Official 2019-2020 Ice In Thread

[Island Girl]

This is the Official 2019-2020 Ice-in Thread. Please post your comments about this year's Ice-in here. The air temperatures are falling and a few coves are freezing so it is time to begin our annual discussion. This might be a little early... but I missed last ice out so thought I would get this started.

It is typically 33-35 degrees at the Weirs when the broads skims over. The Lake temperature reported by the Winnipesaukee Dataphone is 40 degrees. (12-12-2018) Two years ago the lake temperature was nearly 46 degrees. The lake level is a bit high at 503.53 this year up from 502.93 in October.

The Ice-in page is live at www.rattlesnakecam.com/watch.htm. If you have a webcam or know of one, please post the information in this thread and I will add it to the page. If you have a webcam that I have in the defunct section of the ice in page, please post here if it will be coming back at some point.

For those of us who are addicted to watching the lake freeze, enjoy. If you are new to the lake, come back often and watch the progress of Ice-in!

Please visit this thread for the latest news and the Ice-in page for current images of the freezing progress. (Please click on the ads at webcam sites and support the sponsors. This provides revenue to keep the cams alive)

As always Please post your pics of the freezing lake here.

Stay safe!
IG
:D
____

[LIforrelaxin]

I vote we skip ice-in this year and go right for ice-out..... Just sayin.... It would be a nice change of pace.....

[AC2717]

ice out after the fishing derby is a good call!!

[Merrymeeting]

I vote we skip ice-in this year and go right for ice-out..... Just sayin.... It would be a nice change of pace.....

Wouldn't be the first time. There have been years when the lake never completely froze.

[joey2665]

ice out after the fishing derby is a good call!!

I agree. Right after the derby and two pond hockey tournaments. Ice out by March 1st [emoji4]


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[MAXUM]

There may be no ice yet but it's freezing out there right now - cold boat ride to Bear this morning.... BRRRR. Won't be long before the ice starts to set.

[WJT2]

What is the condition of Lily Pond?

[Hillcountry]

What is the condition of Lily Pond?

The condition of Lily pond is...Wet! :D

[fatlazyless]

On Friday, December 13, 2019, Little Squam Lake in Ashland and Holderness NH, with 408 acres size, measuring 2640' width x 10497' length, at an elevation of 570', was observed to be totally 100% frozen across its' entire water surface.

And on Saturday, December 14, 2019, Little Squam Lake was observed to be approximately 99% all totally, ice free, open water with just a little shoreline ice close to the www.waltersbasin.com/

Therefore: Little Squam Lake ice-in unofficially happened on Dec 13, 2019,

and, Little Squam Lake ice-out unofficially happened on Dec 14, 2019.

So's ……. how's about that! ….. :look:

[daveschappell]

Surprised to see a thin layer of ice today, probably because of no wind, snow, and cold conditions. It extends out from our house (on Parker Island Road, on Wolfeboro Neck) about 100 feet toward Parker Island. Then we can see other sections as well. Likely only temporary... but with even colder temps on the way, who knows? #BringOnSpring

[webmaster]

The shoreline on Paugus Bay is also skimmed over today:

[Blue Thunder]

That’s probably just floating snow given the wind direction....

[Sal]

The "fat" part of Moultonborough Bay is mostly iced over , , , thinly but
able to hold snow. Certainly not able to hold a sleigh and 8 tiny reindeer, but
perhaps soon . . . . .

[webmaster]

That’s probably just floating snow given the wind direction....I think we've got some real ice on Paugus Bay now:

[chaseisland]

Only floating snow I've ever seen was usually supported by ice.

[Pine Island Guy]

I left Pine Island yesterday because I was sure that we'd have a pretty good skim of ice today with the cold temps, however the wind must have been too much for it to freeze...

Maybe this weekend... or maybe I'll be going back out in the Alumacraft...

Stay safe! -PIG

ps: The Pine Island webcam is back up and operational http://charlesyoung.com/pineislandeast.jpg, thank you Island Girl for including it on your page!

[Merrymeeting]

Supposed to be very calm tonight and tomorrow. Conditions are right for a lot of flash freezing.

[MAXUM]

Lots of new skim ice formed last night looking at various web cams. Be nice if we see consistent temps in the next few weeks.

[Mink Islander]

The area north of Mink Island skimmed over for the first time this season last night.

[Slickcraft]

Lily pond is iced in with a thin coating of snow on much of the ice.

Glendale Bay is open with work boats at the docks. There is broken-up thin ice around the docks.

[Hillcountry]

Warmer week ahead...

[MAXUM]

I just went to Walmart and Paugus Bay is iced over. I think I saw FLL in a Santa's hat at Walmart.

Were they giving away Santa hats for free? If not wasn't him.

[MAXUM]

Maybe he got it from where I got mine next door at the dollar store.:laugh: Can't go wrong for a buck.

Maybe if it comes with a free cup of coffee and a 20% senior discount.

[Jersey Bob]

Maybe if it comes with a free cup of coffee and a 20% senior discount.

Can you get a 20% discount on a free cup of coffee?:D

[Barney Bear]

Maybe they pay you for drinking their coffee. :D

[Mink Islander]

Beautiful evening on the lake.

[fatlazyless]

Meredith Village Savings, out front of that Gilford Lowe's is definitely the place to go for your totally free cup of k-cup hot coffee with flavors like Newman's Own organics or Keurig Double Diamond dark roast or Donut Shop regular in a bank quality cup. They have quite the coffee set-up, off in a corner, and no one says nothing to ya ...... so's a big Merry Christmas to the bank for their excellent coffee!

[steve-on-mark]

Beautiful evening on the lake.I do love that view!

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[ishoot308]

Paugus bay was frozen completely in front of the old Burger King yesterday.

My view of the broads from my home in Gilford showed some skim ice forming in various locations out in the middle.

Water around My docks and breakwater on Welch were frozen also.

Dan

[upthesaukee]

Alton Bay has a skim of ice out to near, or perhaps beyond, Little Mark. I fear the upcoming warming trend may change that.

It still amazes me how such a large body of water, when it reaches a certain temperature, coupled with below freezing temperatures and little to no wind, will almost "flash freeze" in a relatively short period of time. Gotta love nature.

Dave

[joey2665]

Unfortunately the forecast does not looking like ice making weather in the next week with temps in the mid to upper 30s and 45 tomorrow. Ugh.


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[Merrymeeting]

Merrymeeting was wide open on Friday. As soon as the winds died on Saturday, it flash froze and is pretty well locked in now.

[dickiej]

Unless I missed it, I didn't see exactly what constitutes official " ice in"....

[stingray]

Does anyone know of a webcam for Meredith Bay?


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[Descant]

Sorry I strayed......:offtopic: :look:

It doesn't appear the FLL is active today. Nice of you guys to take over the trolling duties while he's resting.
PS: the hats have a disposable paper headband and you turn them in at the end of your shift.

[Mink Islander]

This morning.

[fatlazyless]

Tuesday morning, Dec 24; Bear Cam, Echo Shores-West Alton Cam, and Pine Island Cam all showing big open water indicating the 10-mph winds and 20-mph gusts happening over the overnight time period have changed the water surface from hard ice to liquid water.

The Weirs Cam is showing a view from yesterday which still had ice.

[Kings Bluff]

The north end of Alton Bay has a skim of ice on it. See Winnipesaukeecam.com

[Mink Islander]

Skimmed over lightly overnight. Gonna be like this for another week until we get back to consistently cold temps.

[fatlazyless]

For boating in icy waters that may or may not have iced over in the last 12-24 hours, it seems that 14-16-18' aluminum v-hull boats boats have a keel that works better cutting through the ice than a smooth fiberglass hull.

If Alumacraft wanted to design an ice breaker keel, some type of ice breaker edge, running the boat's length, that could be a good feature for an island utility boat.

Thing is, it is basically impossible to say what is the ice thickness by looking at it, and you just go for it at a slow speed and hope for the best.

..... helloooooo Marine Patrol, I'm over here at so & so on the lake, and I have a wee bit of an ice problem? :rolleye2:

[Grady223]

The Club Cam shows ice in Wolfeboro Bay out to Barndoor Island. Checking the other cams I notice many are out of date. I also note that the state water temps are out of service.

[Kings Bluff]

Alton Bay iced-in all the way out to Little Mark. See www.winnipesaukeecam.com

[webmaster]

I also note that the state water temps are out of service.The state water temps from Weirs Beach are working:

https://www4.des.state.nh.us/rti_data/WEIN3_TABLE.HTML

[webmaster]

Overnight the ice on Paugus Bay has been covered with snow (from the Anchor Marine CAM (https://www.anchormarine.net/cam/)):

[Meredith AK]

2 very brave (foolish) souls were ice skating in Center Harbor bay yesterday.
Iced in edge to edge.

[trashman]

Is Meredith bay iced over yet? Getting nervous (as I always do) about it being ready for Pond Hockey weekend at the end of January! And it looks like it'll be 8 days from now till some real cold moves in.

[fatlazyless]

Is Meredith bay iced over yet? Getting nervous (as I always do) about it being ready for Pond Hockey weekend at the end of January! And it looks like it'll be 8 days from now till some real cold moves in.

Meredith Bay has a sloppy look'n, gray slushy ice from Lagos out to the beginning of the no wake zone, about a half mile out, and then it's open water all down the bay to the Weirs.

A 12' aluminum row boat with just the two oars could probably slide through this slushy ice?

[Dhuberty24]

Any info on 19 mile bay?

[SAB1]

My son walked out on 19 mile today said it was 5-6 inches

[Mink Islander]

Temps look like they’ll be dropping next week so the areas beyond the bays and coves should start to lock up. This morning, the waters to the north of Mink island has some bits of skim ice, but still mostly open after a breezy day yesterday. Things were pretty much the same this time last year.

[upthesaukee]

Temps look like they’ll be dropping next week so the areas beyond the bays and coves should start to lock up. This morning, the waters to the north of Mink island has some bits of skim ice, but still mostly open after a breezy day yesterday. Things were pretty much the same this time last year.

A nice picture of the ice situation, but a great picture of Mt. Washington, rising like a white diamond above the other mountains.

Thanks for posting.

Dave

[ishoot308]

Here's a 30 second video taken today from the West side of Welch...

https://video.nest.com/clip/f0a61cdb46b34bf49ab4e267e97db46a.mp4

Dan

[Descant]

Here's a 30 second video taken today from the West side of Welch...

https://video.nest.com/clip/f0a61cdb46b34bf49ab4e267e97db46a.mp4
Dan
Thanks. Is this a fixed view, or can the camera be moved or zoomed remotely?

[ishoot308]

Thanks. Is this a fixed view, or can the camera be moved or zoomed remotely?

You cannot move it but you can zoom, the more you zoom the less clear the picture is.

[Wifi-1]

Looks like IG has power back to her cam :)

[Mink Islander]

North side of Mink Island locked up overnight.

[Barney Bear]

Very nice view. When enlarged, the Adirondack lean-tos at the Outpost, and snow-covered Indian Head Rock are visible at the southern end of Camp Lawrence. 🐻

[Mink Islander]

That’s right. My wife’s family has a place on Bear Island, also with views of Mount Washington and a more distant view of Camp Nokomis!

The area out in front of the Indian Head Rock is a popular ice fishing spot.

A bald eagle was also flying around out in front of Mink today. Last winter several were congregating on the southern tip of Bear. Becoming a common sight, thankfully.

Fingers crossed that after the coming warm up that we’ll get back to sustained cold for ice making!

[dickiej]

When is ice in official? What constitutes ice in?

[Hillcountry]

When is ice in official? What constitutes ice in?

I believe it’s a “fly over” by the aviation guy that declares both ice in and out.

[joey2665]

When is ice in official? What constitutes ice in?

It is Emerson Aviation that surveys the lake and confirms the Mount Washington cannot safely navigate to any of its ports.


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[webmaster]

When is ice in official? What constitutes ice in?There hasn't been an official ice-in in past years. Last year Emerson Aviation did declare ice-in but that's the first time I recall them doing that.

Declaring ice-in is kind of tricky. Areas could skim over which would block the Mount but then strong winds could break it up the next day. That happened last week when the area off of Weirs Beach skimmed over, blocking the Mount, then cleared the next day in strong winds. That wouldn't normally happen with ice-out. Once the lake clears enough for the Mount to reach all it's ports it is very unlikely that the lake would freeze over again.

Another thing that makes ice-in different is that for ice-out the Mount must be able to reach ALL its ports. For ice-in only one of its ports would need to be blocked.

If Emerson Aviation does declare ice-in this year it will be posted here:

https://www.facebook.com/Emerson-Aviation-131847876851023

[Mink Islander]

North side of Mink held up despite the wind last night, which is good. Need to get past the coming warm snap and hope for more cold weather to get us to safe ice!

[ishoot308]

West side of Welch as of a few minutes ago...

https://video.nest.com/clip/1ae642f627fc4b25869f5d74474b1eb8.mp4

Looks like the wind took out what little ice had formed. With this weeks temps into the 50's not looking too promising...

Dan

[Hillcountry]

West side of Welch as of a few minutes ago...

https://video.nest.com/clip/1ae642f627fc4b25869f5d74474b1eb8.mp4

Looks like the wind took out what little ice had formed. With this weeks temps into the 50's not looking too promising...

Dan

Dan, in your island experience, how does the condition of the lake right now bode for an eventual freeze-up/ice in? I know coves and bays will catch but will the open areas (as in your cam shot) likely freeze enough to allow safe travel?

[MAXUM]

West side of Welch as of a few minutes ago...

https://video.nest.com/clip/1ae642f627fc4b25869f5d74474b1eb8.mp4

Looks like the wind took out what little ice had formed. With this weeks temps into the 50's not looking too promising...

Dan

Looking at the forecast that warmup will be a 24-48 hour thing and temps are still going to get below freezing at night (barely) so hopefully that won't do a whole lot to the progress that has been made. We'll see wishful thinking?

[ishoot308]

Dan, in your island experience, how does the condition of the lake right now bode for an eventual freeze-up/ice in? I know coves and bays will catch but will the open areas (as in your cam shot) likely freeze enough to allow safe travel?

Hi Hill;

I would say 8 out of the last 10 years the area around Welch froze completely over to safely reach my camp. Some years there has been 20+ inches of ice.

The last place to freeze on the entire lake is always the area known as the "alien hot tub". This is a large oblong area in the middle between Welch and Ellacoya State Park. Rumor has it that many years ago an unidentified flying object crashed there causing this delayed freeze effect to this day!:eek::eek: I can see this area from my home on the mainland in Gilford so I monitor it well. One year Emerson declared ice in when there was still about 6 football fields of open water there!!

Now to answer your question!...I think the freeze is definitely behind but I do think the lake will freeze over completely this year. The nights have been cold and more cold coming next week. We just need that initial skim of ice to keep the wind from affecting the freeze. Once that happens, ice will form quickly usually at a rate of 1" per day minimum. Calm and cold is the key!

Here's a few clips from years past from the same camera as in my above post and within the same time frame + or - a couple days. This will give you an idea where we are at...

January 11th 2019: https://video.nest.com/clip/e9247dc81dc8459baa4ca0901859eec3.mp4

January 13th 2017: https://video.nest.com/clip/0254f547cd5e47b28441ce2812f4ad36.mp4

January 7th 2016: https://video.nest.com/clip/5ae083a770c342cb99feeb4622d47342.mp4

Take care!

Dan

[Blue Thunder]

Progress in the coves and Alton Bay...

[ishoot308]

Top,

Here’s a couple from 2016.... That’s Welch in the lower picture...

Dan

[Descant]

Excerpt:
The last place to freeze on the entire lake is always the area known as the "alien hot tub". This is a large oblong area in the middle between Welch and Ellacoya State Park. Rumor has it that many years ago an unidentified flying object crashed there causing this delayed freeze effect to this day!:eek::eek: I can see this area from my home on the mainland in Gilford so I monitor it well. One year Emerson declared ice in when there was still about 6 football fields of open water there!!...Dan

The US Navy Research station on Diamond Island was supposedly to do research under ice in preparation for the Nautilus' trip under the polar ice-cap, and to study underwater light transmission (Laser?) Apparently, that was just a cover story. In four generations on Welch, I have never seen algae blooms or milfoil in this area.

[Barney Bear]

Just saw two people walking on the ice near what appears to be open water on the Center Harbor web cam. Scary! 🐻

[AC2717]

looks like the ice is making a comeback!!!!:)

[DickR]

Late this afternoon, the dog and I saw what appear to be two ice shacks out on the ice in the Long Island-Sandy Isl - Cow Isl triangle.

[Andromeda321]

Excerpt:

The US Navy Research station on Diamond Island was supposedly to do research under ice in preparation for the Nautilus' trip under the polar ice-cap, and to study underwater light transmission (Laser?) Apparently, that was just a cover story. In four generations on Welch, I have never seen algae blooms or milfoil in this area.

To be fair, if the water is moving in some fashion in that spot to prevent ice from freezing, you wouldn't get much algae or milfoil compared to other areas that freeze over faster where the water is more calm.

[ishoot308]

No progress as of yet with ice in...

https://video.nest.com/clip/1f92878b7c6b424c9cfa20c271fa7a4f.mp4

Hopefully with the upcoming cold temps starting Friday night we will some progress!

Dan

[AC2717]

I cannot believe there is no Cam in Meredith, that is crackers

[trashman]

No progress as of yet with ice in...

https://video.nest.com/clip/1f92878b7c6b424c9cfa20c271fa7a4f.mp4

Hopefully with the upcoming cold temps starting Friday night we will some progress!

Dan

Actually, better yet, Wednesday overnight will be below freezing and then some real cold from there. Any chance the Pond Hockey happens in Meredith Bay?? Or at this point are we crossing our fingers for even Waukewan to be able to have it????

[ishoot308]

Actually, better yet, Wednesday overnight will be below freezing and then some real cold from there. Any chance the Pond Hockey happens in Meredith Bay?? Or at this point are we crossing our fingers for even Waukewan to be able to have it????

My personal opinion is Meredith Bay will be fine for the hockey tournament...

Dan

[Hillcountry]

My personal opinion is Meredith Bay will be fine for the hockey tournament...

Dan

I think you're right on Dan...however, at this late date, I don't think the lake will "ice in" this season...not fully, anyway.

[AC2717]

only issue with the ice for meredith bay is they need enough time to set up, flood and smooth, need at least a week. So at some point they will have to make the call

[Descant]

To be fair, if the water is moving in some fashion in that spot to prevent ice from freezing, you wouldn't get much algae or milfoil compared to other areas that freeze over faster where the water is more calm.
The reference to algae and milfoil was a total non sequitur.

[ishoot308]

I think you're right on Dan...however, at this late date, I don't think the lake will "ice in" this season...not fully, anyway.

There's still time Hill...cold weather starting tomorrow night and continuing on at least for the next 7 days or so according to the weather channel. Unfortunately it looks pretty windy starting tomorrow until next Tuesday which will certainly stop any ice from forming.... If we don't see some serious progress by next weekend January 25th, I would agree with you...

Dan

[PCTim]

I cannot believe there is no Cam in Meredith, that is crackers

There is one at Lago, but the only ones I see using it are WCVB and WMUR :mad:

[ishoot308]

These brutal winds with gusts over 30 mph will just not allow the lake to freeze no matter how cold it gets! The wind continues till Tuesday!:emb::emb:

https://video.nest.com/clip/323e2f374cc04048a7ca473b2c5a0cd2.mp4

Dan

[Blue Thunder]

Today’s MODIS shot. Very few times during the year that it’s this crystal clear...

[ishoot308]

There is some ice forming across the broads this morning! It’s calm right now and the slightest wind will certainly blow it all away bit if it would just ice over fully before the wind starts it would be in good shape!...We shall see!!

Dan

[Mink Islander]

Time will tell.

[Micker]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200118/7799dbd915bd21334dab907a45506aae.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200118/2d217fa0a737f6e177cc9592fddc8ae0.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200118/c8acfaaa7b9bbd4a93b6c9984c41fad1.jpg

Meredith bay this morning


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[ishoot308]

I actually saw a small boat (18-20 feet) blasting through the skim ice across the broads today! Based on the tracks left in the ice, the boat seemed to come from Belknap point and went straight across to the south side of Welch and kept going at about 20 mph!

I had 10 very experienced Winni fishermen and guides at my home today for a luncheon and we watched this boat in disbelief...none of us could believe what we were seeing!

I hope this person made it back OK!

Dan

[fatlazyless]

Over at the Belknap Point Motel breakwater dock, there's been tied up, an old, all steel, construction barge tender boat that gets towed along behind a large barge so maybe it was getting out to the job site, somewhere or something. Could have a 150-hp Honda on about a 20' steel v-hull with an all-weather type home-made cabin enclosure.

Winter waterfront construction projects using a barge is like the Winni equivalent to mining for gold under the Barrow Sea, or something ....... no work = no pay. They ain't going fishing.

[stingray]

Thanks for the shots of Meredith.


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[ishoot308]

Over at the Belknap Point Motel breakwater dock, there's been tied up, an old, all steel, construction barge tender boat that gets towed along behind a large barge so maybe it was getting out to the job site, somewhere or something. Could have a 150-hp Honda on about a 20' steel v-hull with an all-weather type home-made cabin enclosure.

Winter waterfront construction projects using a barge is like the Winni equivalent to mining for gold under the Barrow Sea, or something ....... no work = no pay. They ain't going fishing.

That’s the boat we saw cutting through the ice yesterday!

[ishoot308]

From my vantage point in Gilford, the entire lake including the broads and the “hot tub” area, are completely locked in with ice! Last nights calm and cold did the trick!

Dan

[joey2665]

Thanks Dan great news for the PHC and Derby


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[Mink Islander]

That the wind won’t bust things up again. Looking good from Mink Island.

[webmaster]

Emerson Aviation has declared Ice-In:

https://www.facebook.com/Emerson-Aviation-131847876851023

[thinkxingu]

Wow, that was fast! From open after to ice-in in just a couple days.Emerson Aviation has declared Ice-In:

https://www.facebook.com/Emerson-Aviation-131847876851023

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[phoenix]

In two weeks we will start the ice out contest

[Slickcraft]

No open water was in view from Belknap Point this morning.

I think that the prior days of cold with brisk wind did a good job of drawing heat out of the water. And then a bit of calm and "snap".

[Blue Thunder]

And the view from space today makes confirmation easy...
The Sebago hot tub is obviously still in the “ON” position....

[WinnisquamZ]

Winnisquam is still wide open at the state park. Wondering if it will freeze over this year


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[thinkxingu]

We drove through Meredith today, and the ice rink area looked awful wet and the water section from the waterfall stretched pretty far. I'm not sure I'd be confident...yet.

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[jeffk]

https://www.wmur.com/article/ice-in-declared-for-lake-winnipesaukee-2020/30595457

Of course that just means all the Mount's ports are frozen in, not that the whole lake is frozen.

[ishoot308]

https://www.wmur.com/article/ice-in-declared-for-lake-winnipesaukee-2020/30595457

Of course that just means all the Mount's ports are frozen in,not that the whole lake is frozen.

The mounts ports have nothing to do with “ice in” and WMUR is wrong as usual! Ice in is declared when the entire lake has frozen over which it has. Emerson aviation makes the declaration.

The mounts port are only relevant to ice out...

Dan

[Slickcraft]

The mounts ports have nothing to do with “ice in” and WMUR is wrong as usual! Ice in is declared when the entire lake has frozen over which it has. Emerson aviation makes the declaration.

The mounts port are only relevant to ice out...

Dan

Correct. In a prior year open water at the "alien crash site" south west of Welch delayed ice in call even though the mounts ports had been iced in for quite a while.

Alan

[Mink Islander]

Anyone been cutting any holes near Shep’s or Cattle Landing? Any snow on the ice or is it all blown off/frozen slush? We’ve had some good ice making nights since everything skimmed over Friday night.

[Hillcountry]

Bunch of guys with snowblowers all over the ice in Meredith today...hockey rinks?
Also a couple of Kubota tractors over closer to Lago humming around the ice...

[joey2665]

Bunch of guys with snowblowers all over the ice in Meredith today...hockey rinks?
Also a couple of Kubota tractors over closer to Lago humming around the ice...

Yes they are preparing the rinks for the PHC

[Mink Islander]

I drove up to check out the ice this morning over by Cattle Landing, Meredith Neck. While there was a decent amount of ice not far from shore (10 inches with 2-3 slush ice and the rest solid black ice). But... closer to the pinch point between Bear Island and Meredith Neck where the snow was blown off only had 4 inches of black ice. Plenty to hold a person, not enough for me to venture through Cattle Landing given the variability of ice through there.

Another unusual winter folks. Be very cautious on the lake.

[MAXUM]

Probably will need another week. Day time temps aren't really getting far above freezing if at all and night time temps are still good and cold to build more ice just the progress will be slower. The bitter cold day and nights are needed for fast progression and it's just not in the extended forecast.

The window to get back and forth this year is looking like it's going to be pretty tight.

[Mink Islander]

As you say, the near term forecast isn’t going to do much to help. The rain will hurt. I’m not optimistic give the warm days ahead that we’ll get there. And Cattle Landing gets treacherous when the temps yo-yo.

May be one of those rare, lost winters.

[Hillcountry]

I drove up to check out the ice this morning over by Cattle Landing, Meredith Neck. While there was a decent amount of ice not far from shore (10 inches with 2-3 slush ice and the rest solid black ice). But... closer to the pinch point between Bear Island and Meredith Neck where the snow was blown off only had 4 inches of black ice. Plenty to hold a person, not enough for me to venture through Cattle Landing given the variability of ice through there.

Another unusual winter folks. Be very cautious on the lake.

So, what is Cattle Landing used for anyway...I finally looked it up on Google Earth and there seems to be a pretty good sized parking lot with one dock...
Is this something for Meredith residents only? Is there a boat ramp?
Thanks in advance!

[fatlazyless]

Town of Meredith's Cattle Landing has a one acre, dirt parking lot and a concrete floating dock across the road, there. As of today, both the ice eaters are working good and there's a large circle of open water surrounding the town dock.

There is no launch ramp for backing a boat on a boat trailer into the water. What is there is a 60" opening in the blue wood fence atop the smooth grassy embankment, very close to the paved Cattle Landing Rd that allows for unloading and hand carrying a kayak/canoe/paddle board/small row boat/rowing skull to the lake. Two people can carry a canoe down the aluminum staircase, and onto the concrete floating dock for launching. One person can drag or carry a kayak down the 20' long, smooth grassy embankment.

No boat trailer parking, or any type of trailer is allowed in the Cattle Landing parking lot, as indicated by a sign, and the police will enforce this. A small boat dolly that fits through the 60" opening could definitely launch a Laser style sailboat rolled in from the parking lot, and the immediately nearby, big water area to the right or south and out onto Lake Winnipesaukee is like a totally totally totally excellent area for sailing a 12-14' sailboat.

Any restrictions on who may use it? Not really, no restrictions; is a great spot for launching a kayak into the waters of the big lake with the very flat, smooth, shallow sandy bottom and very small sandy beach at the bottom of the embankment, free of rocks, good for getting in/out of a kayak. The Meredith Police are always patrolling this residential area and always take a good look around as they slowly pass on by.

Cattle Landing town dock has been in use for something like 150(?) years, or longer, and get's its' Cattle Landing name because it was once a holding area for cows that got boated across the narrow passage for grazing on nearby Bear Island.

In the past, people used to launch ice shanties through the 60" opening, down the smooth embankment, but that's probably no longer possible with all the ice eater, open water.

[fatlazyless]

Say-hey ..... is that a long slice of open water that has recently opened up or something on the Snake Eyes, Rattlesnake Cam, at about 4:45 on Saturday afternoon.

It sure enough looked like open water to me ...... but is a little difficult to say what with the low light and the shades of gray ..... tomorrow's daylight will tell?

Wait and see ...... I say ...... there is new open water on Snake Eyes, tomorrow morning!

...............

..... oopsie-doopsie ........ false alarm here ..... Sunday 7:10-am and Snake Eyes is not showing any open water ..... my bad?

..............

.... say-hey .... lookn again at about 10-am here and it now does look to be the same slice of open water has returned ... that open water slice is alive ... :eek: ???

[TheCaptain]

Walked onto the ice from Rattlesnake landing in West Alton just now with a drill and thickness gauge.... 5" about 10 yards off shore, turned into 4" about 20 yards off shore turned into 3" about 25 yards off shore. :(
Needless to say, we didn't walk any further. (For all above measurements, there was about 1" of junk, slushy ice on top with black ice underneath). No arctic chill this year, just average night time temperatures are responsible for what we have so far.
Stay safe!!!

[Mink Islander]

Attached is a snapshot from my camera facing north on Mink Island. Looks more like April than January.

I drove up Friday and got on the ice just west of the Cattle Landing parking lot near the first lakeside driveway. Out 100 yards there was a good 10 inches of ice, about 3 of it slush ice though. A few hundred yards further out where the snow had been blown off and it was glare ice, the thickness dropped to a meager 4 inches of all black ice. I opted not to press any further towards the narrows at Cattle Landing to the east since that area is notorious for expansion cracks and ice heaves. Ice thickness can vary a lot through there in a normal year.

I am already giving up on the fishing derby this year. No way we’ll recover from these warm temps by then. The next two weeks with the hockey tournament and the derby bring a lot of folks to the area. I just hope they get the message to be very cautious on the ice this year.

[Jeanzb1]

I am wondering if the hockey tournament will still take place.....


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[fatlazyless]

:offtopic: ..... off-topic ALASKA but interesting:

Did you hear the State of Alaska is having its' coldest winter in the last ten years. With temperatures down to -30, Alaskans are retrieving their heavy 'Alaskan' parkas, unused for the last ten years and in storage in the back of the closet, needing them for this winter-2020.

Apparently, the nine winters prior to 2020 were all warmer temperatures, and nine years is long enough for residents to somewhat forget what the cold used to be.

And this winter, 2020, the old fashioned Alaska cold winter is back.

So, who knows, maybe New Hampshire caught the warm winter temps that used to reside in Alaska? .... :eek: ???

Note: These 'Alaskan' winter coats while famous for their warmth are also very heavy to wear because they are insulated with whale blubber.

[JEEPONLY]

The mounts ports have nothing to do with “ice in” and WMUR is wrong as usual! Ice in is declared when the entire lake has frozen over which it has. Emerson aviation makes the declaration.

The mounts port are only relevant to ice out...

Dan

Somewhat late for posting this, but knew I had seen this opposing information- just couldn't remember where it was.

Read post #62 of this thread (pg.1)- Clarification?

Both points of view are new to me. I've always thought it was all ports, in and out.

[Geneva Point]

Listen to the WMUR video at post 107. It distinctly says ice in is when the entire lake is frozen. Ishoot was wrong in calling out WMUR. The video implies also that Emerson defines ice in as when whole lake is frozen. Maybe Dave at Emerson or webmaster will chime in and clarify for us.

[ishoot308]

Listen to the WMUR video at post 107. It distinctly says ice in is when the entire lake is frozen. Ishoot was wrong in calling out WMUR. The video implies also that Emerson defines ice in as when whole lake is frozen. Maybe Dave at Emerson or webmaster will chime in and clarify for us.

The video has been edited as it said previously that ice in was when all the mounts ports were frozen which is incorrect....

Dan

[PCTim]

I am wondering if the hockey tournament will still take place.....


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As of right now, it's a yes. All of the teams received this email last night.

The condition of the ice has been variable, at best, and we have chosen not to give daily, or even weekly updates because the fact of the matter is, ice conditions the last few weeks have changed by the hour. As of today, we are enthusiastic and optimistic about the forecasted temperatures, and therefore are moving forward with load-in on Meredith Bay. The Ice Ops are doing everything in their power to make it so we can drop the puck on the 11th Annual Labatt Blue New England Pond Hockey Classic.

With that said, there could very likely be some changes and/or restrictions made to our normal tournament weekend schedule. Please note that any and all changes made to the schedule or tournament play; as well as ice guidelines, are all made with the safety of our participants and spectators in the forefront of our mind. We ask that you bear with us and roll with the punches (may there be any), as we continue our love-hate relationship with Mother Nature.

At this point, we advise you to only bring yourself and your hockey equipment onto the ice. This means NO VEHICLES, NO TRAILERS, NO SHANTY'S AND NO BOB-HOUSES. The tournament will not occur without the compliance from our participants. This will be a year to limit your footprint on the ice and instead enjoy your time in town at many of the local bars & restaurants.

Things will be a bit different this year, but hopefully we can skate. Fingers crossed!

[webmaster]

Listen to the WMUR video at post 107. It distinctly says ice in is when the entire lake is frozen. Ishoot was wrong in calling out WMUR. The video implies also that Emerson defines ice in as when whole lake is frozen. Maybe Dave at Emerson or webmaster will chime in and clarify for us.I've been following and posting Ice-Out for about 25 years. Until last year when EA posted it I had never heard of an "official" Ice-In. What makes Ice-In or Out official anyway? It seems to be because traditionally Emerson Aviation decides if the ice is out and we all accept their call as "official". It's all based on tradition. Since we accept Emerson's Ice-Out call it seems that we have now also collectively decided that Emerson's call of Ice-In will also be official. Correct me if I'm wrong but there is no "official" document or law that defines what Ice-Out or Ice-In is. It's all made up. For fun!! WMUR does not get to define the official meaning of Ice-In. Emerson Aviation sets the standard and we have all silently agreed to accept it.

[Descant]

Listen to the WMUR video at post 107. It distinctly says ice in is when the entire lake is frozen. Ishoot was wrong in calling out WMUR. The video implies also that Emerson defines ice in as when whole lake is frozen. Maybe Dave at Emerson or webmaster will chime in and clarify for us.

Dan's right. WMUR was wrong. Why would you argue with somebody named "Ishoot"? LOL

[JEEPONLY]

I've been following and posting Ice-Out for about 25 years. Until last year when EA posted it I had never heard of an "official" Ice-In. What makes Ice-In or Out official anyway? It seems to be because traditionally Emerson Aviation decides if the ice is out and we all accept their call as "official". It's all based on tradition. Since we accept Emerson's Ice-Out call it seems that we have now also collectively decided that Emerson's call of Ice-In will also be official. Correct me if I'm wrong but there is no "official" document or law that defines what Ice-Out or Ice-In is. It's all made up. For fun!! WMUR does not get to define the official meaning of Ice-In. Emerson Aviation sets the standard and we have all silently agreed to accept it.

I agree with this, but still, we all are familiar with "the ports thing"- where does THIS come into play? It must have started somewhere/sometime!

[Jersey Bob]

Dan's right. WMUR was wrong. Why would you argue with somebody named "Ishoot"? LOL

I certainly wouldn't question a man of Dan's "caliber"!:D

[ApS]

Dan's right. WMUR was wrong. Why would you argue with somebody named "Ishoot"? LOL

All this over a bulletin?
;)

[Hillcountry]

All this over a bulletin?
;)

I guess they figured it was worth a “shot” :D

[Blue Thunder]

I guess they figured it was worth a “shot” :D

And it would appear he shoots a “308” so who are we to argue??

[Descant]

Ports of call? On a slow news day, watching ice freeze is far more exciting than whatever stories those DC meatballs are making up. By the time they get anything positive done, the Mount will be doing her regular route to all ports of call. Anybody for April 1st?

[PCTim]

For those of you heading to Meredith this weekend.
https://www.pondhockeyclassic.com/phcnews/nephc-update-amp-restrictions

[fatlazyless]

While the frozen lake is not an ice rink surface that gets redone every 30-minutes with a Zamboni, the natural ice surface is looking very hard and very, very smooth what with the last warm-up and rain that left the ice surface a shiny smooth, smooth enough for sailing it in an ice sail boat.

[snowflake]

Did I miss it, has ice in been officially declared??? Was it declared on 1/19/2020? Thanks. Here in Boston I don't think we're having a real winter this year!

[Hillcountry]

Did I miss it, has ice in been officially declared??? Was it declared on 1/19/2020? Thanks. Here in Boston I don't think we're having a real winter this year!

More "unofficially" declared mostly because it does not mean the lake is "safe" but merely ice covered.

[Lakegeezer]

Someone obviously believed in ice-in today. He had an ice augur and apparently got away with it.

[Mink Islander]

Two guys on atvs were caught on my camera a short while ago headed over towards the Indian head rock on the east side of Bear Island (Camp Lawrence). I suspect it’s the same guys who fished there often last winter. I have no doubt there’s at least 4 inches in that general area, but.... it’s going to stay warm through the next week and rain so these already marginal conditions could deteriorate rapidly as we head into the derby weekend. I fear we are going to see a repeat of a couple years ago with the unfamiliar or the overly brazen making very bad decisions and paying for it with their lives. Hope I’m wrong.

[MAXUM]

Quite true, can tell you the ice conditions are sketchy and due caution is essential. Out on Bear Island for the weekend, walked out and was very careful to stick to good solid areas, where the ice is averaging between 6" - 10". That said there are a number of stress ridges and even from a distance did not look smart to approach in fact there is a area of open water on the south side of Pine right at the gap with Bear so stayed way clear of all that.

FYI getting on at Shep's is a no go. Not safe to get on near the docks where access is typically made.

Today there were a number of people out joyriding on quads out from 3 mile to 5 mile and everywhere in between. They are out of their minds. With warm weather returning this may be my only trip out this winter.

That said, beautiful day to be out on the island ;)

[JEEPONLY]

Two guys on atvs were caught on my camera a short while ago headed over towards the Indian head rock on the east side of Bear Island (Camp Lawrence). I suspect it’s the same guys who fished there often last winter. I have no doubt there’s at least 4 inches in that general area, but.... it’s going to stay warm through the next week and rain so these already marginal conditions could deteriorate rapidly as we head into the derby weekend. I fear we are going to see a repeat of a couple years ago with the unfamiliar or the overly brazen making very bad decisions and paying for it with their lives. Hope I’m wrong.

Well stated!

[thinkxingu]

Looks like ATVs through the ice: https://m.facebook.com/groups/2041665219481350?view=permalink&id=2474658532848681

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[NHgirl]

I have a feeling there might be an early ice-out. Don't quote me though. With temperatures above freezing. Anything could happen

[upthesaukee]

From the Alton PD FB page:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2403207303324754&id=1532378813740945

Read and heed.

Dave

[fatlazyless]

:offtopic: Sunday, Feb 2, 2020: Crawford Pond in Bangor, Maine; two atv's fell through the ice and no one drowned, with one rescued hanging onto the ice by a local deputy sheriff.

Story in www.bangordailynews.com

For just five dollars, a home made noodle belt with a line threaded down the center hole, worn around your waist and under your coat, will probably keep you afloat. By wearing it under your coat, it cannot be seen that you is wearing a noodle belt. Once in the water, the waist noodle belt will probably rise up to be under your arms and arm pits, allowing for strong use of your arms and hands.

[ishoot308]

From the Alton PD FB page:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2403207303324754&id=1532378813740945

Read and heed.

Dave

Thanks for posting this Dave!

I too certainly hope everyone heeds this warning! I was on the ice for a little bit this past weekend and the conditions are not good at all! Whatever ice that is there is not good and very soft.

With this weeks mild temps and the upcoming derby this weekend, conditions are prime for accidents to happen. The only thing that will make it worse is if we get a snowfall over this unsafe ice which is what it's looking like this Friday!...

If your venturing on the ice please be aware and stay safe everyone!

Dan

[Andromeda321]

I have a feeling there might be an early ice-out. Don't quote me though. With temperatures above freezing. Anything could happen

I might be weird but I saw the ice out guess page was up, looked up the 2016 ice out date that was the earliest ever, and chose one even before that. It's just impossible for me to believe at this rate that the ice will last until April.

[MAXUM]

Have a feeling emergency crews will be busy plucking people out of the water this weekend.

[tis]

OMG, do NOT laugh at FLL and his noodles. I just read that a noodle belt was used in a rescue Saturday!

[Janet]

OMG, do NOT laugh at FLL and his noodles. I just read that a noodle belt was used in a rescue Saturday!

I saw that in an article on Facebook. Rescue was in Warren Maine. Thought of FLL immediately. :)

[tis]

I thought of him immediately too, Janet. :laugh:

[baastan]

Is there a thread where people report ice thickness / safety? If so could someone point it out to me please?

I am more concerned about the ability for snowmobile travel on the lake, in the harbors and bay areas. I'll assume the broads will just be deemed unsafe this year again.

Also this snow right before ice derby weekend is both good and bad, good for riding, but awful due to how it played out a few years ago.

Thoughts and help are always appreciated.

[ishoot308]

Is there a thread where people report ice thickness / safety? If so could someone point it out to me please?

I am more concerned about the ability for snowmobile travel on the lake, in the harbors and bay areas. I'll assume the broads will just be deemed unsafe this year again.

Also this snow right before ice derby weekend is both good and bad, good for riding, but awful due to how it played out a few years ago.

Thoughts and help are always appreciated.

Unfortunately no one is going to give you that information this year. Check the ice thickness yourself before you head out. Nothing is considered safe unless it’s self checked. Believe no one but yourself!!

Dan

[Biggd]

Better to be safe than sorry. I would stay off the big lake if I were you.