Ice-Out Watch 2006

[Island Girl]

Amazing that it is time to start an ice-out thread... but it is happening. The Ice-Out 2006 page is up at www.rattlesnakecam.com/iceout.htm (http://www.rattlesnakecam.com/iceout.htm). View the webcams around the lake to watch it happen.

The Ice-Out Reports for Rattlesnake Island are that the ice rifts are showing areas of open water, The open water by Diamond Island is going much further across the broads, the Weirs open hole is extending further and further... all eroded by high winds. The wind is blowing the water under the ice creating storm surges against the breakwaters on the North west side of Rattlesnake.

A snowmobile hit open water last night at the end of Minge Cove... pictures of the rescue later. The driver swam to safety.

Yesterday was the first time I went snowmobiling and today will probably the the last for this year... It is getting unsafe in a lot of places around this end of the lake.

Please add your observations here link to pictures... It could be an early early ice out.

IG :)

[Mink Islander]

I hiked out to Mink Island on Saturday Morning. Cattle Landing was easily passable on foot but you had to navigate away from the areas where there's been frequent open water. Surprised I didn't see any activity related to the Snowmobile tragedy. Site further around the point of Meredith NecK? Plenty of ice from Cattle Landing through to Mark and then Mink Island. Returning Sunday, the open water at Cattle Landing had expanded significantly and large plates of ice were moving around a bit. I had to pick my route more carefully and almost resorted to the portage around the sketchy area over the corner of Bear Island that I used in prior weeks, but ultimately found a passable route. Even over by Mark Island, there were a few patches of open water developing. Once the wind gets to work, small areas seem to open up very quickly and expand. While 9-12 Inches of ice in the area I pass is more than enough to support even a truck, it is not nearly as strong as the 2+ ft we normally see and the wind and warm weather breaks it down much more quickly. With the warming trends generally, I suspect we're heading towards an earlier than usual ice-out.

[Blue Thunder]

Hey IG,
Over 26000 views of the Ice-In thread! Is that some kind of a record of thread hits? How many additional hits did you get outside of Winnipesaukee.com? That just seems amazing to me.

Blue Thunder

[Island Girl]

Don will have to tell us if that is a record. Last year's ice-out thread had 14,225 views... so you all certainly exceeded that. Let's go for a new record!

IG

[jaybat]

Hi All,

Not sure how long the Ice will last or be safe after this weeks weather in NH but, it's going fast here in Central Mass. I went swimming on sunday afternoon :eek: trying to get off the ice from a small ice fishing derby we had . Luckley I was only eight to ten feet from shore and only in about 2&1/2 - 3 feet of water. Still kinda scary. First time in more than 20 years for me. Anyway, I believe our ice activities down here in parts of central mass are just about done or, after this weeks weather they'll certainly be done.

All who use the ice on the lakes for the next few weeks be extra carefull and don't go out alone!!! No need to jeopardize good things ahead with Spring right around the corner just for a few more trips out this winter.

[upthesaukee]

Baywatch has started (the smallest of open water under the rte11 bridge at the end of the bay, plus a picture of the bay from yesterday from the bridge.

IG has the link for ice out on Rattlesnake cam in post #1 if this thread.

Baywatch is linked off of snake eyes cam, and can be reached here as well: http://knitpurlandbeyond.com/alton_bay_icein_2006.htm

Hmmmmm, a little typo when I set up the page...it really is alton bay ice out for 2006:emb: . So much for proofreading!

[phoenix]

amazing how flexible we are at the lake when we can go from wishing for ice in to ice out over night. Looking forward to getting to the lake the end of April. Need a pepper lobster roll fix!!!!!!!!

[Island Girl]

This year we have a new contributor to the ice out page at www.rattlesnakecam.com/iceout.htm (http://www.rattlesnakecam.com/iceout.htm). It is Rattlesnake Watch and new forum member DBA will be taking the pictures and updating the page.

Just click on Rattlesnake Watch from the ice out page or go to www.rattlesnakecam.com/ice (http://www.rattlesnakecam.com/ice)

The pictures are wonderful!

[Bear Islander]

I must have just missed Mink Islander on Saturday, I was at cattle landing around 1 PM.

On Friday I skied from Shep's to Bear, then skied around the island pulling a sled with 80 pounds of sand. The ice was great all the way with no open water. The wind was very strong, I dropped a glove and watched it head for Moultonboro at about 20 mph.

Spent the night on Bear then had a hard time getting off the island Saturday noon. What a difference a day makes! The temp was up and the ice had moved, pulling away from the island. I had to go around to the east side to get on the ice.

I then found the the ice ridges had pushed together forcing much of the ice down underwater. I was planning to go around Mark Island but by cattle landing I didn't like the ice so I called it a day.

[secondcurve]

From your post and a few others, it sounds as if folks are calling it a season because of weakening ice. That sounds good to me, as I can't wait for spring! It is just around the corner and there is no better time of year. I realized just today, that I have numerous things to do to get the boat ready for May 1st. Let's all start doing the ice out dance!!!! Open water, rainbow trout and lobster rolls......it doesn't get much better!

[upthesaukee]

This year we have a new contributor to the ice out page at www.rattlesnakecam.com/iceout.htm (http://www.rattlesnakecam.com/iceout.htm). It is Rattlesnake Watch and new forum member DBA will be taking the pictures and updating the page.

Just click on Rattlesnake Watch from the ice out page or go to www.rattlesnakecam.com/ice (http://www.rattlesnakecam.com/ice)

The pictures are wonderful!

Welcome to the Forum, DBA. And IG, you're right, DBA has given us some great pictures , with a whole new perspective of where the ice is and is not, and it will be interesting to watch the ice out progress from Rattlesnake Watch's point of view.

[emailmannh]

Any predictions yet when Alton or Paugus Bay will be open? Sounds like the ice is going fast. I'm one of those crazy jetskiers......can't wait to hit the water. Last year it was April 18th for the firstr ride......any bets it will be sooner this year? March?:D

[Merrymeeting]

FWIW, I've noticed over the years that the lakes and ponds here in central MA lose their ice about 2-3 weeks ahead of the lakes region. Over the past 2 weeks of cold weather, there has been a lot of reforming/melting between night and day. But despite the below freezing temperatures in the daytime, melting still occurs since the solar rays are becoming stronger.

Given the 10-day forecast, it would not surprise me if the lakes and ponds around here have no ice within a week.

But...we've had cold and snowy April's before. It is New England!

[phoenix]

noticed that the water temperature is up 2 degrees over last few days. It won't be long

[Weirs guy]

I noticed what looks to be a major pressure ridge between perchwood and govenors islands last night. not sure how big it is, but you can see it from the top of tower hill. Whats strange is the big spot of open water looked like it was still frozen over with a skimming of ice from the morning (this was about 5:00 pm). What a crazy winter, and maybe a very hard ice out to predict once the big chunks start floating freely.

Hey emailmannh, was that you out on Weir bay last spring breaking up the ice with a jetski? Seems to me it was around mid April on a Saturday afternoon. :confused:

[JTA]

Silver Sands Marina had a cam for a few years. The great thing about that site was that they showed the same view on comparative days to the one that was current. (They GOT me on April Fools Day a couple of years ago by showing a "no ice" pic when there really was ice). Anyone know what happened to that cam?

[Steveo]

It's still there at:

http://www.nhboat.com/daily_update06.htm

They already have some great shots and comparisons with previous years.

Won't be long now

[Island Girl]

I have added the Silver Sands ice out page to my ice out page at www.rattlesnakecam.com/iceout.htm (http://www.rattlesnakecam.com/iceout.htm)

Thanks Steveo, I was looking for that link. ;)

[DBA]

I do appreciate the kind words from Upthesauke and DRH and the super help and encouragement that Island Girl has given me. It has enabled my pictures to be shared and I count myself among the very excited about the proximity of Ice Out!:D

[Rattlesnake Gal]

Welcome to the forum DBA and thanks for the wonderful photos! :D
I am exceedingly anxious to get back to the island. Hopefully it will be very soon.
As always IG, thanks for your organization for these important lake events! :D

[Pepper]

Indeed another wonderful addition to the "views of change!" :D Thanks to each of you who make contributions to the Ice-in-and-out page!

The past few days the changes are incredible, and I imagine the warm temps will make their mark even more dramatically in the next two or three days!

Any day now I expect to see the crew from Thurston's and Channel out there doing their part to drive the ice down-bay! :laugh:

[Lin]

Anyone else keep watching that ice crack on the Bear Cam? Looks wider every day. Saw ice fishermen out in front the other day. Just checked Mt. Washington and they were talking about how fast the temp had jumped upwards last night from 15 degrees to 38 degrees melting the 2 1/2" of snow they had received.

[OVIDGSD]

Howdy all :coolsm: Pulling the shanty off the ice tomorrow....:emb:

Can anybody give me an "on the ground" report for aprox. how much water is currently on top of the ice in winter harbor or 19 mile bay or what the surface is like?

Most thanks! ;)

[Diamond Isle]

DBA, Can you see if the ice looks safe from the Gilford side to get onto Diamond - or do I wait a week and take a boat?? Thanks for the pics showing Diamond - that's the side we are on!

[Lakegeezer]

We went by Center Harbor today and there are still cars, and even a camping trailer, on the ice. In M'boro bay, the ice pushed up on the rocks is solid and about 1 foot thick. Where there are cracks, its about 6" thick. So still safe in many spots - we have a ways to go before ice-out.

[Island Girl]

The north, north east side of Diamond is completely open water. I just went for a walk with DBA to look.

Amazing as it may seem... we are watching the ice melt. The big open area off Diamond has large white caps which are beating against the ice line and coming this way (Rattlesnake Island).

There are lots of very wet gray areas that we expect to see open up today or tomorrow.

Coming out on the ice boat.. it broke throught the ice a few times. The ice was quite thin in some areas...and getting punky.

It's coming folks!!! Get those boats ready.

IG ;)

[Merrymeeting]

The last few years the magic water temp seems to be about 38 degrees. It's rising fast and the weather over the next few days won't slow it down any.

I hope folks plan on getting those vehicles and bob houses off the ice this weekend.

[upthesaukee]

...Amazing as it may seem... we are watching the ice melt. ...
IG ;)

It amazes me how much ice has melted this week. I wish I had taken a picture on Tuesday looking up the Merrymeeting River from the Rte 11 bridge. The river was solid ice at that point.

Here is a shot from 3-10-06:

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/510/ice-out-031006_river.jpg

And here it is on 03-11.

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/510/ice-out-031106-river.jpg

And the ice is out to the end of Downing's and Gillan's docks already!!!

[ghfromaltonbay]

Great shots showing what a difference 24 hours can make. You're making me homesick. Hopefully I can make the forum fest in 2 weeks for my NH and lobster roll fix. Save one for me, Pepper. It's a long way from Joisey, but worth the trip.

[RLW]

It's coming folks!!! Get those boats ready.

IG ;)
If I remember correctly, you were one of the many that was doing the snow dance just a few weeks ago so we could have a bed race. Gee, what a few warm days do to some people more especially when the ice shows signs of melting like yesterday and today.:laugh: :D :laugh:

[JTA]

Island Girl ... how about a picture of this ice boat that you are traveling around in?
I'm curious (and jealous?).

[Lakegeezer]

697Island Girl ... how about a picture of this ice boat that you are traveling around in?
I'm curious (and jealous?).Is this one of the hovercraft gang? Four or five went by today.

[Island Girl]

Island Girl ... how about a picture of this ice boat that you are traveling around in?
I'm curious (and jealous?).

I usually ride in a different boat, but here is today's ride. Somewhere in photopost, Lakegirl has a picture of the other one.

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/506/medium/Ron_Airboat_Delivery_WEB.jpg

[DBA]

Hi to all the Ice Out Fans out there.... :D
Just a reminder that the http://www.Rattlesnakecam.com/iceout.htm has updated pictures and webcams daily. Thanks to Upthesaukee for the latest pictures on the ice status there. The temps today were instrumental in changing the color, quality and "wetness" of today's ice. One of my late afternoon pictures today shows how much water has been absorbed by the ice. The next two days with their warmer temps and possible rain will help to further dissolve that ice barrier.
Here's to the earliest ice out ever!
DBA:eek:

[DRH]

That ice looks like it's ready to melt away anytime now! Thanks for the great shots from the northwest part of Rattlesnake, DBA.

[upthesaukee]

Here's a few pics besides what was posted on ice out today.

First is a shot from the town docks looking at the gazebo. Notice the debris left behind by bobhouses in the middle right and also just in front of the gazebo. Today's on-ice debris = tomorrow's boating hazard :( .

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/510/ice-out-031206-docks-to-gaz.jpg

And here's a shot of the boat ramp. Notice the water coming right up to where vehicle go on and off, and notice the open water on the Shibley side. (truck did not go on the ice).

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/510/medium/031206_5x3_boat_ramp.jpg

And a bob house off Sandy Point. Looks like open water around it!

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/506/medium/031206_bobhouse_sandy_point_2.jpg

and finally, more bobhouse out by Echo Point and also over on the Loon Cove side. The dot to the left of the bob house at Echo point is actually a snowmobile crossing the bay very slowly.

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/506/ice-out-031206-n-of-sandy-p.jpg

In those immortal words..."Th-th-th-tha-tha-that's all, folks!!!!";)

[KBoater]

Can anyone get a picture of the Wolfeboro town docks ice conditions? I miss the WolfeCam.

[Island Girl]

The ice around Rattlesnake, Sleeper's, Cub and Treasure Islands has deteriorated much in the last 24 hours. It is very pourous and weak in most places. The airboat broke through the ice around the tip of Rattlesnake and was breaking the ice in others. That grey color that indicated punky ice is everywhere with a lot of very very wet places.

As you can see from DBA and Upthesaukee's ice out pictures there is a lot more open water.

We could literally watch the ice melt!

Stay tuned...
www.rattlesnakecam.com/iceout.htm (http://www.rattlesnakecam.com/iceout.htm)

:D :laugh: :D :laugh: :D :laugh:

[emailmannh]

The jetski you saw in Weirs Bay last year was not me. I generally put in on Alton Bay because ice out is earlier there. It looks like ice out will be in other parts of the lake this year. Some of these pictures are unbelievable for this time in March. Should be on the water on or before April 1st!

[Weirs guy]

man, at this rate you may be on the lake tomorrow. we lost an awful lot of ice this weekend, and now the flows are starting. I'd guess its 2 or 3 weeks ahead of last year.

[JK47]

Are my eyes decieving me, or is this (http://65.175.179.62/) all water in the foreground? :eek:

[Orion]

That's all water....It was almost half water most of the season.....water to the left and ice to the right, but now all water. Get them boats ready!

[Zee]

I was amazed to see five bob houses still on 19 Mile Bay last evening. All bob houses are off Winter Harbor, Wolfeboro Bay and 20 Mile Bay. There was still one trailer out on Center Harbor on Saturday evening. It looked like one wheel was sunk down in the ice. The ice is turning dark everywhere, I sure hope they get them off in the next couple of days. Wolfeboro Bay has a lot of open water. I think we are still two weeks away from ice out but that is still real early. Time enough to wax up the boat.

[Resident 2B]

It looks like it will be turning cooler in a few days, but the wind will be up and stay up for about a week. Although it will be cold at night, the wind should keep working on the ice, so it is looking like a early April ice out to me.

Time will tell, but all the signs I know are pointing to that time frame. Ice out usually happens two to three weeks after the water gets to 36 degrees and that happened a few days ago. If you look at the Silver Sand's web site and go backwards from past ice-out dates to what the ice looks like today, you also get this time frame.

One concern I have is with even more ice damage to docks. There was a lot of open water and area where the ice got think. If the wind breaks the ice up into large chunks which is likely and these large chunks get driven by the wind across the open water onto shore, there will be a lot of momentium when these "mini-icebergs" strike land and docks. I hopeI am wrong on this, but it is looking more possible every day.

R2B

[RI Swamp Yankee]

Can anyone get a picture of the Wolfeboro town docks ice conditions? I miss the WolfeCam.

Here is one I took Feb 22, there wasn't much ice then, I expect less now.
Wolfeboro Town Docks (http://wolfeboro.net/photo_gallery/?g2_itemId=339)

[JK47]

Does anyone know what the earliest ice out ever recorded is? It will be interesting to see if this year is competitive for the title...

[Island Girl]

Here is the list http://www.winnipesaukee.com/iceout.htm

[JK47]

Thanks, IG. It looks like March 28 is the date to beat. That's only two weeks away...

[ghfromaltonbay]

Usually they say that ice out occurs a week after the ice disappears from Lily Pond. Has anyone been by there lately?

[upthesaukee]

Went by there yesterday. No activity on the pond, still ice covered, but not looking all that safe, which is probably why no one was on the ice...duhhhhhh David!!!!

[DBA]

You are right on Resident 2B! We have left Rattlesnake Island as of about noon today (in the pouring rain) rather than stay and experience the winds that are predicted. I am also expecting some dock damage unless the winds just break the ice completely. :D

When we came across in the airboat today, the ice was firm enough to hold us most of the way. The western end of Rattlesnake was icebergs and open water. The rest of the trip was firm ice. It cracked under the weight, but it held. The rain will help and the winds will chew it up.:laugh:

So sorry to say there will be no more daily picture postings from Rattlesnake. We expect there to be water by the time we will be returning (2 weeks).

Thanks for all the wonderful comments and we'll see you at the Forum Fest!
DBA

[Resident 2B]

DBA,

Thanks for the great photos and good luck with your dock. Hopefully the wind will break it into small pieces.

I just do not have a good feeling about this.

R2B

[Lakegeezer]

My back yard, where the boat is kept, is a soup bowl of mud on top of a frozen tundra. Here it is, looking like its time to pull the boat out of the back yard and get it ready to splash. But I can't, yet. To do so now would dig tire tracks that would never go away all summer. I'm hoping for one more freeze later this week, and the forecast is with me. Then I'll yank the boat out to the driveway, early some morning while the ground is still frozen. Not only will I get the boat ready for the early ice-out salmon fishing, but there is a side benefit. With the boat out from under its winter tarp, its bound to snow at least once in March or maybe on April fools day. Maybe one more ski day??

[Skip]

Another story on the ice-out with a gracious mention once again of the now famous Winnipesaukee.com! :)

When will the ice be out???? (http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Warm+winter+may+not+hasten+B ig+Lake+ice-out&articleId=1e78cdc8-823e-4cfd-96bb-7d5733cf5e1b)

Skip

[Steveo]

OK, I will admit this may be a weird (if not irrelevant) question but how did they know when “Ice Out” was in 1888 or even 1921 (earliest ice out)? The official ice out criteria is when the Mount can navigate all of its ports. What was the criterion in 1888? They certainly didn’t have the good work of Emerson Aviation, let alone planes. No cars, no phones to coordinate sightings at each port. Did they telegraph each other? Was there some guy going around the lake on a horse everyday (?!?). Probably take a few days just to make it around the lake.

I told you it was a weird question; I was just wondering. :rolleye2: :confused:

[Diamond Isle]

So sorry to say there will be no more daily picture postings from Rattlesnake. We expect there to be water by the time we will be returning (2 weeks).

Thanks for all the wonderful comments and we'll see you at the Forum Fest!
DBA

I just wanted to say thanks for the great pictures around Diamond, sure beats the 30 mile drive over there! Looks like it's time to cut the shrinkwrap and get the boat ready!

[MAXUM]

Shoot last weekend I pulled mine out of the garage and fired her up! Man I love that sound!

[Resident 2B]

OK, I will admit this may be a weird (if not irrelevant) question but how did they know when “Ice Out” was in 1888 or even 1921 (earliest ice out)? The official ice out criteria is when the Mount can navigate all of its ports. What was the criterion in 1888? They certainly didn’t have the good work of Emerson Aviation, let alone planes. No cars, no phones to coordinate sightings at each port. Did they telegraph each other? Was there some guy going around the lake on a horse everyday (?!?). Probably take a few days just to make it around the lake.

I told you it was a weird question; I was just wondering. :rolleye2: :confused:

I think back then they just used the NASA Images from Space found on the web. They kept things simple back in the old days.:rolleye2: :)

On a bit more serious side, I had the same question.

[upthesaukee]

Can anyone get a picture of the Wolfeboro town docks ice conditions? I miss the WolfeCam.

Here you go!!!! Not often I get over that way with a camera...today was one of those days, and the weather cleared off before I got there (rained this morning).

Enjoy!!

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/510/medium/031406_5x3_Cate_Park_1.jpg

Ice is not that far out from the docks. You might get a better look in the gallery:

Here's that link: http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=9026

[Weirs guy]

Usually they say that ice out occurs a week after the ice disappears from Lily Pond. Has anyone been by there lately?

I thought the airports new runway lights screwed that up?

[GWC...]

The last few years the magic water temp seems to be about 38 degrees. It's rising fast and the weather over the next few days won't slow it down any.


It would seem that the Lake is approaching the magic number:

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/tempcal/index.cgi

[Rattlesnake Gal]

For those who were not present for last year’s ice-out fun, here is a recap of my water temperature and ice-out correlation:
(With last year's numbers added.)
RG's 4/8/05 post

Here are the water temps preceding and at the time of ice-out.
Not sure of they have any value to anyone, but it kept me busy for a few minutes. :laugh:

April 20th 2005 – 41 degrees two days before ice-out. (No recorded temps on 19th – 23rd. )

Temperature hit 39 degrees on April 10th – 11 days to ice-out.

April 20th 2004 - 42 degrees at ice-out.

Temperature hit 39 degrees on April 10th – 11 days to ice-out.

April 25th 2003 - 40 degrees at ice-out.

Temperature hit 39 degrees on April 19th – 7 days to ice-out.

April 5th 2002 - 41 degrees the day after ice-out.

Temperature hit 38 degrees (Doesn’t show 39) on March 28th – 8 days to ice-out.

May 2nd 2001 - 45 degrees at ice-out.

Temperature hit 39 degrees on April 24th – 9 days to ice-out.

No water temperatures for the preceding years.

http://webarchive.unionleader.com/articles_showa.html?article=53381 (April 15, 2005 article)

[Island Girl]

Thanks RG for the correlation.. I had about 41 degrees in my mind based on past years... Now if only we knew what the temp was in 1921 at ice-out!

[Quilt Lady]

Now if only we knew what the temp was in 1921 at ice-out!
How about we go with "Dr. Who" (Sci-fi Channel Fri.@ 9PM) in his time machine (Tardis) and take our own readings! The only problem is that he never ends up where he thinks he's going! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: Ultimate Road Trip!!!

[Mr. V]

I'm curious as to whether there is a record of the Lake having had "ice out" declared, only to be followed by a deep freeze resulting in a second "ice in?"

[Mee-n-Mac]

How about we go with "Dr. Who" (Sci-fi Channel Fri.@ 9PM) in his time machine (Tardis) and take our own readings! The only problem is that he never ends up where he thinks he's going! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: Ultimate Road Trip!!!


I don't think we can use 1921 as an indicator for ice-out purposes. It's been said that there was some Dalek plot to heat up the Earth that year. :D Can't say I've followed the good Dr much since Tom Baker (#4) left. Hopefully this incarnation is a good one :) Since BSG is on hiatus, I'm thinking this will be the new Friday night taping.

FWIW : http://uplink.space.com/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=scifi&Number=427600&page=1&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=0&fpart=all

http://uplink.space.com/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=freespace&Number=459942&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=0&fpart=

ps - maybe Misty Blue will quiz us on what a tardis is ? ;)

[Merrymeeting]

There is a very small retention pond near my house that I always use as my personal barometer for lake ice-out. It is usually about 2 weeks ahead of the lakes.

I was out of town for a few days. When I left on Sunday, it was still mostly ice with melting on the edges. When I returned yesterday, it was completely ice-free and the ducks who return to it for a brief time each Spring were swimming around. This morning it was skimmed over with a thin layer of ice once again.

With the cold weather of the next few days, I'm sticking with my early April forecast. ;)

[Bizer]

I was looking at Don's Ice-out page. For those of us that like statistics:

Historicly, for the past 119 years, the average ice-out date has been April 20th with a standard deviation of 9 days.

For 285 guesses for the 2006 ice-out contest:

The average date was April 9th
The standard deviation was 10 days
Nobody guessed May even though ice-out has occasionally occurred in May.
28 people (10%) guessed that the 2006 ice-out would occur before March 28th, the earliest ice-out on record.

[mcdude]

Nice Monet-like shot of sunset over the ice from Snake-Eyes tonight...

[DRH]

DBA, Can you see if the ice looks safe from the Gilford side to get onto Diamond - or do I wait a week and take a boat?? Thanks for the pics showing Diamond - that's the side we are on! As of this morning the entire area between Ames Farm and Diamond Island is open water. In fact, the open water area goes almost all the way to Rattlesnake. We've had gusty winds for four consecutive days now and the open water area by Diamond had white caps this morning.

[Steveo]

If you want to see sonmething really cool check out the Weirs cam and watch it clear in front of your eyes

[Rattlesnake Gal]

:idea: Can you add sound to a webcam? :laugh:

[Steveo]

That would be cool too. Weirscam has the live video feed now so you can actually see it move. I am watching the Abekee live feed also to see it that big ice flow will head there next.

[wildwoodfam]

Anyone know when they'll start fly overs to do the real checks? Would be great to start seeing the progression of the lake from above. Oh and a Happy St Patrick's Day to ya!:cheers:

[DRH]

We drove past Lily Pond this afternoon and it now has some areas of open water.

Also, the open water area between Belknap Point and Ellacoya State Park is huge now.

[Cal]

I just saw the Weirs cam and all the ice is GONE....WOW that was quick:eek:

[Resident 2B]

I was up at the lake last night and earlier today. Last night, the ice was making some deep groans so I knew something was up.

Early this morning, you could see the ice that was in front of the Weirs breaking away from the ice that covers Meredith Bay as the wind was blowing fairly strongly from the west-northwest. Once seperation was complete, the ice really started to move towards Governor's Island. Then, the wind shifted more northerly and it directed the ice towards the shore across from the Weirs. When I left, it had stopped moving, or slowed down a lot, due to engaging the breakwaters protecting the docks in that area.

The size of this is huge! It is at least a ten acres in area perhaps larger. If it wasn't for the stone breakwaters, the docks would not have a chance. If the wind shifts more westerly as it is forecasted to do, and this thing gets away from the shore and gets moving again, watch out!

It is amazing the tempature at the Weirs was in the mid 20s as this was happening. Many will think the ice melted. In this case, it is still ice, it just moved.

R2B

[Paugus Bay Resident]

I was driving down Cherry Valley this afternoon and was surprised by the amount of open water (over the last week). I'm sure the nasty, irritating, not welcome winds have something to do with it. I'll take some pictures from that vantage next week.

[Good N' You?]

Hello Everyone,
I am new here....Sort of! I have been reading and following along, but have had nothing really to say. So I thought I would "Break the Ice" no pun intended, and say Hello! I do wish all the ice was broken though. I don't go a day without thinking about boating season now. I love it on the lake! Especially early season!!! It can be sooo nice and calm!
I have been coming here (Paugus) for the last 7 years and my wife has been for the last 20 years. She was 10. I grew up on a lake and was on it every day of the summer...Sometimes in the rain and lightning :eek: :eek: So I thoroughly enjoy this wonderful lake. We have a new 7 month old who we can't wait to bring out on the boat and show him all this lake has to offer!
Sorry to ramble, but I thought I would give a little back ground too! :cheers: :cheers:

Calm seas ahead!
Good N' You?

[Rinkerfam]

Let me be the first to welcome you to the forum. I hope that you, your wife and your little one have a wonderful season in '06. My oldest was 4 months when he took his first ride on the big lake, and my little guy was 7 months. I suspect that once you get out on the water, we will be hearing from you more and more:)

[hazelnut]

A couple years ago we introduced our then 7 month old TWIN boys to boating/ Lake Winni/Island Living etc. It was a bit rough at first.... (took them while to get used to their life jackets) However, I am happy to report that once they got used to their Jackets everything was great. The hum of the engine is a GREAT nap inducer.;) Now when we are on the lake both boys can't WAIT for a boat ride. They jump up and down and say "boat ride, boat ride, boat ride, boat ride.... " until we cave and say "ok." They are now 2 1/2 years old and ready for their third boating season on Lake Winni.

[Grant]

Hello Everyone,
I am new here....Sort of! I have been reading and following along, but have had nothing really to say. So I thought I would "Break the Ice" no pun intended, and say Hello! I do wish all the ice was broken though. I don't go a day without thinking about boating season now. I love it on the lake! Especially early season!!! It can be sooo nice and calm!
I have been coming here (Paugus) for the last 7 years and my wife has been for the last 20 years. She was 10. I grew up on a lake and was on it every day of the summer...Sometimes in the rain and lightning :eek: :eek: So I thoroughly enjoy this wonderful lake. We have a new 7 month old who we can't wait to bring out on the boat and show him all this lake has to offer!
Sorry to ramble, but I thought I would give a little back ground too! :cheers: :cheers:

Calm seas ahead!
Good N' You?

Welcome. Always good when a "lurker" emerges from the shadows and says hello! This is a great forum.

[Pepper]

Welcome "Good N' You"! :D

Glad you've gotten past the "lurking" stage, and jumped in to join all the fun. ;) You're now a part of the friendliest forum family in the free world!

[upthesaukee]

I was driving down Cherry Valley this afternoon and was surprised by the amount of open water (over the last week). I'm sure the nasty, irritating, not welcome winds have something to do with it. I'll take some pictures from that vantage next week.

And as I was coming home from the Alton Masonic Breakfast Buffet this morning, I snapped these two pictures of Merrymeeting River and the end of Alton Bay with new ice forming due to the cold temps. Current temp as I type this is 21 degrees, with a low of 17 forecasted. I would expect more ice to form overnight :( .

Here is the river:

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/510/medium/031906_5x3_river.jpg

And the bay:

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/510/medium/031906_5x3_bay.jpg

If you go to the gallery, you can click on the picture and get a larger view showing the ice a little more clearly, especially on the river shot.

The good news: after Monday, the first day of spring by the way, the high temps for the next week will run between 37 and 45 degrees. The bad news: lows are forecasted below freezing each night during the same period.

[RLW]

Upthesaukee, is that signs of rebuilding in your picture of Downings gas dock? It looks as if I can see some new 2 by stock piled up and a few of the bumper blocks removed?
I don't believe the cold nites will hurt any as the sun is high enough during the days to remove ANYTHING the nites put on the lake/river.:liplick:

[Merrymeeting]

Looks like we'll have status quo for awhile. Melting during the day, refreezing at night.

I couldn't believe it when I saw people on the ice on the Pine Island cam yesterday. Hopefully the ice is still safe out there.

On another note, anyone know what it is on the ice just to the right of the tree in the Pine Island cam? It's been there most of the winter.

[Pine Island Guy]

On another note, anyone know what it is on the ice just to the right of the tree in the Pine Island cam? It's been there most of the winter.

We were wondering that too, but found out on our walk a few weeks ago with Misty Blue that it's a raft that must have broken loose last fall...

Also was surprised to see people out on the ice over the weekend... the new Pine Island South Cam shows a lot of open water in the area these days... http://mysite.verizon.net/pineisland/PineIslandGuy2.jpg

cheers!

PIG

[Loon E. Tunes]

Thanks for the new cam site Pine Island Guy!!! That would have come in very handy last weekend when I was walking out to Three Mile. Found a safe approach from Leavitt Park though. The ice seemed to be pretty thick with some pickup trucks out on the ice!

[trfour]

Hi Pine Island Guy,

I noticed the Moxie bottle over there on the railing behind the Ice Out speedomeater, on the left in this clip. :laugh: When does the recycle truck get by over there?

Reason for asking is, would'nt want that bottle to get blown into the Lake.

Back in the day, I did some bare foot'in, would'nt want to stub my toe on it. :look: .... course, I still got rounded shoulders, from where my butt hit me after a crash or two, while learning!! :eek:

Anyway, I'm a big fan of all the webcams and just wanted to thank you for yours.
T.

[upthesaukee]

Upthesaukee, is that signs of rebuilding in your picture of Downings gas dock? It looks as if I can see some new 2 by stock piled up and a few of the bumper blocks removed?
I don't believe the cold nites will hurt any as the sun is high enough during the days to remove ANYTHING the nites put on the lake/river.:liplick:

If you check out this link:

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=9038&size=big&cat=recent&limit=recent

That will show the large version of the picture. It is indeed stacks of wood that I guess will be used to repair the docks. Downing's docks appear to have suffered from some ice damage this winter. Hopefully they can get it fixed before opening day of fishing season.:rolleye1:

[GWC...]

I noticed the Moxie bottle over there on the railing behind the Ice Out speedomeater...

If you take another and closer look, that Moxie may be a bottle of home brew :eek:

That ability and the label were mentioned in a prior thread, past my memory span, though - a search might do the trick.

[trfour]

Thats okay GWC,


I'm always mindful of potential site sponsors. I just thought Moxie had a better ring to it, than Kelcy's 150 proof shine. ;)

[Pine Island Guy]

I'm always mindful of potential site sponsors. I just thought Moxie had a better ring to it, than Kelcy's 150 proof shine. ;)

The bottle is indeed a home-brew, one of Misty Blue's I believe, which would be "Red Hill Ale"... or it could have been a "Pine Island Brown Ale"... believe me, both have plenty of "Moxie"!!! :cheers:

As the tag-line says "Stop by for a brew or a few"... and enjoy the view on the webcam

PIG

[trfour]

Thats very interesting P I Guy,

Does Misty or yourself make a nonalcohol version Ale? I don't drink the high test anymore.
I'd like to take a ride over there this summer some time and check out the cam setup and have a drink with you.

I've been watching Ice in and ice out all winter, a fantastic job!! Keep up the great work.


T.

[dogboy]

It didn't have fancy labels or even any label at all, but in the mid-90s the one-man East Bear Island Brewing Co. made some good Altbier and Kolsch with springwater hauled from the Douglass spring. But then children appeared and the local micros prevailed.

[Skip]

Here's the latest scoop on ice-out according to the fine folks over at the Citizen (http://www.citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060323/CITIZEN0101/103230063/-1/CITIZEN)

[Grant]

The bottle is indeed a home-brew, one of Misty Blue's I believe, which would be "Red Hill Ale"... or it could have been a "Pine Island Brown Ale"... believe me, both have plenty of "Moxie"!!! :cheers:

As the tag-line says "Stop by for a brew or a few"... and enjoy the view on the webcam

PIG

Good one. I once messed with an IPA recipe and named the resulting brew "Laughing Loon Lager" (it was an IPA-ish recipe that I brewed with Lager yeast). Don't know if I still have the recipe, but your post puts me in the mood for brewing a batch, and if I start now, I'll have a case of home brew to bring up for the "opening up" weekend.

Perhaps I'll call it "Black Fly Bogus IPA"...

My friend Eddie Stebbins, of "Gritty McDuff's" brewpub in Portland has a beer called "Black Fly Stout"...good stuff.

[spotsink]

Just noticed that Snake Eyes is back up and sending real time images of the lake. :D

[Island Girl]

Yes, Snake Eyes is back. The Snake Eyes repair team set out in the airboat this morning, braving the icebergs, water and thin ice to restart the cam and modem. She started right up and sent her first picture within a minute.

The team was happy to help... and took a nice ride over lots of open water and lots of ice and a couple of fields of the funniest looking ice and ice bergs we have ever seen. Pictures later... tomorrow maybe.... after PepperFest.

IG

[upthesaukee]

I noticed the ice from about the pavillion to the band stand is really getting gray and could just disappear at any time. The slightly warmer weather scheduled over the next few days could end up getting a bunch of this ice outta here!!!!:) :) :)

[Eki]

The last few posts I have read the refer to links to the citizen are useless, because I have not signed up for their service...

[upthesaukee]

Access to the Citizen is free. It does make a lot of links available that would not be otherwise.

I think our webmaster would prefer to see a link to an article rather than copying and pasting the article into a thread (copyright laws, you know:rolleye1: ).

Sorry you've missed some of the posts.

[Merrymeeting]

Water temps at 38, air temps later this week in the 60's, nighttime temps staying at or above freezing for the next week...

I noticed some big pieces of ice on the Anchor Marine cam that floated in yesterday. Now watching a big piece move by on the Abakee Cottages cam.

It's going to start happening fast now.

[Silver Duck]

Betty & I took a ride around the lake yesterday after attending the mini Forum Fest. From the look of things, I figure that we're still a couple of weeks away from ice out.:(

I've uploaded a few photos that we took up the North end of the lake, since we don't usually get as much coverage up there. Once Don approves them, I'll try to figure out how to post links to them. (I should have asked the experts how to do that yesterday!)

Silver Duck

[Merrymeeting]

They are there now Silver Duck. Thanks for the update for all of us. Link isn't necessary if you just go to the PhotoPost (under "Quick Links" above) and look for recent postings.

[Silver Duck]

Thank you, Don, for the quick approvals and thank you Merrymeeting for the hint. I wasn't going to try to be this ambitious, but I figured out how to imbed the image!:)

This was taken from the town docks in Center Harbor.

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/510/medium/Center_Harbor_3-25-06.JPG

The Mount is waiting peacefully for ice out (which is more than I can say for myself!)

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/510/medium/MVMW_3-25-06.JPG

Here's a view of the Northern tip of Bear Island.

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/510/medium/Bear_Is_NWZ_3-25-06.JPG

And, one of the Western side of Pine Island.

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/510/medium/Pine_Is_3-25-06.JPG

And, finally, yours truly standing at the end of my slip with Bear Island in the background.

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/510/medium/Bear_Silver_Duck_3-25-06.JPG

We're getting there:D , but still have a ways to go:( !

Silver Duck

[Rattlesnake Gal]

Thanks for the pictures Silver Duck, it's nice to see different vantage points around the lake. Also, it's great to finally see what you look like! Maybe next time we'll get to meet you and the Mrs.

[emailmannh]

I've hit the small lake I live on, now it's time to ride the big lake. Weather looks very good to put the jetski's in on Tuesday 3/28. That's what my buddy and I are planning on, just need to know where we can find a launch in Alton, Gilford or Laconia that is open to the big patches of open water. Someone have a launch we could use for a day? Email me at Mark@nhhb.org

Thanks

[Rattlesnake Gal]

If you go into Meredith Bay, we'll get to see it on the webcam! :laugh:

[codeman671]

I've hit the small lake I live on, now it's time to ride the big lake. Weather looks very good to put the jetski's in on Tuesday 3/28. That's what my buddy and I are planning on, just need to know where we can find a launch in Alton, Gilford or Laconia that is open to the big patches of open water. Someone have a launch we could use for a day? Email me at Mark@nhhb.org

Thanks
Ames Farm for sure! Its wide open.

[Weirs guy]

Heres another good sign too, the boys over at Anchor Marina were out playing a little yesterday between Spindle Point and the channel. First boat of the year on 03/26 when last year there was still to much snow to get into my back yard!:eek:

[Mink Islander]

What's that object off in the distance that appeared 2 days ago? Looks like a bob house?

[DRH]

What's that object off in the distance that appeared 2 days ago? Looks like a bob house? When I took the 3/26 photo, there was an airboat coming across the ice from the islands. That's why it's only in that particular day's picture.

[Rattlesnake Gal]

Check out the Castle Springs cam (http://soot.sr.unh.edu/airmap/CSprings.jpg). Is it me or does it look like there is lots of open water?

[Rattlesnake Gal]

Here is Orion's excellent lake guide of the Castle Springs Cam. (http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=2210&size=big&cat=&si=castle%20springs)

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/515/medium/109Csprings_cam.jpg

[Lin]

Check out the Castle Springs cam (http://soot.sr.unh.edu/airmap/CSprings.jpg). Is it me or does it look like there is lots of open water?


I've been watching that area on the castle webcam too thinking it's all open water or must be real black ice. Looks like going up to Moultonborough though is still icy.

[Lin]

Actually checking the webcams now at 2:45 pm compared to 7 am this morning 3/27 there looks like big chunks of ice went out in front of the bear cam, pine island and lake Wentworth. Looks like Brookwoods cam is showing some open water that's been creeping along either that or everytime i look at it it's a shadow from the land mass i'm looking at while their beach cam is finally showing shoreline melting. It even looks like off in the distance from the snakeyes cam that there is open water showing.

[mcdude]

Sunday March 26 - Late Afternoon and Monday March 27 Late Afternoon..
...What a difference a day makes!

[Lin]

Nice comparison shot Mcdude, seems the ice must have sank or melted a lot today.

[Keith]

wentworth almost went totally out today. Yesterday, it was all ice. Today, you can only see it off in the distance (now open from crescent lake to state park to behind Stamp Act). watch out for a few bergs if you go out there now :)
Ice will be gone there by friday.

Watching the water temp every day. When it hits 50, its wakeboard time.

[Silver Duck]

Hi RG

I was really sorry to have missed you at the mini forum fest, and definitely look forward to meting you next time. Perhaps Pepper would be willing to host another "mini" get together before it's time for the regular forum fest?

As for seeing what I look like, I shouldn't think that that's any great treat! :emb:

Silver Duck

[DRH]

Lily Pond is all open water as of 5:30 PM today when I drove by.

[upthesaukee]

I was less than an hour behind you at Lily Pond, and half an hour behind you with the same news!:laugh:

Looks like around April 6 - 10th!!!!

I noticed what may have been openings out near the end of Alton bay, and also around the markers at Sandy Point.

We'll see how the pictures go tomorrow. I think it will start really moving now. I notice in the West Alton Digicam that you can see open water around the SE end of Treasure Is.

[DRH]

I notice in the West Alton Digicam that you can see open water around the SE end of Treasure Is. Yes, you're exactly right. The area between Sleepers and Treasure Islands and Rattlesnake is now open water, and that open water area is extending further and further southeastward each day. As of late this afternoon, there appeared to be a finger of open water extending from between Treasure and Rattlesnake Islands about half way over to Ship Island. The ice got noticeable darker this afternoon, with the mild temps (high 40s) and full sunlight. It's supposed to be milder yet each day this week, with full sun every day. That combination of mild temps and full sunlight will hopefully make short work of the remaining ice!

[Bear Islander]

I took an image from todays BearCam and looked for one from last year that was similar in the amount of open water. This non-scientific comparison has ice out coming 17 days earlier than last year.

March 27, 2006 looks like April 14, 2005.

[lucky49m]

Thanks to all the people who keep us informed about ice out, it is really helpful to all of us who live a distance away. Sounds like we will be fishing out of our boats by the 1st of April.
Thanks again.
Lucky49m:D :D

[Bear Islander]

Fairhaven is a private home about halfway between Shep Browns and Y-Landing.

Loon Island is on the right side of the image and Bear Island is in the distance.

[Keith]

Looking towards the Belknaps from Tuftonboro Neck - the broads, taken today.

Not much longer at all.

-keith

[Merrymeeting]

The ice is increasingly looking fragile and disappearing. I'm half expecting to get up tomorrow and see that what happened on Wentworth happens on Winni (i.e, instant ice-out!)

I still think 38 degrees is the magic water temp number (sorry IG :laugh: ).

Does anyone know if the fly-overs have started? Any updates from above?

[upthesaukee]

Here's a couple of pics taken on 3-28-06:

1st is Sandy Point open water by markers.

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/510/032806-sandy-point.jpg

2nd is from scenic view on Rte 11. Little thread of water cutting across the bay.

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/510/032806-rte-11-scen-vw.jpg

and last is Little Mark is in the clear!!!!

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/510/032806-Little-Mark.jpg

Thaaaaaattttttt's allllllll Fooooolllllllllllkkkkkkkksssssssss:D .

[Mee-n-Mac]

Just wanted to say Thank-you for the daily picture updates of Alton Bay....those of us with property on the Bay really appreciate it :) I feel like a little kid at Christmas time every day when I'm logging in to check out the latest pics ! You're the best :D

--Mee

[Rattlesnake Gal]

Mee-n-Mac, I think we all feel like little kids at Christmas time! :laugh:
I was so encouraged by the webcams today that I cut open the boat and started cleaning! Come on ice-out. :banana:
Thanks Keith for the picture of The Broads! Also big thanks to Upthesaukee for all of your ice-out photos and DRH too! We are lucky to have you! :D All the fantastic webcams too, each and every one of them. Thanks!!!

[Misty Blue]

Grant...

If you can navigate your way to Braun Bay, I not only have all of the home brew stuff (Braun Bay pilsner sounds good) but I got a Seadoo Scooter for Christmas! Does that sound like a summer afternoon?

Misty Blue.

[nightrider]

Where exactly is Fairhaven cam on Meredith Neck. I have a chart but cannot find it. I'm trying to determine what I'm looking at with the Fairhaven Cam.
Also, it looks like Smith Cove Cam is back. Good job!

[Bear Islander]

Where exactly is Fairhaven cam on Meredith Neck. I have a chart but cannot find it. I'm trying to determine what I'm looking at with the Fairhaven Cam.
Also, it looks like Smith Cove Cam is back. Good job!

Fairhaven is a private home about halfway between Shep Browns and Y-Landing.

Loon Island is on the right side of the image and Bear Island is in the distance.



deja vu

[Erbyjoe]

Good Morning,I'm new to this site.I was wondering if someone could give me the site where you get all the camera shots from.I usually go out of center harbor.So to see the rest of the lake would be great.Thanks in advance.

Erbyjoe

[DBA]

One nice :D collection is located at http://www.rattlesnakecam.com/iceout.htm

[Island Girl]

I got a phone call yesterday afternoon from two guys who were jetskiing in the broads. I wish I was there to take pictures... I would have loved to be out there..

... so guys.. what were the ice conditions.. how thick? how much?

Also how do you dress to jetski in March??

Thanks for the call.. buzz by on Saturday if you are there again. I will have my cameras ready!!!!

The Babes are doing the Melting Dance :banana:

IG
:coolsm: :coolsm: :coolsm: :coolsm:

[MAXUM]

Hey I was wondering if I could bother somebody enough to give me an idea of how clear Meredith bay is of ice from Meredith all the way down towards the Wiers. Planning to take the boat out fishing. Seems like Ames Farm is the best bet to gain access to the most open water, but if given the choice I think I much prefer fishing up around Meredith, provided there is ample open water.

Thanks all for the great information!

I will take the camera with me no matter where I go Satruday and will post pics...

[Weirs guy]

MAXUM, I haven't been down to Meredith, but based on what I can see from the Weirs there is still a lot of ice from Spindle Point all the way to Meredith. It may even still be completely iced over? Weirs bay is open (save for some big ice bergs) from Spindle Point and the end of Governers Is., thru the channel, and about half way down Paugus.

[Rattlesnake Gal]

Anglers Will Find Plenty of Open Water on Winnipesaukee for Season Opener (http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Newsroom/News_2006/News_2006_Q1/Open_Water_Winni_032906.htm)

Good Luck Maxum - have fun! :D

[NHKathy]

Looks like a LOT of ice movement today on this cam!
The ice between the two trees just keeps moving back and forth, quite quickly it seems.

[Weekend Pundit]

I checked Paugus Bay this morning. Everything between Four Seasons and Lakeport is looking quite slushy. Everything north of that is open water.

I'll be taking a few photos after work tomorrow that should give us a better idea the state of the ice. I'll be checking Paugus Bay and Glendale as well as heading up to one of the high points in Gunstock Acres in Gilford to get an overall view of the lake.

I guessing April 12th for Ice Out from what I've been seeing.

[Waterbaby]

The Babes are doing the Melting Dance :banana:



May I join ya'll? :laugh:

Sorry I missed everyone Saturday @ Pepper's, had planned on heading up with son and somehow RW got in the way..........:( ......... I like the idea of another mini-fest, however - Pepper, what do ya say?

[emailmannh]

Covered most of the middle portion of the lake, bays were still iced in. Clicked off 42 miles. Ice near Rattlesnake, just shy of the webcam location and we could not get to the site. Otherwise it was one of the best rides you could ask for.

[Island Girl]

Covered most of the middle portion of the lake, bays were still iced in. Clicked off 42 miles. Ice near Rattlesnake, just shy of the webcam location and we could not get to the site. Otherwise it was one of the best rides you could ask for.

How thick was the ice and is it punky or solid?

Thanks guys!

[Lin]

neat photos, thanks for posting. The top two look very cold still but the third looks like it could have been a late spring/earlysummer photo. thanks again for the report

[mcdude]

The ice is out on Lake Wentworth! Wow! I really feel like Spring is coming fast now!

From the Lake Wentworth (http://www.lwa.org/index.php?option=com_simpleboard&func=view&catid=2&id=502&limitstart=0&Itemid=30#502) site,

"The ice is out! - 3/29/2006 7:15 PM
Ice-out occurred on Lake Wentworth on Wednesday, March 29, at 5 p.m., according to Allen Stevens, who maintains the Crescent Lake dam and is widely considered the final word on when the lake is officially free.

According to Shaun Berry, who relayed the finding, this year's ice-out is the earliest since Allen has been tracking the springtime process.

Winner of the $25 Wolfeboro Gold Card in the lwa.org ice-out contest is Paesley, with a guess of March 29 at 2 p.m. Congratulations, and thanks to all the members of the lake community who took part in this year's contest.

We look forward to doing it all again next year."

[emailmannh]

On Tuesday afternoon we found solid ice and punchy/slushy ice. The slushy stuff you can ride right thru. We've done this the past three years. It's fun to explore the different areas and ice conditions. Last year our first ride on the jetskis was April 18th.....almost a month earlier this year.:D

[Island Girl]

Our friend Bill Hemmel from Lakes Region Aerial Photography just sent me two aerial shots of the Broads taken on Tuesday.

I have put them on the ice out page at www.rattlesnakecam.com/iceout.htm (http://www.rattlesnakecam.com/iceout.htm)

Enjoy... thanks Bill

IG

[gtxrider]

Covered most of the middle portion of the lake, bays were still iced in. Clicked off 42 miles. Ice near Rattlesnake, just shy of the webcam location and we could not get to the site. Otherwise it was one of the best rides you could ask for.

Oh to be out on the lake. It looks very calm no other boats to create wakes.

[Orion]

Those pictures tell it all. Great info and super shots posted.

[Mink Islander]

I only see the earlier shots at the bottom of the site.

[Island Girl]

Delete your temporary internet files (Clear the cache).

Interestingly.. Lake Wentworth shows a lot of ice... and it is out now... things are melting fast!

[Mink Islander]

Great Pix. Wish he had some looking the other way too!

[mg2107]

WOW ! Great Pix !

[MboroughNeckKid]

Little project i started today....hopefully everyone likes it, will try to update it twice a day until its pointless, though tomorrow may be a little difficult as I will be up that way doing some spring cleaning around my grandparents place. (unless someone wants to private me some pics from late afternoon, I can get the morning ones!)

http://www.geocities.com/rslynch4443/ice_out.html?1143763972906

[wildwoodfam]

:D Try refreshing - that get the most recent pics on your page.

I only see the earlier shots at the bottom of the site.

[Weekend Pundit]

I took a drive around after work today, checking along Dockham Shore, Smith Cove, Ellacoya, and going to high ground in Gilford to check out Rattlesnake Island and Alton.

Smith Cove is open, though Fay's is still iced in. There's more open water there today than there was two days ago. Rattlesnake still has ice along the northern and eastern shore and the entrance to Alton is still iced over.

I've got a few photos, but at the moment I haven't edited or uploaded them Hopefully I'll get around to that a little later.

[Weekend Pundit]

Here's one photo I took of Rattlesnake from Gunstock Acres around 5PM today.

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=722&stc=1&d=1143767650

[Island Girl]

Thanks for sharing...

We Rattlesnake Islanders are most anxious for ice-out...

[hazelnut]

I started a Cow Island website. On the site many of my neighbors including myself have posted pictures of various spots around Long Island 19 Mile Bay and Cow Island. You can check it out at: www.cowislandnh.com (http://www.cowislandnh.com)

Webmaster Don has linked the new site from the associations section in the links area.

Bring the heat on!!!!! :coolsm:

[upthesaukee]

Nice job, Hazelnut!!!!

[spotsink]

Covered most of the middle portion of the lake, bays were still iced in. Clicked off 42 miles. Ice near Rattlesnake, just shy of the webcam location and we could not get to the site. Otherwise it was one of the best rides you could ask for.

Is this the new Spring "Skiing" in New Hampshire? I think I need to try it out! :laugh:

Does anyone know what conditions are over toward Cow and Little Bear? and 19 Mile Bay?

Are there any members who live on Chase Point who could post a photo looking toward Hole In The Wall? :confused:

[Lin]

Hazelnut, nice job on the website. We don't live on Cow but appreciate the photos from up in that general area. Thanks

[mcdude]

Interestingly.. Lake Wentworth shows a lot of ice... and it is out now... things are melting fast!

From the Wentworth Forum

Oops ... - 3/31/2006 7:47 AM
... looks like we may have called ice-out just a bit too early. The word is that a good section of Townsend Shore remains in the grip of a substantial sheet of ice. Not clear if it was there all along or drifted in from an area adjacent to the nearby islands.

We'll honor our commitment of a Wolfeboro Gold Card to Paesley (the ice certainly appeared to be gone at the end of the day Wednesday) and make a new award when Townsend is declared ice free.

For those wondering what ice-out means on Wentworth: it's when each of the lake's shores is free of solid ice (floes and broken ice don't count).

Sorry for the confusion -- looks like we'll have to tune up our ice-o-meter.

[Merrymeeting]

When I checked the Bear Cam about 8:45 AM today, there were boat wake waves coming from somewhere off to the left. Clearly someone was having some fun out there.

Looks like we won't have a March ice-out, but it is changing quickly.

[hazelnut]

Thanks for the nice comments. I will be posting more pictures from that neck of the woods as they come in. I will be heading up into that area this Sunday with camera in hand. I will post the pics next week.

[mcdude]

I started a Cow Island website. On the site many of my neighbors including myself have posted pictures of various spots around Long Island 19 Mile Bay and Cow Island.
Nice job, Hazelnut!

[spotsink]

I saw a boat on the Varney Point cam this morning - lots of prople getting an early start!

[Merrymeeting]

It's happening before our eyes now. This morning Merrymeeting was still completely locked in, with fairly solid looking ice. The view on the webcam now shows open water close to 100' out and receeding fast.

Disappearing on Bear Cam too.

[Bizer]

With a confidence rate of 99.9%, I say that ice-out will be declared tomorrow, but not necessarily by the Lakes Region Association. Be advised that tomorrow is April first and any ice-out posts are highly suspect unless posted by Don.

[Grant]

Looks like 11 folks took April 1...

[KPW]

Is this the new Spring "Skiing" in New Hampshire? I think I need to try it out! :laugh:

Does anyone know what conditions are over toward Cow and Little Bear? and 19 Mile Bay?

Are there any members who live on Chase Point who could post a photo looking toward Hole In The Wall? :confused:

There are pictures posted on www.cowislandnh.com
There is another link to the original Cow Island Webpage under links on the forum.

19 mile bay is still pretty well socked in. Fishermen reported 14 inches in spots as of Wednesday/Thursday.

[spotsink]

There are pictures posted on www.cowislandnh.com
There is another link to the original Cow Island Webpage under links on the forum.

19 mile bay is still pretty well socked in. Fishermen reported 14 inches in spots as of Wednesday/Thursday.

KPW: Thanks for the information. :)

[Cow Man]

I was up at Harilla's yesterday about 1 PM. It was ice free from the public docks and landing to about half way to the hole in the wall. There seemed to me to be three individual sheets of ice floating around and I got the feeling that I would have been able to make the trip by boat if I waited a few hours.
I took some telephoto shots of Cow which appear to show open water around the hole in the wall extending about half way up Ragged Island.
The ice was very porous near shore and I hope the crunching sound it was making contacting the shore is not indicative of the mess it will cause with our docks!
I left my boat at Harilla’s and am going to try again today. :D

[wildwoodfam]

:D Just checking out the Bear Cam and there it was at 10:40am - boater puttering by - not moving too fast through the slush - but moving along!!

:banana:

[webmaster]

To make it easier for new visitors to find recent Ice-Out information I have split this thread into a new one. Please carry on in 2006 Ice-Out Watch II (http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3110).

Don