lake kicked, I started my snow dance, only to find that being in Texas, at the time, I forgot all about my being a transplant. I was wanting any of my effort at the time to be forwarded to my beloved Lakes Region.

Well, as it has turned out, and ask Janet if you don't believe me, we have been snowed in here in Texas ever since!
And by the way, after many phone calls to the Al Gore Camp, I have yet to recieve a return call back!!

I think that he is trying to reinvent himself.

... ... ... "Noth'in New, or Fancy

The good news is that I have signed up with Google Maps, not too sure that that will work for this or next season, but let it be known that I am pull'in for Y'ALL!!
________________________

Janet · 02-27-2010, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trfour

It's way too early for ice out. Us snowmobile rs would like to wring out a few more rides around here!
This winter started off in good shape with the snow and lots of hard work from the Clubs to get the trails ready. Then the cold got the Lake to kick, and we were styl'in.
The winter of 2009-2010 was well on it's way to help put the pain of the economy behind us.
The ice boater's had their best year since years, a new organised tradition of Ice Hockey got under way in Meredith, the Ice Airport was in very good hands with Paul & Crew.
The Alton Bay International Winter Fest got a HUGE BOOST, when the "Forum Flyer" was taken out of mothballs, only to go forward and win the bed race in that event!

Now, I can find my way around the dance floor. I would invite any of you to check me out.

When the Lake kicked, I started my snow dance, only to find that being in Texas, at the time, I forgot all about my being a transplant. I was wanting any of my effort at the time to be forwarded to my beloved Lakes Region.

Well, as it has turned out, and ask Janet if you don't believe me, we have been snowed in here in Texas ever since!
And by the way, after many phone calls to the Al Gore Camp, I have yet to recieve a return call back!!

I think that he is trying to reinvent himself.

... ... ... "Noth'in New, or Fancy

The good news is that I have signed up with Google Maps, not too sure that that will work for this or next season, but let it be known that I am pull'in for Y'ALL!!
________________________

So you're the one who did this to Texas?! Time to stop dancing!

LakesRegionSpirit · 02-27-2010, 10:26 AM

Lots of water:

trfour · 02-27-2010, 07:30 PM

Yup!... I guess I'm busted...
My sister and brother in law have lived here in the Dallas/Fort Worth area for close to forty years and said that they have never seen a winter like this one while here in Texas.

Doña is looking out for you're best interests however, as she hid my dancing shoes and replaced them with those spiked ice clip ons, so that kind'a put a hitch in my get'along out there on the dance floor.

Now, all this being said I would like to see lots more snowfall ( UP NORTH IN NH GOOGLE ), so as the sled dog races can happen as scheduled in March, and maybe resurrect some snowmobiling for the rest of us.

You have to understand, Once a snowmobiler, Always a snowmobiler!

After all, Spring and summer get here soon enough, and we are seeing the deer on the move here in the back yard.

Bear Island South · 03-02-2010, 06:16 PM

a sure sign of things to come, there is a stray iceberg floating at the weirs cam

NHgirl · 03-03-2010, 12:12 PM

I can't wait to starting boating this summer. I'll be living up there starting May. Ice-out next month.......

robmac · 03-03-2010, 04:09 PM

I am hoping this month

Island Girl · 03-05-2010, 03:28 PM

Not sure where you are looking but the Snake Eyes Lake Cams pages work, with a couple of seasonal exceptions.. refreshing the page helps if they all do not appear at once.

http://www.rattlesnakecam.com/lakecams.htm
http://www.rattlesnakecam.com/iceout.htm

... and the power is back on Rattlesnake and Snake Eyes is back!!!!

Thanks to NHEC and Russell and his airboat for getting the power guys ouht there!!!!

IG

Chaos · 03-05-2010, 05:15 PM

I haven't been able to view the ice out page all day.

Even the links above don't work

Chaos · 03-05-2010, 05:18 PM

Oops, Blackcat works!

callawassiegirl · 02-27-2010, 07:44 AM

I can't believe ice-out is starting already up there. It's colder here in SC than in the Lakes Region neck of the woods. I'm anxious to get back to Sleepers, tho. That is certainly where this heart of mine is.... See all of you soon.

Island Girl · 03-05-2010, 05:25 PM

Most of the images appear to be current on the lakecams page, but some of the links do not work. If you go to the iceout page at www.rattlesnakecam.com/iceout.htm the images are much larger and you don't need to open the images to see the conditions. I do need to update some of the links.

The lakecams page has other lakes, the iceout page is only Winnipesaukee. I will try to get to it this weekend.

Do refresh your screen often! I find some of the cams do not refresh as quickly as others.
IG

Merrymeeting · 03-05-2010, 05:33 PM

I also noticed the other day that hovering over some of the images shows one link address, whereas the link below the picture is to a different hyperlink.

This might explain why some don't work sometimes

Chaos · 03-08-2010, 10:32 PM

Can anyone explain why I can no longer view the Rattlesnakecam.com pages? Everything was fine until last week sometime. I have a Mac which has never had a problem before. I can view the sight on PC's running explorer. I'm stumped and am missing the melting ice on the Iceout page.

Thanks.

trfour · 03-09-2010, 02:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chaos

Can anyone explain why I can no longer view the Rattlesnakecam.com pages? Everything was fine until last week sometime. I have a Mac which has never had a problem before. I can view the sight on PC's running explorer. I'm stumped and am missing the melting ice on the Iceout page.

Thanks.

My hope is that you are keeping you're Mac updated and didn't catch any of these critters; http://blogs.zdnet.com/security/?p=4...g=content;col1

Now, just take two aspirin and get on back to us Y'hear!

Terry
_____________________

Chaos · 03-09-2010, 12:57 PM

Trfour,
I keep it updated, but I will check tonight to make sure. I have no other issues.

Thanks and y'all stay warm down south.

Mike

livefreeordie · 03-09-2010, 01:38 PM

There is still 14" in alton bay in front of my house..... bob house is still out and still riding the sleds.... I give it two to three weeks before its out...

Steveo · 03-10-2010, 08:49 AM

One indicator of of when Winni goes Ice-Out is Lilly Pond. Once it goes the main lake follows in about 2 weeks. Any reports on Lilly Pond

hancoveguy · 03-11-2010, 09:48 PM

Anyone have any thoughts on how and if the upcoming showers and warm temps (50's) will affect ice out? The lake temp has been at 38 degrees for 5 days or so. It didn't hit 38 til the 1st week in April last year.

Anyone else thinking record early ice out?

Merrymeeting · 03-12-2010, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hancoveguy

Anyone else thinking record early ice out?

I certainly am! What normally slows ice-out is the freezing temps at night. Any gains during the day are lost again at night. But if you look at the extended forecast, most nights for many days will stay above freezing.

If we get a very windy day...

meredith weekender · 03-12-2010, 09:15 AM

The lake hit 39 degrees today and we still have ice. Boating season has to be right around the corner. I'm actually thinking about putting the kids 14' aluminum boat in the water this weekend just so I can say I went out on the water.

corollaman · 03-12-2010, 09:18 AM

I saw in the citizen today that Dave Emerson says Ice Out is another month away in spite of the high temps. I don't see how this would be since the water temp is higher than this time last year.

Slickcraft · 03-12-2010, 10:50 AM

This morning we saw three ice fishermen on the ice off Ellacoya. They had to have stepped across some open water to get out there. Maybe they have been eating the fish. We did see a crazy mink hopping along the ice but we did not see the hatter out there.

wifi · 03-12-2010, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slickcraft

....They had to have stepped across some open water to get out there.....

Walking on water? Maybe they were fishing for men?

DBA · 03-14-2010, 08:34 AM

The rain is channeling along the surface, and with this wind is eating away even though temps are cooler. Check it out. Sorry about the quality.

Lakegeezer · 03-14-2010, 08:49 AM

Most of Moultonboro bay is open water with whitecaps today. There is an ice patch, about 200 yards thick, blocking the exit from the bay to the north (around Elkins point) and then open again till about Ambrose Cove (formerly Aries Marina). All it will take for full ice-out here is a few days of winds from the north.

Merrymeeting · 03-14-2010, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by corollaman

I saw in the citizen today that Dave Emerson says Ice Out is another month away in spite of the high temps. I don't see how this would be since the water temp is higher than this time last year.

He would certainly be one of the best ones to make a prediction. But forgive me if I'm skeptical. In the last 24 hours, many areas are showing signs of weakening/opening up, including on the smaller lakes. Open areas showing on Winnisquam, Ossipee, Merrymeeting, and Wentworth that were not there 24 hours ago.

When you factor in the forecast for the next 10 days, I find it hard to believe it will last more than 2 weeks at the most.

robmac · 03-14-2010, 11:33 AM

I for one agree,looking at all the open water this morning and the upcoming forecast I see it not taking anywhere near a month. But since I'll be in southern CA. for a month starting tomorrow I guess now for me it won't matter but still can't wait.

Sal · 03-14-2010, 11:44 AM

Our house is near the entrance to Buzzel Cove. The Bay in front of us froze over on December 19th. Yesterday (3/13) the ice was half gone. Today, it's amazingly ALL gone!

jeffk · 03-14-2010, 01:15 PM

I'm over by Suissevale in Moultonboro and the melting is much further along than average. There is 60+ feet of open water along the shore. Mid March normally is still fairly safe to be out on the ice, wet/slushy but doable. Not this year. Can't even get on the ice unless you want to paddle first. There were a couple bob houses left on Meredith Bay and one fell through the ice this week. We didn't have a very cold winter so the ice isn't particularly thick to begin with. Further the next 10 days are going to be above freezing except for one or two nights. Up to near 60 a couple days. Now we could get a bitter cold snap after that and it would slow things up but I still see an early ice out (Average time is around April 20th?) I would guess around April 10th unless it continues to be abnormally warm.

Bear Island South · 03-14-2010, 02:24 PM

look at the Bear Cam its start to eat away at the dock

meredith weekender · 03-15-2010, 08:11 AM

Has anyone seen first hand what the rain is doing to the ice conditions???????

ishoot308 · 03-15-2010, 08:32 AM

It had to do something, as Massebesic lake in Manchester was still completely ice covered on Friday and this morning when I drove by it was wide open water!!

With the temperatures expected to hit well into the 60's by Saturday I can't imagine ice out is more than two weeks away at best...

Dan

Merrymeeting · 03-18-2010, 06:42 AM

Ice (and runway) now gone from Alton Bay out to the bandstand. Looking very fragile everywhere else.

With temps not going much below 40 at night, and well into the 60's during the day, it won't be long.

Much as I would have liked more snow this year, I'm ready to switch. I just hope we don't have our fun dashed with a cold April!

wifi · 03-18-2010, 07:34 AM

Long range forecast (for what its worth), is showing rain on Monday during the day and in the 40's, then snow Monday night in the 20's.

Steveo · 03-18-2010, 10:04 AM

Not sure where you get your forecast but - yes, rain on Monday but temps in the mid to upper 40's all next week. Of course it doesn't matter since there will be no ice by next Monday anyway.

Islander2 · 03-18-2010, 11:00 AM

Anyone have any info or pictures on how much ice is left in 19 Mile Bay?

Thanks in advance.

Lakegeezer · 03-18-2010, 02:02 PM

A new record for dock-in day. Previous was April 1 - so have beat the record by two weeks. One small ice flow exited a small nearby bay, but by the time it had floated by, it was all but dissolved.

Dhuberty24 · 03-18-2010, 02:09 PM

I do not think there is any ice in 19 mile bay. I am not positive but there is no ice in 20 mile bay or anywhere arounf there. It is open to cow island.

Merrymeeting · 03-18-2010, 02:29 PM

Why is there an area of Lilly Pond that was plowed? A bit off thread, but just curious.

I know they race model boats there in the summer. Do they have a model airplane runway to mirror Alton Bay in the winter?

Ryan · 03-18-2010, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merrymeeting

Why is there an area of Lilly Pond that was plowed? A bit off thread, but just curious.

They actually run sleds there, like a 1/4 mile track.

JB Long Island · 03-18-2010, 06:40 PM

Thanks Dhuberty24 for the pictfrom Harilla's - thats a beautiful sight !
Might just change my weekend plans... !

Islander2 · 03-18-2010, 07:35 PM

Thanks for the update, Dhuberty24. Looks like we will head out to Cow on Saturday. It will be good to get back on the water.

Bear Island South · 03-19-2010, 03:03 PM

this may be directed for FLL, I believe he lives on Meredith Neck
what does the ice look like from Cattle Landing toward Bear and Mark Islands, is the Jon/Air Boat still in at Cattle, is it chewing up the ice?
Thanks for any info

nj2nh · 03-19-2010, 03:33 PM

I see water in Alton Bay. It's out all the way to that pavilion thing in the water. I never know what to call it.

Guess my guess (April 5) is a wee tiny bit off. But I am glad it is!

nj2nh

Slickcraft · 03-19-2010, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nj2nh

I see water in Alton Bay. It's out all the way to that pavilion thing in the water. I never know what to call it.

Guess my guess (April 5) is a wee tiny bit off. But I am glad it is!

nj2nh

The thing in the water is a bandstand. There are two bandstands at Alton Bay, one on shore and one actually in the bay. It is called the "floating bandstand" to distinguish it from the other. It is not really floating as it is secured to a pile of rocks but it appears to float.

Yes this morning there was open water out to the bandstand.

Janet · 03-19-2010, 11:10 PM

Weather forecast for Dallas/Ft Worth tomorrow is 1-2" of snow. Tomorrow's the first day of Spring, the daffodils are in bloom, tulips have buds and the pear trees have flowers...snow?!

Greene's Basin Girl · 03-19-2010, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janet

Weather forecast for Dallas/Ft Worth tomorrow is 1-2" of snow. Tomorrow's the first day of Spring, the daffodils are in bloom, tulips have buds and the pear trees have flowers...snow?!

I am in Florida and this past week it was only about 10 degree's warmer than the Lakes Region. Tomorrow it's suppose to be 80 degrees in Florida, but I heard it will be 70 degrees in NH It has been the coldest winter on record here in Florida.

DBA · 03-20-2010, 01:44 PM

There are a couple more views posted in the gallery. With the winds picking up this afternoon and the ice finally softening a bit, we have movement!

Slickcraft · 03-20-2010, 01:56 PM

The view today from Belknap Point. A good stiff wind would break this up. There is still ice by light 26 in toward Glendale.

riverat · 03-20-2010, 02:01 PM

Looks like Ice Out at Lily Pond

meredith weekender · 03-20-2010, 02:34 PM

Meredith bay is really breaking up. We put the kids aluminum boat in today ad notices that the ice is rolling as the wake waves hit the ice. Should be no more than two days before the bay is free and clear.

Pine Island Guy · 03-20-2010, 03:24 PM

a beautiful day out on the island. when we got here this morning, the ice was still closer to shore than bouy #4. now it has blown down lake, past 5 Mile...

over and ice-out -PIG

Gatto Nero · 03-20-2010, 04:25 PM

I saw a small power boat tooling around 3 Mile Island today, was that you PIG?

meredith weekender · 03-20-2010, 04:26 PM

The ice in Meredith Bay is moving quicker than previously thought. The NO WAKE buoys just before Meredith Marina keep disappearing and then within a minute or two are popping back up thru the slushy, broken up ice. Let's hope for light wind all night.

idigtractors · 03-20-2010, 05:36 PM

I saw a boat going at more than headway speed going along the ice edge by the Wolfeboro public dock (a good 300 yards) and as far as the eye could see. There was also a kayak out there enjoying the sun and slight breeze.

JMR · 03-20-2010, 06:29 PM

I went from Alton to Meredith today. At noon there was open water between the Rattlesnake Landing and Sleeper Island with lots of cracks in the remaining ice.

No ice in Smith Cove.

Ice cracking up and moving away from shore at Ames Farm.

Ice moviing away from shore at the Weirs.

Meredith Bay was about 1/4th open when I got there at 130pm. By the time I left at 3-4 PM it was at least 1/2 open with a soft breeze blowing out.

With some wind the lake will be open for business soon. Easter seems likely.

Like the rest of you I can't wait

Just Sold · 03-20-2010, 08:04 PM

JMR - we were both in Medredith at the same tiime today. I got there around 2 at the docks. There were a lot of people enjoying the day there.

I went on to Center Harbor and Lee's Mill. Center Harbor was open a good ways out and Lee's Mill was very open as far as I could see. I will post some photos later.

BTW the new launch ramp at Lee's is looking great with the cement all in place. It is still behind the coffer dam but maybe they wil finish the work soon for use.

sum-r breeze · 03-20-2010, 08:48 PM

Has Fly Guy been up and snapping any pictures of the lake today with the 70 degree temps? I saw my first boat ride by on a trailer today! You could just see the the giddy look on that guy's face. What a fantastic day, can't wait to unwrap The Breeze break out the buffer.

Wave 'cuz I'll be wavin' back
The Breeze

Gatto Nero · 03-21-2010, 08:59 AM

There are no signs of ice anywhere from my vantage point on Black Cat Island, either towards Center Harbor, the Beaver Islands, 3 Mile, or as far down the Broads as I can see.

BroadHopper · 03-21-2010, 09:30 AM

is free of ice.

Slickcraft · 03-21-2010, 11:23 AM

While there is open water a ways north of the bandstand in Alton Bay, there is ice after that around Sandy Point and up the bay. The view from the scenic overlook was mostly contiguous ice and the view from Ames Farm shows mostly pack ice toward Rattlesnake and south.

There is still ice between Belknap Point and Locke’s.

I would say that someone like 308 who has picked the 28th is still in the running.

BlackCatIslander · 03-21-2010, 12:52 PM

I have been checking the various live cams over the last week to watch the ice disappear. It is surprising to watch the action today on Snake Eyes as the ice has moved away from the shore and is starting to break up. It looks as though two or three days should do it.

CanisLupusArctos · 03-21-2010, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gatto Nero

There are no signs of ice anywhere from my vantage point on Black Cat Island, either towards Center Harbor, the Beaver Islands, 3 Mile, or as far down the Broads as I can see.

I second that. No ice is visible from the weather station. Winds have increased since 2 pm and are now averaging 23 mph from the southeast, along the length of the lake. If there were any major ice down-lake, it would have drifted much closer by now. But there has been none in the waves -- not even a scrap of ice.

Anything that does exist between here and there will get tossed about in the waves, which are approaching 12-18 inches high at this location. This also tells me they've had a decent stretch of open lake on which to build. Waves don't build as easily in ice-laden water.

The water temperature at this station has now reached 40 at a depth of 10 feet, and 48 at a depth of 2 feet.

The water level is an inch below full.

A boat went by this morning, on a slow southeast course.

Winni-Retired · 03-21-2010, 02:31 PM

I am getting excited reading the ice - out information.

I have, Thursday 25-March at 11.31 AM, the date and time of my oldest childs birth.

Would it not be great to have ice-out on her birthday ?

Sully · 03-21-2010, 02:58 PM

I'm liking your chances, Winni - Retired. History will be made this week!

Pepper · 03-21-2010, 04:40 PM

Been sitting here watching the various cams, and DRH's updates over the past few hours, and cannot believe the rapid changes! The ice is moving FAST all over the lake, and the condition of the remaining ice is seriously fragile. What's left cannot possibly survive much longer, between the temps and the wind. Won't be long at all!

Winni-Retired · 03-24-2010, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Winni-Retired

I am getting excited reading the ice - out information.

I have, Thursday 25-March at 11.31 AM, the date and time of my oldest childs birth.

Would it not be great to have ice-out on her birthday ?

All I need is another 19 plus hours before ICE-OUT....

NHBoat70 · 03-24-2010, 04:23 PM

It's official as of 2pm today.

Dock Mooch · 03-21-2010, 08:37 PM

Hi folks,

I am on Rattlesnake and check this thread and rattlesnakcam daily.

My wife and I drove past Ames Farm this morning on our way to the Maine Boatbuilder Show in Portland and the ice was still in out to Rattlesnake, though it was looking very punky.

Happy to say that on the way back, around 5 PM.....it was open water between Ames Farm and Rattlesnake.

We'll be launching one of our boats next Monday most likely.

Cheers
Jeff

Blue Thunder · 03-22-2010, 05:24 AM

Welcome to the Forum DM. Over five years of lurking and you finally made your first post. Nice to have you with us.

BT

BlackCatIslander · 03-22-2010, 05:58 AM

From a quick look at the various cams, I wonder if we already have ice out. Can anyone find some ice?

Merrymeeting · 03-22-2010, 07:01 AM

The main Winnipesaukee cam shows there are still many large bergs. Similar on Wolfeboro cams, Broadview, Alton (WinnipesaukeeCams), etc.

But, they are all isolated and moving so they will break up and melt soon. It won't be long now...

Islander2 · 03-22-2010, 08:08 AM

This was the entrance to Hole in the Wall on Saturday...

Islander2 · 03-22-2010, 08:11 AM

Also Saturday, Melvin Village was wide open... but still snow on the mountains.

Squam Friend · 03-22-2010, 09:17 AM

Big Squam is open all the way to Sandwich Bay, which is still iced in, and Little Squam has big sheets and chunks floating around... one more big windy day and it could be all gone!

Grant · 03-22-2010, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Islander2

Also Saturday, Melvin Village was wide open... but still snow on the mountains.

Wow -- I was walking there on Feb 21...

robmac · 03-22-2010, 11:44 AM

Boats already floating in the lake,now hope to be able to take a nice easy cruise next week.

Slickcraft · 03-22-2010, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackCatIslander

From a quick look at the various cams, I wonder if we already have ice out. Can anyone find some ice?

I found a little bit about an hour ago. The 1st photo is looking north up Alton Bay from Sandy Point. The 2nd is looking out from the scenic overlook near MT Major parking lot. While I am no expert, it sort of looks like real ice to me. I would assume the same holds true for the 2+ miles of upper bay between where the two photos were taken.

LIforrelaxin · 03-22-2010, 10:31 AM

It is getting there.... still on course to be one of the earliest Ice Outs ever.... we just need to give mother nature some more time, and hope for some wind to speed things up just a pinch....

StephenB · 03-22-2010, 10:54 AM

I find this early ice out downright scary.

CanisLupusArctos · 03-23-2010, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StephenB

I find this early ice out downright scary.

An asteroid coming right at the earth is scary. Given the statistics, driving should be the scariest thing we all do, but somehow we're not scared when we drive.

As for early iceout, it's actually fascinating when you study the science behind it all. Then you see that the ice froze right on average, got thick enough for human activity earlier than average, got thick enough to support widespread truck usage for a time, and yet still melted extremely early.

The science behind it all will tell you there is a lot more to ice-in and ice-out than temperatures. There are many factors. Their timing and order plays a huge role. That's what makes the iceout guessing contest such a huge attraction.

StephenB · 03-23-2010, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CanisLupusArctos

The science behind it all will tell you there is a lot more to ice-in and ice-out than temperatures. There are many factors. Their timing and order plays a huge role. That's what makes the iceout guessing contest such a huge attraction.

What I realized this year is snow cover or lack thereof as well as ice color, especially in the months of Feb and March, have a lot more to do with ice out than overall winter temperatures, though warm March temps helped.

Long Pine · 03-22-2010, 10:55 AM

Still some ice in the Varney Islands/ Barndoor area but it is getting dark. Attached pic was taken 3/22 at 11:45am. Looking west toward Barndoor, Clay Point, and Gunstock.

Dock Mooch · 03-22-2010, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blue Thunder

Welcome to the Forum DM. Over five years of lurking and you finally made your first post. Nice to have you with us.

BT

I guess it took a March ice-out to open me up ;-)

Cheers
Jeff

meredith weekender · 03-22-2010, 01:12 PM

Any word on Meredith Bay???????

jeffk · 03-22-2010, 01:17 PM

Ice went out in front of Suissevale on Saturday (20th). I drove around and found Moultonborough Bay by Melvin Village wide open, 20 Mile bay was open except for a thin sheet by the shore (I'm sure gone by now). Center Harbor is open. The only ice I found was off States Landing Road by Balmoral which was still pretty socked in. I went back today (Mon) and it was almost clear.

BobbyA · 03-22-2010, 02:11 PM

Don`t tell Al Gore!!!!

StephenB · 03-22-2010, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobbyA

Don`t tell Al Gore!!!!

I looked at the list of historical ice out dates, http://www.winnipesaukee.com/index.php?pageid=iceout but I can't really see a strong trend towards earlier ice outs in the recent past.

I think one of the main reasons this ice out is coming along so fast is that the lake ice was fairly clear and black most of the winter. While "white" means snow and that holds in heat, white ice also reflects more sun as the latter gets stronger and higher in February. This year, there was an awful lot of bare, dark ice exposed to the sun.

Thoughts?

Lakegeezer · 03-22-2010, 05:17 PM

This record year will be just another data point in the history books. Next year could be very different. The 10 year trends are more interesting from a Gore perspective. Our fair cold weather this winter pushed the nasty storms south. Indeed, the combo of fast freezing in December which caused black/clear ice and no snow meant a fast thaw. If the ice had frozen white, it could have been a very different story.

How will ice-out be declared if the weather is too bad to fly when the event occurs? The ice is moving around a lot now and much that was on the camera yesterday is gone. If we're going to set a record, it should be an accurate one.

secondcurve · 03-22-2010, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lakegeezer

This record year will be just another data point in the history books. Next year could be very different. The 10 year trends are more interesting from a Gore perspective. Our fair cold weather this winter pushed the nasty storms south. Indeed, the combo of fast freezing in December which caused black/clear ice and no snow meant a fast thaw. If the ice had frozen white, it could have been a very different story.

How will ice-out be declared if the weather is too bad to fly when the event occurs? The ice is moving around a lot now and much that was on the camera yesterday is gone. If we're going to set a record, it should be an accurate one.

I think our ability to get an accurate ice out date in this day and age is a lot better than it was say a 100-years ago, so I wouldn't worry about nasty weather impeding the process!

Steveo · 03-23-2010, 07:28 AM

The ice out has to be declared before Sunday to be a new record. With the winds coming in tomorrow I don't think it will be a problem. From the looks of it Alton Bay is the only holdout.

JB Long Island · 03-23-2010, 08:32 AM

With all this wind and rain gotta be close !

ishoot308 · 03-23-2010, 08:45 AM

None of the web cams show any ice left. Just yesterday the Broadview and Varney Point cam still showed some ice, today it is completely gone. The only place I can think of where there still may be a little if any ice left would be in Alton Bay... I'll be curious to see what the "ice out" Silver Sands camera shows when today's pic is put up.

Dan

02-26-2010, 11:53 AM	#1
Island Girl Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Central MA Posts: 2,352 Thanks: 18 Thanked 535 Times in 179 Posts	Official 2010 Ice-Out Thread This is the Official 2010 Ice-Out thread. It is hard to believe that were are watching the ice melt so soon. We should be still snowmobiling! Put your comments, observations, warnings, experiences, PhotoPost images, etc here for all to follow our annual quest to go boating again on Winnipesaukee and the other lakes in the region. The Ice-Out Page is up on Snake Eyes at www.rattlesnakecam.com/iceout.htm where you will find views of all the Lake Winnipesaukee webcams, courtesy of their owners. Other lakes can be viewed on the Lake Cams Page at http://www.rattlesnakecam.com/lakecams.htm. Happy Boating! IG The bad links on this note have been fixed. __________________ Island Girl ....... Make Lemonade Last edited by Island Girl; 02-26-2010 at 08:12 PM.

02-26-2010, 02:01 PM	#3
Rattlesnake Gal Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Central NH Posts: 5,252 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 1,451 Thanked 1,349 Times in 475 Posts	Ice-Out Time Maybe it's just my computer, but the links to your ice-out page aren't working. I assume Snake Eyes is down due to power failure? I cannot wait to see what is going on in DRH's neck of the woods! Thanks IG. I look forward to your Ice-Out page every year.

02-26-2010, 02:37 PM	#5
Pepper Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Laconia, NH Posts: 1,284 Thanks: 409 Thanked 155 Times in 40 Posts	Yay! I am SOOOOOOO ready for spring! __________________ Never waste time lamenting what was. Simply celebrate what is!

02-26-2010, 05:32 PM	#6
Chaos Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Danville, NH and West Alton Marina Posts: 134 Thanks: 111 Thanked 32 Times in 20 Posts	Ready for Spring DRH can't wait for your pics. They are my Ice Out yardstick. After the last few summers, I have some serious boating to do!

02-27-2010, 01:10 AM	#7
trfour Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: The Lakes, Central NH. and Dallas/Fort Worth TX. Posts: 3,694 Blog Entries: 3 Thanks: 3,069 Thanked 472 Times in 236 Posts	Say It Ain't So... It's way too early for ice out. Us snowmobile rs would like to wring out a few more rides around here! This winter started off in good shape with the snow and lots of hard work from the Clubs to get the trails ready. Then the cold got the Lake to kick, and we were styl'in. The winter of 2009-2010 was well on it's way to help put the pain of the economy behind us. The ice boater's had their best year since years, a new organised tradition of Ice Hockey got under way in Meredith, the Ice Airport was in very good hands with Paul & Crew. The Alton Bay International Winter Fest got a HUGE BOOST, when the "Forum Flyer" was taken out of mothballs, only to go forward and win the bed race in that event! Now, I can find my way around the dance floor. I would invite any of you to check me out. When the Lake kicked, I started my snow dance, only to find that being in Texas, at the time, I forgot all about my being a transplant. I was wanting any of my effort at the time to be forwarded to my beloved Lakes Region. Well, as it has turned out, and ask Janet if you don't believe me, we have been snowed in here in Texas ever since! And by the way, after many phone calls to the Al Gore Camp, I have yet to recieve a return call back!! I think that he is trying to reinvent himself. ... ... ... "Noth'in New, or Fancy The good news is that I have signed up with Google Maps, not too sure that that will work for this or next season, but let it be known that I am pull'in for Y'ALL!! ________________________ __________________ *trfour* Always Remember, The Best Safety Device In The Boat, or on a PWC Snowmobile etc., Is YOU! Safe sledding tips and much more; http://www.snowmobile.org/snowmobiling-safety.html

02-26-2010, 01:23 PM	#2
corollaman Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 181 Thanks: 8 Thanked 10 Times in 9 Posts	Bring it. I'm ready for some kayaking.

02-27-2010, 10:26 AM	#9
LakesRegionSpirit Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Gilford Posts: 188 Thanks: 7 Thanked 40 Times in 21 Posts	Ellacoya, Friday, Feb. 26. Lots of water: Attached Images __________________ __________________________________________ Lakes Region Spirit "Seeking the soul of the Lakes Region one story at a time" www.LakesRegionSpirit.com

02-27-2010, 07:30 PM	#10
trfour Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: The Lakes, Central NH. and Dallas/Fort Worth TX. Posts: 3,694 Blog Entries: 3 Thanks: 3,069 Thanked 472 Times in 236 Posts	Hi Janet... Yup!... I guess I'm busted... My sister and brother in law have lived here in the Dallas/Fort Worth area for close to forty years and said that they have never seen a winter like this one while here in Texas. Doña is looking out for you're best interests however, as she hid my dancing shoes and replaced them with those spiked ice clip ons, so that kind'a put a hitch in my get'along out there on the dance floor. Now, all this being said I would like to see lots more snowfall ( UP NORTH IN NH GOOGLE ), so as the sled dog races can happen as scheduled in March, and maybe resurrect some snowmobiling for the rest of us. You have to understand, Once a snowmobiler, Always a snowmobiler! After all, Spring and summer get here soon enough, and we are seeing the deer on the move here in the back yard. Attached Images __________________ *trfour* Always Remember, The Best Safety Device In The Boat, or on a PWC Snowmobile etc., Is YOU! Safe sledding tips and much more; http://www.snowmobile.org/snowmobiling-safety.html

03-02-2010, 06:16 PM	#11
Bear Island South Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Southboro, MA Posts: 579 Thanks: 75 Thanked 384 Times in 170 Posts	iceberg a sure sign of things to come, there is a stray iceberg floating at the weirs cam Attached Images

03-03-2010, 12:12 PM	#12
NHgirl Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 93 Thanks: 7 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts	Ice-out I can't wait to starting boating this summer. I'll be living up there starting May. Ice-out next month.......

03-03-2010, 04:09 PM	#13
robmac Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Nashua,Meredith Posts: 951 Thanks: 213 Thanked 106 Times in 81 Posts	I am hoping this month

03-05-2010, 03:28 PM	#14
Island Girl Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Central MA Posts: 2,352 Thanks: 18 Thanked 535 Times in 179 Posts	These work !!!! Not sure where you are looking but the Snake Eyes Lake Cams pages work, with a couple of seasonal exceptions.. refreshing the page helps if they all do not appear at once. http://www.rattlesnakecam.com/lakecams.htm http://www.rattlesnakecam.com/iceout.htm ... and the power is back on Rattlesnake and Snake Eyes is back!!!! Thanks to NHEC and Russell and his airboat for getting the power guys ouht there!!!! IG __________________ Island Girl ....... Make Lemonade

03-05-2010, 05:15 PM	#15
Chaos Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Danville, NH and West Alton Marina Posts: 134 Thanks: 111 Thanked 32 Times in 20 Posts	Ice out Page I haven't been able to view the ice out page all day. Even the links above don't work

03-05-2010, 05:18 PM	#16
Chaos Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Danville, NH and West Alton Marina Posts: 134 Thanks: 111 Thanked 32 Times in 20 Posts	ice out Page Oops, Blackcat works!

02-27-2010, 07:44 AM	#17
callawassiegirl Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Callawassie Island, Sc - October til Ice out --- Sleepers Island, Lake Winnipesaukee, Ice out - Octo Posts: 4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Ice out??? I can't believe ice-out is starting already up there. It's colder here in SC than in the Lakes Region neck of the woods. I'm anxious to get back to Sleepers, tho. That is certainly where this heart of mine is.... See all of you soon.

03-05-2010, 05:25 PM	#18
Island Girl Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Central MA Posts: 2,352 Thanks: 18 Thanked 535 Times in 179 Posts	Ice out page Most of the images appear to be current on the lakecams page, but some of the links do not work. If you go to the iceout page at www.rattlesnakecam.com/iceout.htm the images are much larger and you don't need to open the images to see the conditions. I do need to update some of the links. The lakecams page has other lakes, the iceout page is only Winnipesaukee. I will try to get to it this weekend. Do refresh your screen often! I find some of the cams do not refresh as quickly as others. IG __________________ Island Girl ....... Make Lemonade

03-05-2010, 05:33 PM	#19
Merrymeeting Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Merrymeeting Lake, New Durham Posts: 2,218 Thanks: 299 Thanked 795 Times in 365 Posts	I also noticed the other day that hovering over some of the images shows one link address, whereas the link below the picture is to a different hyperlink. This might explain why some don't work sometimes

03-08-2010, 10:32 PM	#20
Chaos Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Danville, NH and West Alton Marina Posts: 134 Thanks: 111 Thanked 32 Times in 20 Posts	Can't View Rattlesnakecam.com Can anyone explain why I can no longer view the Rattlesnakecam.com pages? Everything was fine until last week sometime. I have a Mac which has never had a problem before. I can view the sight on PC's running explorer. I'm stumped and am missing the melting ice on the Iceout page. Thanks.

03-09-2010, 12:57 PM	#22
Chaos Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Danville, NH and West Alton Marina Posts: 134 Thanks: 111 Thanked 32 Times in 20 Posts	Mac Attack? Trfour, I keep it updated, but I will check tonight to make sure. I have no other issues. Thanks and y'all stay warm down south. Mike

03-09-2010, 01:38 PM	#23
livefreeordie Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Alton bay Posts: 61 Thanks: 9 Thanked 15 Times in 7 Posts	There is still 14" in alton bay in front of my house..... bob house is still out and still riding the sleds.... I give it two to three weeks before its out...

03-10-2010, 08:49 AM	#24
Steveo Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 523 Thanks: 47 Thanked 123 Times in 63 Posts	So how is Lily Pond looking One indicator of of when Winni goes Ice-Out is Lilly Pond. Once it goes the main lake follows in about 2 weeks. Any reports on Lilly Pond Last edited by Steveo; 03-10-2010 at 08:50 AM. Reason: Misspelling

03-11-2010, 09:48 PM	#25
hancoveguy Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 276 Thanks: 95 Thanked 65 Times in 30 Posts	upcoming rain and warm temps Anyone have any thoughts on how and if the upcoming showers and warm temps (50's) will affect ice out? The lake temp has been at 38 degrees for 5 days or so. It didn't hit 38 til the 1st week in April last year. Anyone else thinking record early ice out?

03-12-2010, 09:15 AM	#27
meredith weekender Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Meredith / Manchester Posts: 373 Thanks: 87 Thanked 83 Times in 56 Posts	The lake hit 39 degrees today and we still have ice. Boating season has to be right around the corner. I'm actually thinking about putting the kids 14' aluminum boat in the water this weekend just so I can say I went out on the water.

03-12-2010, 09:18 AM	#28
corollaman Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 181 Thanks: 8 Thanked 10 Times in 9 Posts	I saw in the citizen today that Dave Emerson says Ice Out is another month away in spite of the high temps. I don't see how this would be since the water temp is higher than this time last year.

03-12-2010, 10:50 AM	#29
Slickcraft Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Welch Island and West Alton Posts: 3,225 Thanks: 1,179 Thanked 2,013 Times in 919 Posts	This morning we saw three ice fishermen on the ice off Ellacoya. They had to have stepped across some open water to get out there. Maybe they have been eating the fish. We did see a crazy mink hopping along the ice but we did not see the hatter out there.

03-14-2010, 08:34 AM	#31
DBA Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: By the Lake now Posts: 95 Thanks: 11 Thanked 27 Times in 4 Posts	The View from here right now The rain is channeling along the surface, and with this wind is eating away even though temps are cooler. Check it out. Sorry about the quality. Attached Images __________________ living by the water....heaven

03-14-2010, 08:49 AM	#32
Lakegeezer Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Moultonboro, NH Posts: 1,657 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 342 Thanked 618 Times in 278 Posts	Most of Moultonboro bay is open water with whitecaps today. There is an ice patch, about 200 yards thick, blocking the exit from the bay to the north (around Elkins point) and then open again till about Ambrose Cove (formerly Aries Marina). All it will take for full ice-out here is a few days of winds from the north. __________________ -lg

03-14-2010, 11:33 AM	#34
robmac Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Nashua,Meredith Posts: 951 Thanks: 213 Thanked 106 Times in 81 Posts	I for one agree,looking at all the open water this morning and the upcoming forecast I see it not taking anywhere near a month. But since I'll be in southern CA. for a month starting tomorrow I guess now for me it won't matter but still can't wait.

03-14-2010, 11:44 AM	#35
Sal Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 311 Thanks: 103 Thanked 169 Times in 53 Posts	Going, goimg, gone Our house is near the entrance to Buzzel Cove. The Bay in front of us froze over on December 19th. Yesterday (3/13) the ice was half gone. Today, it's amazingly ALL gone!

03-14-2010, 01:15 PM	#36
jeffk Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Center Harbor Posts: 1,136 Thanks: 201 Thanked 422 Times in 240 Posts	Rapid start to melting I'm over by Suissevale in Moultonboro and the melting is much further along than average. There is 60+ feet of open water along the shore. Mid March normally is still fairly safe to be out on the ice, wet/slushy but doable. Not this year. Can't even get on the ice unless you want to paddle first. There were a couple bob houses left on Meredith Bay and one fell through the ice this week. We didn't have a very cold winter so the ice isn't particularly thick to begin with. Further the next 10 days are going to be above freezing except for one or two nights. Up to near 60 a couple days. Now we could get a bitter cold snap after that and it would slow things up but I still see an early ice out (Average time is around April 20th?) I would guess around April 10th unless it continues to be abnormally warm.

03-14-2010, 02:24 PM	#37
Bear Island South Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Southboro, MA Posts: 579 Thanks: 75 Thanked 384 Times in 170 Posts	Ice is moving look at the Bear Cam its start to eat away at the dock

03-15-2010, 08:11 AM	#38
meredith weekender Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Meredith / Manchester Posts: 373 Thanks: 87 Thanked 83 Times in 56 Posts	Has anyone seen first hand what the rain is doing to the ice conditions???????

03-15-2010, 08:32 AM	#39
ishoot308 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Gilford, NH / Welch Island Posts: 5,945 Thanks: 2,292 Thanked 4,953 Times in 1,920 Posts	It had to do something, as Massebesic lake in Manchester was still completely ice covered on Friday and this morning when I drove by it was wide open water!! With the temperatures expected to hit well into the 60's by Saturday I can't imagine ice out is more than two weeks away at best... Dan

03-18-2010, 06:42 AM	#40
Merrymeeting Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Merrymeeting Lake, New Durham Posts: 2,218 Thanks: 299 Thanked 795 Times in 365 Posts	Ice (and runway) now gone from Alton Bay out to the bandstand. Looking very fragile everywhere else. With temps not going much below 40 at night, and well into the 60's during the day, it won't be long. Much as I would have liked more snow this year, I'm ready to switch. I just hope we don't have our fun dashed with a cold April!

03-18-2010, 07:34 AM	#41
wifi Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Lakes Region Posts: 1,321 Thanks: 282 Thanked 287 Times in 169 Posts	Hold your horses Long range forecast (for what its worth), is showing rain on Monday during the day and in the 40's, then snow Monday night in the 20's.