Ice In

[Merrymeeting]

Ok, so I know it's been unusually warm, and we really can't define "Ice-In". But with the forecast now showing more normal nighttime temps well below freezing, and the water temperature approaching the 30's, it's time for ice reports. I expect we'll start seeing areas of skim ice within the next week. This thread will serve for those posts.

The lake normally is mostly iced-in by early January. Despite this year's warm Fall temps, the water temperatures seem to be fairly normal for this time of year (plus or minus a few degrees). It will be interesting to see how it evolves this year.

[Blue Thunder]

Ok, so I know it's been unusually warm, and we really can't define "Ice-In". But with the forecast now showing more normal nighttime temps well below freezing, and the water temperature approaching the 30's, it's time for ice reports. I expect we'll start seeing areas of skim ice within the next week. This thread will serve for those posts.

The lake normally is mostly iced-in by early January. Despite this year's warm Fall temps, the water temperatures seem to be fairly normal for this time of year (plus or minus a few degrees). It will be interesting to see how it evolves this year.

I know that I always do this to the first post about ice-in every year but we are weeks away from ice on anything but the smaller lakes and shallow ponds.

It takes quite a while for the top layer (several feet) of water to reach the uniform 39 degree threshold of maximum density that is required for it to freeze. Then you need several nights of clear, calm, and cold (0-10 degrees) to make it all happen. Time will tell....


BT

[Merrymeeting]

I know that I always do this to the first post about ice-in every year but we are weeks away from ice on anything but the smaller lakes and shallow ponds.


Agreed. As I said in the earlier note, it's usually early to mid-January , at the earliest, before the lake is considered mostly covered. But I would not be surprised to hear of shallow coves and other areas having a skim coat in the AM on some of the upcoming mornings with temps in the teens. I'm sure this will disappear as the day wears on, but it's the start of the process.

[phoenix]

yesterday's water temp is 6 degrees warmer than last year on the same day

[Mink Islander]

The law of averages. Too early to worry about ice in. Getting colder. Be patient.

[Winnisquamguy]

This is from the Farmers Almanac:


DECEMBER 2011: temperature 29° (5° above avg. north, 1° below south); precipitation 3" (avg.); Dec 1-4: Rainy periods, quite mild; Dec 5-8: Flurries, seasonable; Dec 9-16: Snow showers; mild, then cold; Dec 17-21: Blizzard, then windy, cold; Dec 22-23: Heavy snow, seasonable; Dec 24-29: Snow showers, mild; Dec 30-31: Sunny, cold.

JANUARY 2012: temperature 23° (3° above avg.); precipitation 2" (1" below avg.); Jan 1-8: Sunny, then snow showers, mild; Jan 9-12: Sunny, cold; Jan 13-19: Snow north, showers south, then sunny, mild; Jan 20-26: Snowstorm, then snow showers, seasonable; Jan 27-31: Snow showers, very cold.

[Lakegeezer]

On Sunday morning (12/11/11) there was a good skim ice in the Lees Mills area. The attached photo is showing Lees Landing.

[Merrymeeting]

It's been posted on this site before, but with ice forming over the next month, this reminder from the Farmers Almanac on safe ice levels is worth reviewing (though if we stay 4-5 degrees above average temps much longer, it may not happen this winter)

http://www.almanac.com/sites/new.almanac.com/files/258_icethickness.pdf

[gtagrip]

Looking at the 15-day forecast through Accuweather there looks to be a brief cool down in the next week and then warmer again. There may not be a Ice In this year.

[crowsnest]

Looking at the 15-day forecast through Accuweather there looks to be a brief cool down in the next week and then warmer again. There may not be a Ice In this year.

Perfect !!!!!! :eek: Bring on the boating season

[HomeWood]

There may not be a Ice In this year.

Them's fightin' words!

[fatlazyless]

According to today's Friday LaDaSun, the Gunstock ski area wants to get open for this season with maybe two trails open or something on this Sunday, December 18. What with today's sunny and mid-40's temps here in Meredith, that doesn't seem possible, but maybe they'll get enough snow making time crammed into the Saturday predicted cold snap? ....stay tuned....can they do it?

Most likely, the ground up on Gunstock mountain has yet to freeze up what with all the rainfall over the last two days.

...say-hey....there's always outdoor tennis at your local free public tennis courts and you don't need to purchase an expensive lift ticket to use the courts.....tennis!

[phoenix]

water temp this year on Dec 14 was 43 same as last year on dec 2 so we are as of now running about two weeks later than last year

[HomeWood]

A couple of the web cams show some ice this morning. Alton bay cam looks the best.

[JMR]

Looking at the 15-day forecast through Accuweather there looks to be a brief cool down in the next week and then warmer again. There may not be a Ice In this year.

What will we do during February if we don't have "Ice Out" to monitor? I would miss the anticipation of returning to Rattlesnake.....

[RLW]

A couple of the web cams show some ice this morning. Alton bay cam looks the best.

At 8 AM the ice was solid (no holes) past the bandstand in Alton Bay. That was when the temps were down in the teens, but now creping toward the 30° mark. An http://i52.tinypic.com/2s8k8lh.gif thought for many viewers.

http://i54.tinypic.com/2e56yqf.gif

[upthesaukee]

Taken from 28A near the old Oak Birch Inn.

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/510/medium/IMAG00921.jpg

and from Railroad Park on the west side of the bay.
http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/510/medium/IMAG0093.jpg
small steps!!!!

[RLW]

Ice melted a lot since I saw it at 8 this morning.:)

[Dhuberty24]

Does anybody know the water temp?

[upthesaukee]

at 2 ft: 40.7 at 10 ft: 38.6

Here is a link to that site:

http://www.blackcatnh.com/

[Dhuberty24]

Thank you.

[snowflake]

I saw a sheen of ice on the Wentworth webcam in early morning yesterday. I fear real winter will never come, what a horrible thought!

[SteveA]

... is completely iced over. Drove by it today on my way to the Gilford recycle station.

Wonder if it's the same as Ice Out. "They" (whoever They are) say that Lilly Pond goes Ice Out 2 weeks before Winni, maybe it goes "Ice In" 2 weeks before?

[HomeWood]

The 10 day outlook on weather.com shows lows in the 20's. That is not ideal for ice making. I hope we don't have a repeat of 2006 when the derby was delayed and there were soft spots all over the place.

[hilltopper]

The thickest ice I saw on my way to work this morning was on I93 from Tilton to Manchester. Jeesh.....thanks for the heads up weather forecasters. The scene around the Hooksett tolls was down right apocalyptic.

And I think Winni is going to take a heck of a lot longer than 2 weeks to ice in.

This is a bad weather pattern if you enjoy snow and lake ice.

[joann721]

Has there been a year that the lake hasnt frozen over ?

[HomeWood]

Has there been a year that the lake hasnt frozen over ?

I know there have been years when the broads never locked up.

I know it's still fall, but the bays should be locked up with ice by now right? (even if it's just a couple of inches)

Alton bay seems to be the only one holding any ice and Moultonboro bay seems like it's trying hard. My knowledge is only based on what I can see from the cameras.

[Lakegeezer]

It was surprising to see some of Moultonborough Bay frozen this morning. It had frozen about half-way across over the weekend, but blew out in Monday's winds. Tuesday AM, it was frozen half-way again with a light coat of snow on it. Now, the rains have come and it is looking very thin and gray. It will probably not last till tomorrow.

[phoenix]

lake temp at 40 still two weeks behind last year

[Merrymeeting]

The water temp is pretty much where it was in December of 2006, a year when many also worried there would be no ice-in. The lake was still mostly open in late January.

But it got very cold in late January, and February, and by the end of January, there were reports of 10" of ice. It can change quickly. It is New England, after all.

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4137&highlight=iceout

[fatlazyless]

And, this website reports today's Weirs Beach air temp at 1:33-pm to be 48-degrees......now that's pretty warm for December 22!

[Shore Driver]

Has there been a year that the lake hasnt frozen over ?

Winnisquam did not in 2001-2002.

[This'nThat]

Has there been a year that the lake hasnt frozen over ?
Ice-out records have been kept for 125 years (beginning in 1887). Over that time, there hasn't been a single year that the lake didn't freeze over (although the broads might have remained open). Ice out has occured in April 109 times; 13 times in May; and 3 times in March.

The ice-out history can be found here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Winnipesaukee_Ice-Out).

[This'nThat]

I guess we can declare "ice-in" this morning (Dec 25). The Mt Washington can't make it down the bay today without cutting through a lot of ice. It moved in quickly this morning, and there is a thin sheet of ice at least 1.5 miles long.

[Pine Island Guy]

we went out to the island yesterday and just a little ice around the mainland dock... it was a beautiful day for a ride in the alumacraft... but the 'wind chill' was freezing when we got any speed up!

we didn't see any (other fools) out on the water

hoping for ice -PIG

[Merrymeeting]

With temps remaining in the 40's through the night and heavy wind and rain, We should see much of the skim ice in the protected coves and bays disappear tomorrow night.

But then the next night will be in the low teens, and it will stay below freezing for 24+ hours, so much of it will probably reform.

[upthesaukee]

On the way to the dump, errrr landfill, errrrr Transfer Station (ah, politically correct at last;)), we noticed the ice in the bay was out past Sandy Point. This too will probably change over the next day or so, and then start to reform Thurs.

[ishoot308]

If you look at this thread; http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11360 it looks like the broads finally froze right around January 14th last year. Based on this and the 10 day forecast we will be at least two weeks or more later this year.

Thoughts or predictions??

Dan

[Resident 2B]

I look at long range weather models as a hobby. They are not always correct, but they do show a trend. Within the last week, two of these long range models have started to show that cold weather, below normal cold weather that is, is coming.

These two models are predicting each of the next three months of 2012 will be below normal temperature-wise in our part of the world. Since it appears the first week or so of January will be near or very slightly above normal, this tells me that it is possible the colder than normal weather will get going soon after the first week in January.

If this happens, it could "rescue" the winter activities on the lake. However, we are well behind where we should be this time of the year and as we get into late January, the sun angle gets higher and that starts impacting ice growth, especially if there is no snow on the ice to reflect back the suns rays.

Bottom line is, IF these two long range models are correct, we could still have a reasonable winter. However, if they do not have it right and the warm trend of the last six months continues, we will remember this winter as one with poor, unsafe ice conditions.

I only have been looking at temperatures, not the more complicated view on precipitation, so I am not saying these models are predicting big snow storms. They might or might not be doing this, I have not looked at this that deeply. We need to get it cold first.

I share this only to say there is a possible light at the end of the tunnel. Let's hope it is not another train! :)

R2B

[HomeWood]

As of now, weather.com (TWC) shows some pretty cold temps for the next 10days. The predicted 5* low will help give the ice a jump.

[Dhuberty24]

There was people on lake pemingewasset today

[meredith weekender]

Wmur stated today that this could be a year that Winni does not completely freeze over. Let's forget about ice inane just concentrate on ice out, ha ha ha. :laugh:

[AC2717]

How does the lake look this morning?

[DickR]

How does the lake look this morning?

Cold.

Well, actually, with the sun out so brightly, the sky so blue, and no snow around as I look out over the water, it looks like a nice fall day. The wind isn't as strong as it had been, so there are no whitecaps between Long Island and the Neck. I do notice that in close to shore, for 50 ft or so out, the quieter water has allowed some ice to reform overnight. Further out, where the breeze is cooling the water rapidly, it also is turning over the surface and mixing it with slightly less cold water below it and delaying the freezing.

[ishoot308]

I have given up on seeing any kind of decent ice fishing or winter sport season on Winni this year. With the 10 day weather forecast predicting above freezing temps during the day and mid forties on Saturday, the chance of the broads freezing over this year are slim. :(

Oh well, looks like the camp will open just that much earlier this year! :)

Dan

[HomeWood]

I'll settle for bare ice at this point and I'll leave the sled in NC. I just want to be able to fish and ride the atv's to my favorite spots.

If anybody is up flying around, I'd like to see some pics of the lake from the sky. The webcams give me a good idea of what parts are freezing, but it's only a handful of areas.

[Grant]

How does the lake look this morning?

When I got up at midnight, the stretch between 20 Mile Bay and Moultonboro Neck/Black Island was entirely liquid & choppy. By the time I got up @ 6:15, the entire area was frozen, save for a small patch out toward #59 marker. However, most of Winter Harbor was still completely open. Once that wind calmed, the temps didn't take long to set it up.

[Resident 2B]

Don't give up yet! There will be less wind over the next few nights and the lake is cold enough to freeze, as CLA has pointed out. We could see the bays locking up by this Friday night, some sooner.

Yes, there will be one warm day Saturday, but by the following Thursday, it will be very cold. Winter is coming and it looks to be below normal cold for the period Jan 11th onward for a few weeks, perhaps longer. I expect that in the end, Jan and Feb will be below normal temperature wise. Time will tell, but I am fairly confident with this.

Once it gets cold, the snow will follow.

R2B

[Merrymeeting]

See earlier reference to 2006... most were giving up that year too.

The lake was frozen solid by late January.

[Resident 2B]

Check out the Weirs Cam time-lapse video for today. The wind goes down and the bay skims over. Wow!!!

R2B

[BoSox711]

Time for some skating

[Mink Islander]

C'mon!! My bet is we'll have plenty of ice by 28th, maybe a little earlier. It's been a little slow in coming this year, but the weather patterns are beginning to trend more towards real winter. Ice is forming in the bays and beyond. Patience....

[Merrymeeting]

The water temp has dropped the past few days and is sitting in the low 30's. It won't take much. A few days of no wind and temps below 32 and it will skim over.

[ishoot308]

Don't give up yet! There will be less wind over the next few nights and the lake is cold enough to freeze, as CLA has pointed out. We could see the bays locking up by this Friday night, some sooner.

Yes, there will be one warm day Saturday, but by the following Thursday, it will be very cold. Winter is coming and it looks to be below normal cold for the period Jan 11th onward for a few weeks, perhaps longer. I expect that in the end, Jan and Feb will be below normal temperature wise. Time will tell, but I am fairly confident with this.

Once it gets cold, the snow will follow.

R2B

R2B;

I'm saying that I am giving up to throw Mother Nature off. Old Ma Nature knows how much I enjoy my winter time activities on the big lake and she is trying to mess with my head with all this warm weather! She likes doing stuff like that, she can be bitchy at times! :eek: I figure if I say I have given up it will throw her off just enough to get some cold weather here and get the ice locked up. :D

I'm feeling much better now!

Happy New Year!

Dan

[Pineedles]

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/LLrTPrp-fW8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[CateP]

Just want to report that the water in front of my rental house has frozen in motion. For the past two months I've been watching the winds kick up this little bay and this morning, all of a sudden it was frozen in place. Just like that. It's a very thin veneer of ice because I can see the water undulating beneath and moving this delicate frozen surface.

Fascinating.

[DickR]

This am the area between Long Island and the Neck is wall to wall ice.

[HomeWood]

Somebody on iceshanty.com states there is 4" of ice in Alton bay. Great start!

[tis]

Most of Winter Harbor has a very thin delicate layer this morning.

[Resident 2B]

R2B;

I'm saying that I am giving up to throw Mother Nature off. Old Ma Nature knows how much I enjoy my winter time activities on the big lake and she is trying to mess with my head with all this warm weather! She likes doing stuff like that, she can be bitchy at times! :eek: I figure if I say I have given up it will throw her off just enough to get some cold weather here and get the ice locked up. :D

I'm feeling much better now!

Happy New Year!

Dan


Dan,

Great strategy!

Happy New Year to you!

Enjoy whatever winter we get.

R2B

[riverat]

First house on yesterday with two guys chasing flags. Wow and only 4-5" of ice. I am anxious but not that anxious, one good warm rain could make a huge difference.

[XJLPS]

We have been ice skating on the north end of the big lake since Christmas Day .

[hilltopper]

First house on yesterday with two guys chasing flags. Wow and only 4-5" of ice. I am anxious but not that anxious, one good warm rain could make a huge difference.

You're right...and that rain event will probably be here mid week next week. No real ice to speak of in Meredith unless you want to fish between the north shore and the little island with the Indian statue on it.

[Belmont Resident]

You're right...and that rain event will probably be here mid week next week. No real ice to speak of in Meredith unless you want to fish between the north shore and the little island with the Indian statue on it.

Had to visit the vet Wednesday morning and I noticed a lot of the bay was skimmed over, and then the breeze picked up. It was really kind of cool to see it all just kind of fade away.

[Lakegeezer]

North of Moultonborough Bay (think light marker 14) it is all but frozen over now. We had a heavy dusting of snow this morning, so the holes in the ice are easily visible. Near rocks and in strange (probably spring fed) places, there are still small open spots, but for the most part, the ice is thick enough to gingerly walk on. Two inches is enough to keep the winds from removing the ice (for the fifth time this year) but not thick enough for anything more than a cautious foray near the shoreline or the local minks.

[Merrymeeting]

My area of Merrymeeting was wide open as of Monday. Returned today to find somewhat thick ice several hundred yards out. Not enough to walk on, but more than a skim. But by afternoon it already seemed to be retreating as the temp came up.

What surprised me more was my drive to Alton Bay. At about 4PM this afternoon, there were 4-5 ice fishermen out on the Bay. Several were well beyond the bandstand, out in the middle Given the areas of open water showing in multiple areas, not sure I'd trust it. There was also 1 bob house already out, almost out to the bandstand, and beyond (north of) it.

[RLW]

http://i44.tinypic.com/11tn4gg.jpg

[Dhuberty24]

Any body know how thick the ice is? Also any news on 19 mile bay?

[HomeWood]

Any body know how thick the ice is? Also any news on 19 mile bay?

On another site it was reported that Alton Bay has about 5".

[Merrymeeting]

I was gone from the area since Saturday, just returning today. It's interesting what has happened to the ice.

The Merrymeeting River is now almost completely closed in. It was still mostly open when we left on Saturday. So ice formation has continued. (For those who may not know, the Merrymeeting River flows into Alton Bay)

But at the same time, most of the ice that had formed in some of the coves on the lake has disappeared.

In any case, all the water bodies seem to be right at the tipping point needed to freeze. All it's going to take is extended, below 32 degree temps, something that appears to be coming next week.

[Lakegeezer]

Much of the northeast quadrant of the lake is 95% frozen, with lots of it 4-5" thick. Today, it has been singing. Very cool sounds and a sign that it is getting close to being safe. If we get the snow on Thursday as advertised, XC'ing on the lake should be very nice this weekend.

[AC2717]

THE WEIRS CAM HAS ICE THE WEIRS CAM HAS ICE

wow, i am getting excited here folks seriously

[HomeWood]

Great reports. Thanks!

[Irrigation Guy]

Much of the northeast quadrant of the lake is 95% frozen, with lots of it 4-5" thick. Today, it has been singing. Very cool sounds and a sign that it is getting close to being safe. If we get the snow on Thursday as advertised, XC'ing on the lake should be very nice this weekend.

Just curious, what is the Northeast quadrant? When I went through Wolfeboro yesterday it was 100% open. Winter Harbor was less than 50% too. Looking at my lake chart, isn't Wolfeboro the Northeast quadrant? or are you talking more northeast as in Springfield Point?

[Resident 2B]

Just curious, what is the Northeast quadrant? When I went through Wolfeboro yesterday it was 100% open. Winter Harbor was less than 50% too. Looking at my lake chart, isn't Wolfeboro the Northeast quadrant? or are you talking more northeast as in Springfield Point?

The lake charts do not have north on the top. North is near the top left corner. Once the chart is oriented, you will better see the northeast corner, generally Melvin Village area.

I do not think the entire northeast quadrant is frozen right now, but there is ice up in that area.

R2B

[secondcurve]

Just curious, what is the Northeast quadrant? When I went through Wolfeboro yesterday it was 100% open. Winter Harbor was less than 50% too. Looking at my lake chart, isn't Wolfeboro the Northeast quadrant? or are you talking more northeast as in Springfield Point?

I think Resident 2B explained it well. Wolfeboro can best be described as being located in the south east portion of the lake.

[Lakegeezer]

Just curious, what is the Northeast quadrant? When I went through Wolfeboro yesterday it was 100% open. Winter Harbor was less than 50% too. Looking at my lake chart, isn't Wolfeboro the Northeast quadrant? or are you talking more northeast as in Springfield Point?Sorry for the confusion. It is a bit obscure to talk about a north-east quadrant when the lake is laid out along the glacial NW to SE corrider. Perhaps a better way is to refer to the subwatersheds. The map of these can be seen at the winnipesaukeegateway.org site, under watershed maps (http://winnipesaukeegateway.org/watershed-map/) (click the "display subwatersheds" button). So, in those terms, the Moultonborough Inlet sub-watershed is frozen solid and quite safe in most spots. The Moultonborough Bay sub-watershed (which would include Melvin Village) is somewhat frozen, but has large areas of open water. The singing sounds (in the M'bay Inlet sub) have been going on for over 24 hours. It is caused by cracks forming in the ice. Cracks can go for hundreds of yards, and as they tear along from one point to another, the sound moves like when a boat goes by.

[Merrymeeting]

I posted a few photos taken of Alton Bay yesterday.

Still shaking my head after watching the guy walking near the open water near the town beach! :eek:

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/510/medium/DSC_3584.jpg

better view here http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/showfull.php?photo=18288

[Irrigation Guy]

Sorry for the confusion. It is a bit obscure to talk about a north-east quadrant when the lake is laid out along the glacial NW to SE corrider. Perhaps a better way is to refer to the subwatersheds. The map of these can be seen at the winnipesaukeegateway.org site, under watershed maps (http://winnipesaukeegateway.org/watershed-map/) (click the "display subwatersheds" button). So, in those terms, the Moultonborough Inlet sub-watershed is frozen solid and quite safe in most spots. The Moultonborough Bay sub-watershed (which would include Melvin Village) is somewhat frozen, but has large areas of open water. The singing sounds (in the M'bay Inlet sub) have been going on for over 24 hours. It is caused by cracks forming in the ice. Cracks can go for hundreds of yards, and as they tear along from one point to another, the sound moves like when a boat goes by.

Definitely looks like open water a ways outside Melvin Village too. Love that singing ice sound too. Seems it is louder without snow on the ice.

[Island Girl]

In keeping with tradition and philosophy (well mine anyway...) I am declaring this thread the Official Ice-in Thread rather than start a new one. Traditionally I start this thread in late Decemeber when it looks like the water is getting cold enough to freeze. It has been warm and I have been attending to other matters so am too late to start a new thread as this one has so much good info and pictures!

I love it when ice-in pics and discussion are all in one thread for easy reading. (again, just my philosophy, not a demand! :))

The Ice-In Page (http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/www.rattlesnakecam.com/icein.htm)isup at www.rattlesnakecam.com/icein.htm (http://www.rattlesnakecam.com/icein.htm).

Here you can watch the lake freeze from many different cams. I think this is the 8th year the page has been live!

This year is a new cam.... one that has an incredible view, and is much welcome.

Please wander on over and see if you can find it! Thanks to our newest webcam operator!!!!

The lake temp reported by the dam operators is 35 degrees. The broads can freeze when this thermometer is at that reading or a little below. We don't really know what the lake temp is out there, this is just historically what has happened over the last several years.

Let it ice, let it ice, let it ice.......

IG :D

Sorry for being so late this year

[Merrymeeting]

Sorry for being so late this year

You weren't IG! The ice is! You are right on time. Just in time for "Ice-In"

:D

[ITD]

Measured 8 inches of ice Blackey's cove, about 1000 feet from shore......

[Blue Thunder]

In keeping with tradition and philosophy (well mine anyway...) I am declaring this thread the Official Ice-in Thread rather than start a new one. Traditionally I start this thread in late Decemeber when it looks like the water is getting cold enough to freeze. It has been warm and I have been attending to other matters so am too late to start a new thread as this one has so much good info and pictures!

I love it when ice-in pics and discussion are all in one thread for easy reading. (again, just my philosophy, not a demand! :))

The Ice-In Page (http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/www.rattlesnakecam.com/icein.htm)isup at www.rattlesnakecam.com/icein.htm (http://www.rattlesnakecam.com/icein.htm).

Here you can watch the lake freeze from many different cams. I think this is the 8th year the page has been live!

This year is a new cam.... one that has an incredible view, and is much welcome.

Please wander on over and see if you can find it! Thanks to our newest webcam operator!!!!

The lake temp reported by the dam operators is 35 degrees. The broads can freeze when this thermometer is at that reading or a little below. We don't really know what the lake temp is out there, this is just historically what has happened over the last several years.

Let it ice, let it ice, let it ice.......

IG :D

Sorry for being so late this year


That was EASY...Mr. Hughes has a cam at Minge Cove now??!!!

[JPerron2004]

Measured 8 inches of ice Blackey's cove, about 1000 feet from shore......

Can you still see open water if you look out from the cove. I am doing the derby there and am interested on how much its freezing, i drove up this weekend and it didnt look very safe up there.Thanks

[ITD]

Can you still see open water if you look out from the cove. I am doing the derby there and am interested on how much its freezing, i drove up this weekend and it didnt look very safe up there.Thanks

I'm about half way down the cove, I didn't venture out far enough to see the outlet but would guess that beyond the entrance of the cove was not frozen yet. I think the cove is pretty much frozen, I drilled three holes as I walked out, all were 8 inches, I stopped because I ran out of time.

Center harbor was beginning to freeze, with I would say about 75% frozen, but it didn't look safe to me.

[JPerron2004]

I'm about half way down the cove, I didn't venture out far enough to see the outlet but would guess that beyond the entrance of the cove was not frozen yet. I think the cove is pretty much frozen, I drilled three holes as I walked out, all were 8 inches, I stopped because I ran out of time.

Center harbor was beginning to freeze, with I would say about 75% frozen, but it didn't look safe to me.

Thank You i appreciate it, Im staying on Wilson road for the derby, which i would assume is closer to the outlet but cant be too much. Its our first time on this area of the lake for the derby, but everything i hear says its a good area.. Please update if and when possible as i live about an hour and 15 minutes away

[ITD]

Thank You i appreciate it, Im staying on Wilson road for the derby, which i would assume is closer to the outlet but cant be too much. Its our first time on this area of the lake for the derby, but everything i hear says its a good area.. Please update if and when possible as i live about an hour and 15 minutes away

I'm guessing you will be ok as long as you head into the cove versus toward CH. Just drill before you get too far. Good luck, I'm an hour and 45 minutes away but should be up again Monday or Tuesday.

Welcome to the Forum!!

[dogma]

Does anyone know when the Alton winter festival is scheduled this year? Praying for cold !

[upthesaukee]

Alton Winter festival or carnival will be held on Sunday Feb 19.

[Merrymeeting]

Using reverse logic, technically we already have Ice-In.

If Ice-out is when the Mount can navigate to all it's ports without hitting ice, then I guess Ice-In is once it can't get to it's ports without hitting ice.

Given Alton and Center Harbor have ice.... :cool:

[BoulderBronco]

Question for you weather pros. I've been following the weather out there for the past couple weeks due to the warm weather. I'm a bit concerned about ice for our trip out next month. I typically look at Weather.com but today looked at Accuweather.com and noticed there is a fairly substantial difference in the forcasted temps from one site to the other. For example for tomorrow weather.com has H16 & L-5 whereas accuweather.com has H22 & L1.
So my question is (especially for those who live there year round) which site do you feel more accurately predicts the weather/temps? FYI our place is in Meredith so that is the location I always search. Thanks.:D

[Blue Thunder]

Question for you weather pros. I've been following the weather out there for the past couple weeks due to the warm weather. I'm a bit concerned about ice for our trip out next month. I typically look at Weather.com but today looked at Accuweather.com and noticed there is a fairly substantial difference in the forcasted temps from one site to the other. For example for tomorrow weather.com has H16 & L-5 whereas accuweather.com has H22 & L1.
So my question is (especially for those who live there year round) which site do you feel more accurately predicts the weather/temps? FYI our place is in Meredith so that is the location I always search. Thanks.:D

I wouldn't use either one. Too generic and vanilla. NWS Gray Maine will give you a more detailed forecast hands down.

http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Meredith&state=NH&site=GYX&textField1=43.658&textField2=-71.5043&e=1

[snowflake]

I really enjoy watching the live stream in Alton. About 7:15 AM I watched about a dozen people crossing the ice to fish. Enjoy. Any other places on the Lake that firm?

[meredith weekender]

4 degrees in Merecith tonight and NO ice on the bay yet. Yay!!!!!!!!! Ready to put the boat in. :)

[Resident 2B]

4 degrees in Merecith tonight and NO ice on the bay yet. Yay!!!!!!!!! Ready to put the boat in. :)

A bit too much wind tonight.

The bay will freeze tomorrow night. Let's hope it thickens up before the wind gets going again.

R2B

[Island Girl]

I agree with R2B. We will see the lake skimmed over Monday when we wake up!

[meredith weekender]

A bit too much wind tonight.

The bay will freeze tomorrow night. Let's hope it thickens up before the wind gets going again.

R2B


Noooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:laugh:

[Blue Thunder]

I agree with R2B. We will see the lake skimmed over Monday when we wake up!

I think there will still be too much of a breeze........you guys are the experts though.

[Resident 2B]

I think there will still be too much of a breeze........you guys are the experts though.

High pressure will move over us tonight. No isobars, no wind. Wind will drop off to calm between 11 PM and 1 AM, and with the wind going away, the temp will get down well below zero.

High confidence with this.

R2B

[Merrymeeting]

It also expect that we will see a lot of areas freeze over the next few days if the wind dies. It's certainly cold enough.

But as CLA pointed out in his "double-digit dates" note, the solar gain is already getting stronger.

I was amazed this morning when looking outside. We have a porch roof on our house that can be seen from an upstairs window. The area under the roof is unheated. The outside thermometer reading was 4 degrees. Despite all this, the black-shingled roof, facing the mid-morning sun, was melting the snow on the roof at an amazing pace. The water was just pouring off the roof.

The weather, as always, remains fascinating.

[meredith weekender]

High pressure will move over us tonight. No isobars, no wind. Wind will drop off to calm between 11 PM and 1 AM, and with the wind going away, the temp will get down well below zero.

High confidence with this.

R2B

Will let you know in the morning what the bay looks like.

[meredith weekender]

Will let you know in the morning what the bay looks like.

As of 7:30am Meredith Bay is a mix of 1/2 open water patches and 1/2 slushy patches. The morning sun is doing a number on the slush.

[codeman671]

Does anyone know what Glendale access is like today? I know it was open yesterday. We could really use a cam at MP headquarters!

[BroadHopper]

Looks like it is frozen today. Meredith Bay to the Broads looks like it is iced over.

[AC2717]

Oh My God even the Snake Eyes cam is now showing ICE

[Island Girl]

It does appear that the broads in front of Snake Eyes is icing over... just have to keep the wind down for a while longer. This is fun to watch.... usually ice over happens overnight and we wake up to a frozen lake. It was disappointing to see blue wavy water this morning.

Ripples seem to be in the view as well as either ice or very shiny still water.

IG

[AC2717]

seems to me like it is ice, looks different than the usual water ripples, but then again I am hoping in praying here

[Island Girl]

seems to me like it is ice, looks different than the usual water ripples, but then again I am hoping in praying here

I am hoping the same..... Click Here to see the last ten Snake Eyes images. It is a good way to see the changes in the last half hour or so.

Http://www.rattlesnakecam.com/snakeeyesall.htm


IG

[Merrymeeting]

Merrymeeting finally iced over today too. It is very thin, but no open water that I can see.

I drove on Rt 495 today. Crossing over the Merrimack you could see large pieces of ice drifting in the water. First time I've seen that this year. Clearly the water is cold enough...

[ishoot308]

I am afraid the wind coming in on Wednesday will take out any ice that freezes over tonight and tomorrow...

[Island Girl]

I am afraid the wind coming in on Wednesday will take out any ice that freezes over tonight and tomorrow...

If there is open water, the wind eats away at the edges of the thin ice. If there is all ice it stands a much better chance of holding. It is so discouraging to see ice one day and big waves the next... Unless it is April!

IG

[Island Girl]

Lots of ripples showing now on Snake Eyes. :emb::emb::(

[Lake Fan]

Time to fire up my new Ford Explorer and head out to check the ice thickness. :eek:

[mcdude]

A GMC Jimmy (http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7013&highlight=Jimmy)also works well for this purpose.

[2islandboy]

Just came in from a boat trip: west side of Bear to Mark, Timber and Lockes. Then returned up the Broads to Three Mile, Bear Mail Dock and back to west side of Bear. 16' fiberglass outboard - lots of open water and never more than 3/4" of ice, easy to break up. Maybe ice-out before ice-in???

[Blue Thunder]

Lots of ripples showing now on Snake Eyes. :emb::emb::(

Somebody said yesterday he didn't think the lake would freeze last night...:D

Todays satellite pic showing most area lakes have ice...except the Big Lake and Sebago Lake. Not uncommon at all, IMO.

BT

[Irrigation Guy]

Just came in from a boat trip: west side of Bear to Mark, Timber and Lockes. Then returned up the Broads to Three Mile, Bear Mail Dock and back to west side of Bear. 16' fiberglass outboard - lots of open water and never more than 3/4" of ice, easy to break up. Maybe ice-out before ice-in???

Dislike!

Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk

[secondcurve]

Somebody said yesterday he didn't think the lake would freeze last night...:D

Todays satellite pic showing most area lakes have ice...except the Big Lake and Sebago Lake. Not uncommon at all, IMO.

BT

Thanks nice visual. It looks like Squam is open, too.

[Merrymeeting]

Today's image will be different. Note that on the one posted yesterday, Merrymeeting Lake (dark spot to the right of Alton Bay finger) shows as open.

Until yesterday, it was. But yesterday it skimmed over, with still clear, dark ice. I expect this would show as "open" in a satellite image.

This morning the thin ice is covered with a light layer of snow so it's now white. However, there are already dark spots showing from water coming up along ice cracks. With above freezing temps in the next 24 hours, rain predicted, and then high winds, it will be interesting to see if it lasts.

Next weeks predicted warm temps will also have an impact.

[AC2717]

today's time lapse on the Weirs cam, just the short light up time there has been today, shows the ice and snow receeding, man am I bummed

[Bear Island South]

This year is very similar to 2007. We were looking to buy a place on the lake and ended up taking a boat ride with our realtors on 1/18, by 2/14 we came over on snowmobiles to look again. I believe it will ice over but may be a short window of time.
2007 ice out was April 23rd.

[codeman671]

It is pouring here in Milton. The temps for the next week do not look overly favorable for rapid ice growth. Next week sounds even warmer.

What do things look like from either Glendale to Mark or Meredith/Sheps to Mark? I need to get out if possible.

[Slickcraft]

We stopped by Glendale today. Thin ice from the docks part way to Pig then some open water. Some ice toward light 26 but mostly open water by light 26. Looking from Belknap Point mostly open water toward Welch, Round and Timber.

[Bear247]

This year is very similar to 2007. We were looking to buy a place on the lake and ended up taking a boat ride with our realtors on 1/18, by 2/14 we came over on snowmobiles to look again. I believe it will ice over but may be a short window of time.
2007 ice out was April 23rd.

Welcome to Bear Island...

[Merrymeeting]

I woke up about 5 AM this morning because the wind sounded like the house was going to blow down. With the almost 40 degree temps yesterday and all the rain, I expected to see the ice on Merrymeeting mostly gone once the sun was up.

Much to my surprise, the lake is still mostly iced over. A few spots have opened up and all the snow cover is gone. But despite the wind, the open spots don't seem to be getting any larger. The cold temps of the next few days should lock it in.

[BoulderBronco]

I woke up about 5 AM this morning because the wind sounded like the house was going to blow down. With the almost 40 degree temps yesterday and all the rain, I expected to see the ice on Merrymeeting mostly gone once the sun was up.

Much to my surprise, the lake is still mostly iced over. A few spots have opened up and all the snow cover is gone. But despite the wind, the open spots don't seem to be getting any larger. The cold temps of the next few days should lock it in.

SWEET!!!:banana:

[codeman671]

I just came back from a drive up to Gilford. Alton Bay is iced almost to the mouth, but it looks paper thin. The broads are completely open and the wind is howling. I followed the shore roads up to Gilford and saw nothing for real ice even along the edges. Nothing at Glendale looking out towards Mark, Round and Timber. Just a bit of ice between the dock fingers.

I stopped at a property in behind Barn Door, there was ice piled up in that sheltered area behind but you could see whitecaps beyond. Stopped at Rum Point as well, wide open and windy.

[AC2717]

Wind Wind Go Away, Come on back another day
Wind Wind Go Away, Come on back another day
Wind Wind Go Away, Come on back another day

[magicrobotmonkey]

Anyone have eyes on Meredith Bay? How's it holding up to all this wind?

[winniboy]

This year is very similar to 2007. We were looking to buy a place on the lake and ended up taking a boat ride with our realtors on 1/18, by 2/14 we came over on snowmobiles to look again. I believe it will ice over but may be a short window of time.
2007 ice out was April 23rd.



am i right assuming that is Island Service Company's boat?

[Belmont Resident]

A lot of the ice broke up on Winnisquam and in Meredith a lot of the bay was back open again and one of the bob houses that was next to Lago's is gone.

[Merrymeeting]

We finally have ice-in on Merrymeeting Lake this morning. While the wind did open a large hole in the ice in the middle of the lake yesterday, it is completely frozen over today and looks very solid. WIth no temps above freezing for the next several days, it isn't going anywhere by thicker.

I expect Winni will follow a similar path. Seems a lot llike 06/07. A late-January ice-in.

[winniboy]

If anyone is in meredith today..can you check on the bay...take some snapshots/ real cold lastnight and its at 1 degree with no wind..how's it looking?

[Bear Island South]

am i right assuming that is Island Service Company's boat?

yes it is...Buddy brought us over from Cattle Landing.
We had to break through a few hundred feet of ice before we hit open water

[Alton Bay]

Are there any companies like Emerson that fly over the lake to declare "Ice-In"?
Wondering if the Broads were iced over today???

[Belmont Resident]

Paugus bay is iced over and it looked like the area between the end Meredith and Weirs was iced over. I didn't have to drive down to the docks so I'm not sure what the bay looks like.
Really ugly looking ice though and the forecast is for temps in the 40's next week maybe near 50 for Monday.

[martbri7]

The bay is locked in looks like all the way to the weirs...hope this helps

[hilltopper]

Meredith Bay just re-iced in last night, because most of it was open around 4:30PM yesterday.

[gtagrip]

Paugus bay is iced over and it looked like the area between the end Meredith and Weirs was iced over. I didn't have to drive down to the docks so I'm not sure what the bay looks like.
Really ugly looking ice though and the forecast is for temps in the 40's next week maybe near 50 for Monday.

I agree with BR, Monday is not looking good, in fact most of next week looks to be in the 40's during the day. Monday is calling for 50 and rain. Looks like mid-Feb Ice-in now if it even ever happens. ;)

[calef22]

With the current conditions mixed in with the forecast for the next 3 days, I expect that your outlook may be pessimistic. It remains to be seen but in my opinion we will have enough build up between now and Monday to withstand Monday.

For the record, Monday is projected to be overcast/light snow, this will not have the negative impact of a bright sunny day.

Hang in there!

[hilltopper]

I agree with BR, Monday is not looking good, in fact most of next week looks to be in the 40's during the day. Monday is calling for 50 and rain. Looks like mid-Feb Ice-in now if it even ever happens. ;)

Where are you getting that forecast?? Meredith on Monday: high of 36 with light rain/freezing rain.

[Belmont Resident]

Where are you getting that forecast?? Meredith on Monday: high of 36 with light rain/freezing rain.

We were just talking about how up and down the numbers have been this year. One day they are calling for 40 the next day 30's and we wind up in the teen's. But yes they were calling for 40's at least 3 days next week and now it's down to mid 30's with rain on monday.

[winniboy]

yes it is...Buddy brought us over from Cattle Landing.
We had to break through a few hundred feet of ice before we hit open water

thats my dad lol
..



great pictures and a positive update.. glad to see the bay looking icy

[Bear Island South]

Ice showing on most of the webcams - can we declare ice-in

[JPerron2004]

anyone know if it is frozen over near ellacoya, i know thats usually one of the last places to freeze?

[FLAG!]

That skim of ice didn't hold up. Must have been windy yesterday. I hope the ice that's there now can hold up through next week's warm up and wind. Snow now would be bad.

[Slickcraft]

Photo taken today from Belknap Point Road looking out between Welch and Forty Islands. It looks about the same looking out from Ellacoya toward the Broads. A lot of blue water out there.

The area looking out from Glendale is skimmed over out past light 26.

[Ridgefarmer63]

Photo taken today from Belknap Point Road looking out between Welch and Forty Islands. It looks about the same looking out from Ellacoya toward the Broads. A lot of blue water out there.

The area looking out from Glendale is skimmed over out past light 26.

That's a nice shot of the lake right there Slickcraft. Thanks !

[calef22]

Lots of ripples showing now on Snake Eyes. :emb::emb::(

Can't wait to see those Winnipesaukee Webcams tomorrow:)

[Dhuberty24]

Looks like the whole lake is frozen over. Hopefully it is thick enough to take the heat this week

[HomeWood]

It's looking pretty good up there!

[Blue Thunder]

very promising....we'll see....

BT

[Merrymeeting]

Are those snowmobile tracks showing on the ice on SnakeEyes? On the ice that was totally open water less than 2 days ago? :eek:

[AC2717]

I saw that as well this morning, would be very surprised if they were wow those or that person was lucky

[Bear Island South]

Are those snowmobile tracks showing on the ice on SnakeEyes? On the ice that was totally open water less than 2 days ago? :eek:

I believe they are cracks in the ice with water seeping through

[KPW]

http://www.citizen.com/news/laconia_region/article_0ca507e8-457c-11e1-a8a3-0019bb30f31a.html

[DavidAE]

Good Morning to Everyone,
Having just signed on this would be my first time posting a forum for all to read. This past Sunday I declared "Ice in" on the big lake. While we have not been out yet today I would not be surprised that the areas that were last to freeze Saturday night and Sunday in the Broads were to reopen today with temps in the 40's and Sunshine. Not to worry for those Ice enthusiast, It will return as the winter progresses.

[Slickcraft]

Welcome to the forum David, it is always great to have first hand information.

Looking out from Belknap point this morning I did not see open water however there was a layer of water on top of what ice there is.

[codeman671]

A lot of the cameras seem to not be updated today, or in the last few days. Minge Cove cam show things opening up. I will be curious to see what the rattlesnakecam looks like by the end of the day if it comes back online.

[Island Girl]

I am not sure why Snake Eyes is not updating... I am trying to find out if there is a power outage on the island. I don't think anyone is living there this year so that would eliminate any immediate help.

I was thinking of starting an ice-out thread. ;)

[BenLasher]

Anyone have a view of Meredith Bay?

I'm wondering if there is any chance that the Pond Hockey Classic, scheduled for Feb 3-5 (ummm, next weekend) in Meredith has any chance of happening.

It looks like the forecast for the next week is wintery, but up to high 30's during the day and mid 20's at night.

I'm just not confident that Meredith Bay will support 16 playing surfaces, each covered with hockey players, dozens of sponsor sheds, warming huts, vendor buildings, etc., etc.

Any thoughts or projections???????

[Blue Thunder]

Anyone have a view of Meredith Bay?

I'm wondering if there is any chance that the Pond Hockey Classic, scheduled for Feb 3-5 (ummm, next weekend) in Meredith has any chance of happening.

It looks like the forecast for the next week is wintery, but up to high 30's during the day and mid 20's at night.

I'm just not confident that Meredith Bay will support 16 playing surfaces, each covered with hockey players, dozens of sponsor sheds, warming huts, vendor buildings, etc., etc.

Any thoughts or projections???????

Check the thread that deals with it here.....

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13467

BT

[DRH]

A trip today along Rt. 11 from Minge Cove in West Alton to Gilford showed the lake to be solid all the way across. We could see no areas of open water. It's impossible to tell how thick the ice is, but the rainwater that was sitting on top of the ice yesterday had frozen overnight in all areas we could see.

[calef22]

Anyone have a view of Meredith Bay?

I'm wondering if there is any chance that the Pond Hockey Classic, scheduled for Feb 3-5 (ummm, next weekend) in Meredith has any chance of happening.

It looks like the forecast for the next week is wintery, but up to high 30's during the day and mid 20's at night.

I'm just not confident that Meredith Bay will support 16 playing surfaces, each covered with hockey players, dozens of sponsor sheds, warming huts, vendor buildings, etc., etc.

Any thoughts or projections???????


Just spoke with my Parents on Pleasant Street. They believe the tournament has already been moved to Waukewan ( I am pretty sure he meant Waukewan) where 17 rinks have been set up. He also mentioned that there were 2 rinks set up on Winni but I would not expect the being used.

The Ice is there but not thick enough yet according to them and they are monitoring daily.

I believe we will have a small gain but still a net gain in ice this week but I do not see the chance for an event based on the warm daytime temps.

I think we are looking good for the Derby at this point but I have no idea what the LT forecast is and that will be the deciding factor. Supposedly Meredith Rotary was having a meeting tonight in regard to the schedule.

[Bear Island South]

am i right assuming that is Island Service Company's boat?

Winniboy, I know Island Services does a lot of island work during the winter month's, have they started any yet? If so how are crossing the ice?

[winniboy]

Winniboy, I know Island Services does a lot of island work during the winter month's, have they started any yet? If so how are crossing the ice?
Still not on the island yet, they have a project on bear for the winter building a new house. Ice is to think for boats but to thin to cross (safely) with snowmobiles. they are waiting for the ice to solid up a little bit, if it doesn't they can break out the fan boat.

[Island Girl]

For a lot of the lake, the ice is still too thin for even the air boats. They weigh a lot and will break through, creating rivers of water. The wind can use these rivers to break up what ice there is and the lake will never freeze. Given the forecast for the next week, growing much ice is iffy at best.

In a couple of days we will start with our ice-out guesses. How about March 1st?? !!!

IG :D

[winniboy]

For a lot of the lake, the ice is still too thin for even the air boats. They weigh a lot and will break through, creating rivers of water. The wind can use these rivers to break up what ice there is and the lake will never freeze. Given the forecast for the next week, growing much ice is iffy at best.

In a couple of days we will start with our ice-out guesses. How about March 1st?? !!!

IG :D
The air boats can go out on water if needed. We will not be going out if not needed. id say april 1st

[Island Girl]

Yup, drove one myself s few years back! As the ice gets thin, I love the undulating ice behind the air boat. It looks like waves of water but is really waves of thin punky ice. I think i have a movie of riding in the airboat somewhere on http://rattlesnakecam.com/pictures.htm. If not I will put one there in the next day or so.

CA

[codeman671]

Some airboats dont do as much damage to the ice. The yellow 1000 Islands that I had was great. I could easily traverse from water to ice without plowing through like the standard square hulls do. I rode in the ISS airboat last spring a week or so before ice-out, it is the traditional flat bottom square nose style. It had a tough time getting on top of the ice, granted there were 5 of us in the boat.

March 1 sounds great to me!

[TJNed]

I'm new here to the forum, but have been keeping a watchful eye trying to find out how the ice is developing on the lake. Me and my family come up each year (about 15 years now) for the derby and we would like to fish the channel by Governors Island. I know there is usually open water under the bridge but what does the rest of the nearby area look like? I'd like to get out to the point in between Governors Island and Weir's beach.

[Bear247]

Still not on the island yet, they have a project on bear for the winter building a new house. Ice is to think for boats but to thin to cross (safely) with snowmobiles. they are waiting for the ice to solid up a little bit, if it doesn't they can break out the fan boat.

Poor Erne is never going to get his camp finished

[Pineedles]

For a lot of the lake, the ice is still too thin for even the air boats. They weigh a lot and will break through, creating rivers of water. The wind can use these rivers to break up what ice there is and the lake will never freeze. Given the forecast for the next week, growing much ice is iffy at best.

In a couple of days we will start with our ice-out guesses. How about March 1st?? !!!

IG :D

You know if that ever happens, we will be the World Poster child for global warming. :laugh:

[upthesaukee]

Hope you enjoy the forum and the lakes region.

[winniboy]

Poor Erne is never going to get his camp finished

oh itl get done, they were still on boats untill last week or so, making good progress on it.

[rander7823]

Have there ever been two ice outs?

[Lakegeezer]

Have there ever been two ice outs?Great question! Yes, there were - but not officially. I forget the year, but ice-out was declared, the Mt. Washington routes were open - the winner of the contest was declared. Then, some wind blew an ice-flow back into the boat's route and unofficially it was not ice-out any more. True story, but the official statistics of ice-out over the years do not reflect it.

[Island Girl]

I remember that, Lakegeezer. I think it was mid-week and the ice floes were gone by the weekend when I opened my camp... So no danger of my boat being hit by a wandering berg!

IG

[HomeWood]

How's the ice doing lately with the milder temps and the rain?

[Slickcraft]

We took a look by the town docks today, there is water between the docks but iced over elsewhere. No indication that anyone has been out onto the ice to fish nor has anyone attempted to get a bob house onto the ice from there. The town has plowed what snow there was so as to partially block access to the area left of the docks where bob houses are normally towed onto the ice.

[Merrymeeting]

I was out on Merrymeeting today. A layer of water, covered by slushy ice.

A friend who was fishing said the holes he drilled were ~6". It appears that the rain yesterday is still sitting on top of the ice. The ice below must be fairly good or the water would have drained by now. Then the sleet/ice of late yesterday covered over the top.

At the same time, there are a few areas of the lake that were iced over before that are now open (areas where streams or springs enter the lake). I also saw parts of the Merrymeeting River that had opened up that were frozen last week.

Finally, I drove over the Merrimack River today. Two weeks ago saw large ice floes in the water. Today, nothing, just water.

[Lucky1]

I was there Friday. Drove by Meredith and through Center Harbor and up to Moultonborough. Certainly was pleny of open water no matter where we looked.

[Resident 2B]

Well, I admit that my winter prediction made a month ago did not materialize. It got cold in the middle of the month as I expected, but the cold did not last long and from there it warmed up again, something I did not think would happen.

Looking forward, this coming week the temperatures will be above normal and the following week looks to be below normal. After that, it looks like the temperatures will moderate and be at or above normal into early March. This is not to say there will not be any cold days, but on average it does not look to be all that cold. This winter just does not seem to want to act like a New England winter.

As you all can see, the days are getting longer and the sun is getting stronger. In fact the historically coldest time of the year is Jan 22 to Jan 26 and that is now behind us. All of this will result in only a minor building of the ice, most likely between next weekend and the derby. After that the higher sun angle and the longer days will start to kick in.

Again, I could be wrong and I have been more wrong this year than I have been right with these long range forecasts. Sorry about that. :o I also realize this is bad news to some and good news to others, but in the end it looks like this will go down as a very mild winter.

R2B

[ishoot308]

I hear ya R2B... With temps expected near 50 with rain on Wednesday and pushing 40 on Thursday, there won't be any real ice making going on only ice losing!

I decided to head to Pittsburg next weekend and try and get some snowmobiling in. Even up there trail conditions are iffy at best but I figured if I can't ride I can ice fish the Connecticut lakes! Plenty of ice up there!

Dan

[AC2717]

Is it my eyes, or does all the ice on the cams look to be solid, except snake eye of course. but including the Weirs cam???

[Blue Thunder]

Well, I admit that my winter prediction made a month ago did not materialize. It got cold in the middle of the month as I expected, but the cold did not last long and from there it warmed up again, something I did not think would happen.

Looking forward, this coming week the temperatures will be above normal and the following week looks to be below normal. After that, it looks like the temperatures will moderate and be at or above normal into early March. This is not to say there will not be any cold days, but on average it does not look to be all that cold. This winter just does not seem to want to act like a New England winter.

As you all can see, the days are getting longer and the sun is getting stronger. In fact the historically coldest time of the year is Jan 22 to Jan 26 and that is now behind us. All of this will result in only a minor building of the ice, most likely between next weekend and the derby. After that the higher sun angle and the longer days will start to kick in.

Again, I could be wrong and I have been more wrong this year than I have been right with these long range forecasts. Sorry about that. :o I also realize this is bad news to some and good news to others, but in the end it looks like this will go down as a very mild winter.

R2B

I'm not going to let you go down with the ship alone. I was right there with you making the same predictions. This weather pattern and trying to predict it using the tools we always use is very frustrating, to say the least. I'm ready to write this "non-winter" off and move on to an early Spring.

BT

[codeman671]

Is it my eyes, or does all the ice on the cams look to be solid, except snake eye of course. but including the Weirs cam???

After driving around a lot yesterday looking at property on the southern end of the lake, there is ice everywhere but I wouldnt head out just yet...

[SIKSUKR]

I'm not going to let you go down with the ship alone. I was right there with you making the same predictions. BT

You can add me to that list as well.Can we get through one whole week with normal/below avg temps?This is a rollercoaster winter if I ever saw one.

[RailroadJoe]

Is the aircraft runway going to open? The ice looks pretty safe. Have to move one bob house if they do open it.

[Bear Island South]

I'm ready to write this "non-winter" off and move on to an early Spring.

BT

As of today only 50 more days until spring. :D

[Slickcraft]

Is the aircraft runway going to open? The ice looks pretty safe. Have to move one bob house if they do open it.

Brian in the corner store would probably know, he is one of the runway plow guys.

[Bear Island South]

Does anyone have ice thickness reports?
I hear there are a few bob houses in Meredith Bay.
How about the Cattle Landing area?

[hilltopper]

There are a few bobhouses in Meredith Bay, but they're no more than 50 feet off shore. The furtheset out I've seen someone on Meredtih Bay was a fellow (maybe winniboy?) taking down some posts and ropes that were markling off an area for the pond hockey tournament (which has been moved to Waukewan). That person was a probably couple hundred yards out. All I can say is use extreme caution on Meredith Bay. Maybe winniboy knows the exact ice thickness out a few hundred yards...

[Merrymeeting]

There are spots on the Merrymeeting River that are open that were not there last week. The Downings Landing 1 webcam seems to show the ice receeding from the bridge in the Bay.

While we have a long way to go (ask Phil!), be careful on the ice this weekend.

[Mink Islander]

Coming up Satuday morning, hand auger at the ready to drill a few holes at Cattle Landing. Skeptical that it will be good news but want to get a first hand look leading up to the Derby. Will post what I learn.

[fatlazyless]

Horse Island, close to the Cattle Landing town dock, has open water between it and the mainland, plus there's some open water on the outer pointy end of Horse Island too. The ice out in the middle out towards Mark Island looks kinda soft and grey but I did see one lone snowmobiler roaring around on a two-stroke sno-mo out that way today at about noon.

The new Cattle Landing floating dock has a water circulator so's it has some open water, too.

[nhhick]

Ice between Cow and the mainland is also looking grey, kinda like late Feb early March ice. Also had some rather large pieces break up and move into the open areas where a stream and our de-icers keep open. But on a good note I have heard threee weather guys say a foot of snow or more on around the 17th. Bad for ice but good for the riding.

[Resident 2B]

Look at the Weirs Cam time lapse for today, Feb 3rd and you will see a great example of the ice receding, even though the temperature is below freezing. There is a good sized piece in the process of breaking off the main ice sheet. You can see it fracture and then move back and forth.

This is due to the stronger sun we get this time of the year. With the passing of Feb 2nd, Groundhog Day, that ended the darkest quarter of the year. We are now in a transitional quarter of the year where the sun angle and the sun light increases the most. With thin ice and little snow cover, the sun will eat away at the ice more and more each day. The ice is also noticeably more grey today than it was a few days ago, meaning more of the sun's rays are being absorbed and not reflected. This also adds to the ice melting.

Be very safe out there!!!!

R2B

[Belmont Resident]

Just drove by Paugus bay and there was only one ice house on the whole bay.
Several cracks with water showing and lots of open water along the shore where it is usually frozen to within 10-20 feet of bubblers.
My .02, I think the derby is a really bad idea given the conditions. Way to little usable ice. Even Lilly pond didn't look all that great, it looked very thin by the towers.
Hope it all turns out for the best..

[DRH]

We saw a couple pickup trucks this afternoon out on the ice next to some bob houses on Alton Bay. Before today we'd only seen snowmobiles and ATVs out there.

[meredith weekender]

Meredith bay is definitely opening up on the south side of Meredith marina. The appears to have moved out about 100' from shore and is now clear at least 500' down from the marina.

[Mink Islander]

FLL, i see what looks like a bob house on the Governor's Island cam half way between the tip of Meredith Neck and Mark/Timber Islands. There's usually one in that area most winters. Just wanting to confirm. My plans changed for this weekend when the kid's car died..... Plan to be up Friday to check things out.

[Bear Island South]

I couldn't make out the one on Governor's, there is definately activity on the Weirs cam

[tpabrad]

Bear I saw them out there yesterday too. Seems like things should hold up for next weekend. I'll be on town on Thursday and cant wait. Was hoping for some snow but I'll be happy there is ice!

[fatlazyless]

No, there's no ice fishing bob houses or any ice fisherman anywhere to be seen between Cattle Landing, Buoy 3, Mark Island, Timber Island, or Governor's Island.

Earlier today, there was a large red johnboat style airboat with a huge propeller on the stern sliding around the ice off Dolly Island and Bear Island but that's about all.

45-degrees is what this website is reporting right now from the Weirs-Cam, plus it is sunny too.

www.weirsonline.com/fishingderby.htm

[Blue Thunder]

Today's image shows the darkish color of the ice on most of the lake compared to the brighter white color in the Moultonboro Bay area.

BT

[AC2717]

Sebago does not look like there is ice at all

so what does this say?

[meredith weekender]

Sebago does not look like there is ice at all

so what does this say?


It says "PARTY TIME", call the marina and ready the boat. LOL :laugh::laugh:

[Blue Thunder]

Sebago does not look like there is ice at all

so what does this say?

What is says is I CAN'T GET TO MY HOUSE AND I'M NOT HAPPY ABOUT IT!!!

It is not uncommon for Sebago not to freeze and with a winter like this, it just didn't happen. The Sebago Lake Rotary Ice Fishing Derby scheduled for Feb 17-19 has already been cancelled. The $100K prize for a record touge is still up for grabs during the Statewide Derby in March. The major reason for no ice is Sebago is much deeper (315' at it's deepest) than Winnipesaukee. It takes a perfect set of circumstances for the water to reach its maximum density of 39 degrees prior to freezing. This phenomenon has been explained by CLA in the past. The wind "almost" never quits and any ice that forms is often blown off the lake during the next day. It's always a crap shoot that I get to use my place in the winter. I'm probably taking the aluminum over sometime this week just to get a look around.

BT

[secondcurve]

What is says is I CAN'T GET TO MY HOUSE AND I'M NOT HAPPY ABOUT IT!!!

It is not uncommon for Sebago not to freeze and with a winter like this, it just didn't happen. The Sebago Lake Rotary Ice Fishing Derby scheduled for Feb 17-19 has already been cancelled. The $100K prize for a record touge is still up for grabs during the Statewide Derby in March. The major reason for no ice is Sebago is much deeper (315' at it's deepest) than Winnipesaukee. It takes a perfect set of circumstances for the water to reach its maximum density of 39 degrees prior to freezing. This phenomenon has been explained by CLA in the past. The wind "almost" never quits and any ice that forms is often blown off the lake during the next day. It's always a crap shoot that I get to use my place in the winter. I'm probably taking the aluminum over sometime this week just to get a look around.

BT

Blue Thunder: If you live in Massachusetts and vacation in Maine why do you visit this site so often?

[Pineedles]

I was not aware that Sebago doesn't freeze some years, as well as it's depth of 315'. I know I was there in '86 or '88 staying a couple of days with some neighbors and the water temperature was close to 90 degrees. Real hot spell but at the time I assumed it was a shallow lake.

[Blue Thunder]

Blue Thunder: If you live in Massachusetts and vacation in Maine why do you visit this site so often?

I have some ties to the area from my childhood, have boated the lake many times and feel that I make positive contributions to this site. For the record, I don't believe that I am the only one participating here on a regular basis that isn't from the Lakes Region of NH.

BT

[Blue Thunder]

I was not aware that Sebago doesn't freeze some years, as well as it's depth of 315'. I know I was there in '86 or '88 staying a couple of days with some neighbors and the water temperature was close to 90 degrees. Real hot spell but at the time I assumed it was a shallow lake.

The ten year average for not freezing is 3 out of every 10. In my 40+ years of visiting/owning I've never seen the water temp that high. In the hottest of summers it can get to 80, but thats about it.

BT

[SIKSUKR]

I'm surprized that some of those bays have not frozen on Sebago.I guess the the lake temp is to high?

[Blue Thunder]

I'm surprized that some of those bays have not frozen on Sebago.I guess the the lake temp is to high?

Correct. As stated earlier, the water has to reach a uniform 39 degrees for a depth of 10-20 feet. Water is most dense at this temp. Then, and only then, can the rapid cooling at the surface take place to start the freezing process. In a perfect world that would be several nights of zero or sub zero cold. Obviously, we haven't had but a few of those nights this winter and in the case of Sebago, it wasn't at a time when the wind was calm. There was some ice about 2 weeks ago that was about an inch thick. One NW day and it was history.

BT

[Merrymeeting]

Based only on the webcam views, it sure looks like the ice is getting thinner and open areas are widening. I'll be able to look myself later this week when I get back to the area.

[codeman671]

Between the Black Cat cam and the Weirs cam, things are looking ugly...I was up on Alton Mountain earlier today and saw ice everywhere, but it was very gray. Down in Wolfeboro off Gould Road I saw someone walking about between the Varney Islands.

Some of the coves are fine, but I would not want to be anywhere out in the open. We are going to start an office pool to see how many people and cars go through this weekend...

[Resident 2B]

The ice looks much more like March 7th than February 7th and the lake temp does as well. Look at today's Anchor Marine time-lapse, large pieces of moving ice. :eek:

Be extremely careful out there ice fishing! I have decided to pass this year.

R2B

[FLAG!]

Do I see an ice house out there in Wolfeboro bay?

[Jonas Pilot]

I heard there were two out in Wolfeboro Bay.

[adamkry]

Hi All-

I will be trying to get to my house on Sleeper's Island tomorrow. I will be heading off from rattlesnake landing and trying to cross directly across to the island. The ice is normally a little thinner as that channel sees a good amount of current. Does anyone have any good info as to the ice around there? It's an East North East approach from Glidden cove to Sleeper's Island.

Obviously, I'll check it myself as I go but it'd make me feel better, or worse, to have a little more information.

Thanks!

[secondcurve]

I have some ties to the area from my childhood, have boated the lake many times and feel that I make positive contributions to this site. For the record, I don't believe that I am the only one participating here on a regular basis that isn't from the Lakes Region of NH.

BT

Thanks. I didn't mean to imply that you don't make positive contributions to the site. I was just trying to understand your connection and you explained it well.

[adamkry]

The path from Rattlesnake Landing to Sleeper's seemed fairly safe. We checked the ice thickness about every 100-200 ft or so and it was between 4 and 6 inches on a direct path to my place which is on the south west side of the island, just barely facing Diamond Island. However, there is a small current of open water between Rattlesnake Landing/Glidden Cove and the Castle on Sleeper's Island. This gash can be circumvented on either side but use caution when out in the middle between the southern point of Glidden Cove and the Castle.

There are a lot of reports as to how the ice is 'Bad Ice' and 4 in may not be as strong as the 4 in we are accustomed to so be careful if you are planning on snowmobiling or ATVing. I'm going to stick to foot travel and ice skating myself as the ice is beautiful and smooth for skating.

Adam

[Island Girl]

Cessnaair went for a little ride yesterday and took these pics.

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/510/medium/IMG_6811-1024w.jpg (http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/510/IMG_6811-1024w.jpg)


http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/510/medium/IMG_6821-1024w.jpg (http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/510/IMG_6821-1024w.jpg)


http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/510/medium/IMG_6808-crop-w.jpg (http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/510/IMG_6808-crop-w.jpg)

[ghfromaltonbay]

Thanks for the aerial shots. I can see our place at Sandy Point on the 3rd picture. Can't wait to get there next week!

[FLAG!]

Anyone have any ice thickness reports for the Wolfeboro area?

[tpabrad]

Flag, buddy of mine was out there this afternoon in his shack and said it was plenty thick, but seems the wind is having its effect and opening cracks making it hard to navigate. I know the area we fished in over the weekend (not the bay) was perfect on Friday/Saturday but turned for the worse really quick on Sunday. We had perfect conditions those days, but found ourselves having to navigate big chunks that got broken free in various places.

[FLAG!]

Thanks a lot. This is crazy. We're hoping to ice fish the weekend of March 2nd and would like to go from wolfeboro to the varneys, but from what I hear that may not be a safe trip. We may have to stay real close to the camp.

[Hamiltony]

Anyone know if there is a safe (thick enough ice) way to get to Bear, ideally from Cattle landing? My brothers and I are planning to come up next weekend (the 25th), but we're not sure we'll be able to walk out to our house on bear. Also, any suggestions on testing the ice ourselves (beyond the current plan: tie a rope around the youngest brother and pull hard if he goes through the ice) safely?

Thanks for any info!

[Jonas Pilot]

I think that even the most experienced would be very cautious about that far of a trip. How many times have you been on lake ice?

[codeman671]

Anyone know if there is a safe (thick enough ice) way to get to Bear, ideally from Cattle landing? My brothers and I are planning to come up next weekend (the 25th), but we're not sure we'll be able to walk out to our house on bear. Also, any suggestions on testing the ice ourselves (beyond the current plan: tie a rope around the youngest brother and pull hard if he goes through the ice) safely?

Thanks for any info!

Stay away! You are crazy to try it, especially a week from now. The ice is soaked, thin and it is it is 43 degrees out. The entire next week is high 30's to low 40's daily.

The reports from Mink Islander last week indicated that there was no real safe place to even get on the ice between Sheps and Cattle Landing.

Pool some money together and have one of the service companies take you out by airboat. Island Services has been working on Bear, you may be able to catch a ride for short $$$.

[crowsnest]

Anyone know if there is a safe (thick enough ice) way to get to Bear, ideally from Cattle landing? My brothers and I are planning to come up next weekend (the 25th), but we're not sure we'll be able to walk out to our house on bear. Also, any suggestions on testing the ice ourselves (beyond the current plan: tie a rope around the youngest brother and pull hard if he goes through the ice) safely?

Thanks for any info!

By next week ill bet you can take your boat over ! :D

[meredith weekender]

By next week ill bet you can take your boat over ! :D

LOVE that statement from Crowsnest :D:).

[Hamiltony]

We came out last year (in March), but we may have to find someplace else to stay if the ice is that bad.

[Island Girl]

The lake will be liquid in March this year! The ten ft. temp at Black Cat Island hit 38 degrees today. Ice out page going up tomorrow!

IG

[Merrymeeting]

Not to dampen spirits, as at this point I want Ice-out as much as anyone. But I spent several hours today walking on the ice. I don't want to encourage mindless access without knowledge of conditions, but in protected coves and non-moving water areas, we have a LONG way to go before the ice is gone.

The areas I walked on were a good, solid 6" at least, more often 8-12". I checked almost every fishing hole I passed, and the results were the same. It will take a while before ice goes out in these areas.

[Hamiltony]

How do you test ice thickness? Is there some sort of drill, or are you estimating by eye?

[Jonas Pilot]

I would use an ice chipper (chisel) and 'thunk' my way along the ice. I'd pay attention to the looks and sounds of the ice and every so often I would chip through the ice to measure the thickness. I would make that first chip a gentle one and make sure you have a strap around your wrist and connected to the chipper. If it punches trough retreat! Just incase, make sure you have an extra pair of underwear.

[Jonas Pilot]

Just incase the temperature drops.

[codeman671]

Not to dampen spirits, as at this point I want Ice-out as much as anyone. But I spent several hours today walking on the ice. I don't want to encourage mindless access without knowledge of conditions, but in protected coves and non-moving water areas, we have a LONG way to go before the ice is gone.

The areas I walked on were a good, solid 6" at least, more often 8-12". I checked almost every fishing hole I passed, and the results were the same. It will take a while before ice goes out in these areas.

I think we will see it go out the way it came in. The broads and most open areas will go out quickly, while sheltered bays and coves drag on for a while.

How is that big open spot off belknap point looking? We are not up this weekend.

[HomeWood]

Ok, everybody can start the ice out count down because I am back in NC.

Had a great two weeks at the house. I found ice 8-15" thick. The entrance to Lees Mills was 13-15". It was 8-10" just about everywhere else I fished. I wish there had been more snow, but the crust made for great walking and atv riding.

[Merrymeeting]

With 3 upcoming days close to 50, and nights not going below freezing, I suspect that today could be the last day to be reasonably safe on the ice.

[secondcurve]

Ok, everybody can start the ice out count down because I am back in NC.

Had a great two weeks at the house. I found ice 8-15" thick. The entrance to Lees Mills was 13-15". It was 8-10" just about everywhere else I fished. I wish there had been more snow, but the crust made for great walking and atv riding.

Did you catch any fish?

[HomeWood]

Did you catch any fish?

I actually caught my first Rainbow trout ever! It was almost 3 pounds. Caught it in Moultonboro Bay. No tag in it and it wasn't even derby weekend. Took a pic and released it.

The rest of the fish were perch and pickeral.

[Merrymeeting]

Just back from what will be my last trip on the ice this year.

I was out walking on Merrymeeting on Friday and it was solid and I wasn't concerned about my safety in the areas I was traveling.

I was out there again today, about noon when the sun was high and the wind hadn't come up yet. Walking the same areas, I finally decided to get off the ice and walk along the shore. The ice was making all kinds of noises, but not the normal cracking and booming of a solid ice pack. It seemed to be more sagging at times. That is the point when I decided to get off. There is also a long ridge line that has a lot of water coming up along it's length.

If you watch today's time lapse videos of the WeirsCAM and the Anchor Marine cam, you will see noticable ice disappearing from the edge of the ice pack.

Time to start thinking of pulling things off the ice and staying off.

[snowflake]

Has ice-in been officially declared yet?

[Little Bear]

Two large holes opened up yesterday on the northwest side of Diamond Island. I just saw people out in this same vicinity on Saturday, so they're lucky that they didn't fall through.

[Bear Island South]

Has ice-in been officially declared yet?

Yes, I believe it was. See Post #157