Ice-Out 2007

[Island Girl]

This is the official Ice-Out 2007 thread. The ice-out web cam watch page is up at http://www.rattlesnakecam.com/iceout.htm.

The warm weather today and coming is sure to get that ice melting...

The lake temperature is 34 degrees... and last year ice out occured at 40 degrees..

Be careful out there... the lake will not be safe much longer.

Please post your iceout pictures to Photo post. If you want to take a picture every day from an area not covered by a webcam.. let me know at rattlesnakecam@comcast.net (rattlesnakecam@comcast.net)

Let's make this years watch a fun event!!!! It's coming..

Just a few more days until spring.

IG

Snake Eyes has the wrong time for a few days because the camera is old and does not understand the new dates.

Please visit and buy from the sponsors on winnipesaukee.com and rattlesnakecam.com... they help keep your websites and webcams free!

[dmjr]

Does anyone think it might be an early ice out or a late ice out? Will be interesting to see what the weather does this week

[CanisLupusArctos]

This looks like an above-normal week for temps, and a chance of colder (not extreme, but below freezing) at the end of the week. My guess would be for a late ice-out, given that it got over 20 inches thick in some places this year... most of it was solid clear ice (not flaky snow ice) and there were still trucks out on it this weekend. There's also plenty of white snow on it to reflect the sun's rays for a while.

Presence or absence of wind will play a big role. In the blackcatnh weathercam's time lapse over the past month the ice could be seen moving up and down during windy conditions (while everything else in the image remains fixed). The past 8 weeks have been incredibly windy with very few calm days and if this trend continues, the wind will be the major contributor to this year's iceout. If that is the case, the iceout could be dramatic and possibly damaging with waves carrying thick bergs and shards. If that is not the case, the sun will have to do most of the work which could take a while since there's so much ice to melt.

Looking at weather patterns, the El Nino that probably played a huge role in our incredibly warm weather in December/January has broken down and is becoming its opposite - La Nina - as spring arrives. While the El Nino and La Nina patterns have had many different effects on New England in the past, El Nino is most noted for warm/dry here, while La Nina has often caused cold/wet. Only time will tell.

More weather info regularly posted by a bunch of us meteorology buffs on the latest version of the "Winni Weather" thread.

[Merrymeeting]

While it will return to normal later this week, I think the rain will put a dent in things icy. Most importantly, when it stays above freezing during the night, something it is supposed to do for the next several nights, a lot of melting can occur.

That said, it's still going to take a lot of heat to melt 20". Despite my ice-out guess, I'm thinking well see an "average" ice-out, which would be mid-to-late April

[LIforrelaxin]

I am praying and asking God for mild Temps, from now on.... Not that I am anxious or anything..... but after sending in the Boat payments through the winter.... well.... I want to know I spent my money wisely...... Maybe next time I should buy and ICE BREAKER :rolleye2: ....

Thinking of boats.... and ice.... FLL.... how are your circulating pumps, boatlift and most importantly the Boat holding out?????

[Island Girl]

We Babes on Sleds do apologize for the late season snow... it appears our Ice-out dance backfired and the snow Gods thought we were signaling for more snow..

Given the amount of slush that was there before the snow and the new weight from this snow.... it might be a bit boggy out there... I would not go there but the Airboat people will have a great time!!

The Ice-out page now has a new digi-cam (still pics taken each day) from DRH... check it out. Anyone else wanting to to a daily update on a place on the lake not covered by a webcam... please let me know at rattlesnakecam@comcast.net.

3 days until spring!!!!!

IG

[Blue Thunder]

The Silver Sands Marina Ice Out page is up and running. I'm sure there many of you who like to frequent their view as well. IG's page is the best though!!
Seems like wishful thinking with so much snow on top.

http://www.nhboat.com/Features/daily_update_07.htm

Blue Thunder

[codeman671]

We Babes on Sleds do apologize for the late season snow... it appears our Ice-out dance backfired and the snow Gods thought we were signaling for more snow..

Given the amount of slush that was there before the snow and the new weight from this snow.... it might be a bit boggy out there... I would not go there but the Airboat people will have a great time!!



We found everything to be quite firm today in our travels with no real places of concern for snowmobilers. My travel route/findings can be found in the "safe ice?" thread. You missed a great day!

[KBoater]

Did I miss something or is there no ICE OUT contest this year?

[Island-Ho]

Guesses had to be in by the end of February - The webmaster announced it on 1 February.
See http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4212&highlight=contest

[webmaster]

Did I miss something or is there no ICE OUT contest this year?Did you check the front page of the site or search the Forum for "Ice-Out Contest"? :rolleye1:

[KBoater]

I forgot about the front page. I'll starting look there. The search did not like me because I forgot the '-'.
Guess I'll hve to start a returning north contest. :coolsm:

[CanisLupusArctos]

The ice around Black Cat Shoals (south tip of Black Cat Is.) just opened up this morning and widened through the day. This has usually been a sign that iceout is between 2 and 3 weeks away, depending on weather.

Today's high was 50 with a low of 37. Yesterday we were up to 55. The warm weather has eaten all the snow on top of the ice... leaving puddles... and although it is still strong enough for sleds (there were a few today) it is rapidly weakening. Today the south-facing shoreline opened up a couple feet from shore... except near dock bubblers where it has opened up a good 20-30 feet from shore.

CLA

[Mee-n-Mac]

Took these 2 pictures today. It's starting !

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=11043

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=11042

[chipj29]

When I made my ice out guess, I was depending on a cold March. And April. I figured, it was so warm in December and the first half of January, that it HAD to be cold in March and part of April, right?
Oh well, there is always next year.

[Chris Exley]

Hi All,

If anyone passes by Mirror Lake on Rt. 109, would you post iceout progress for me?

Much appreciated.

[Grant]

When I made my ice out guess, I was depending on a cold March. And April. I figured, it was so warm in December and the first half of January, that it HAD to be cold in March and part of April, right?
Oh well, there is always next year.

What was your guess? Just because the end of Alton Bay has opened up doesn't mean we're gonna see it declared in the next two weeks. Remember -- people were still reporting 18-20 inches within the past week. That kind of ice takes a while to go away. I'm still sticking with my April 20, although last week that date looked a tad early to me, given the thickness.

[CanisLupusArctos]

Although warm weather has started the melting of the ice away from rocks, south-facing shorelines, and other objects that collect the sun's heat, the middle of the ice pack is still quite thick.

During the past two days there were numerous sleds passing on the Center Harbor to Steamboat Island route all day long. On Saturday 3 large ATVs (traveling close to each other) drove along the same route, even approaching the edge of the ice near shore by about 15 feet. Random weak spots are making it risky to be out there, but in general the ice isn't about to go out anytime soon unless we get an extended stretch of incredibly warm weather.

[chipj29]

What was your guess? Just because the end of Alton Bay has opened up doesn't mean we're gonna see it declared in the next two weeks. Remember -- people were still reporting 18-20 inches within the past week. That kind of ice takes a while to go away. I'm still sticking with my April 20, although last week that date looked a tad early to me, given the thickness.
I went super late, with an April 29 date. You have given me new hope! :D

[Grant]

Hold that thought...it's supposed to approach 80 down here today (that should erase what's left of the snow). A few days like that up in NH, and that ice could go away really fast. Who knows. The visual appearance of the ice (via cams) has changed dramatically in a short time. I'm still going long.

[Weirs guy]

Remember -- people were still reporting 18-20 inches within the past week.

As of 03/18 there was about 8"-10" of solid black ice with another 12"-14" of ice in various states in the general area of the Weirs cam which was one of the last areas to freeze over. I imagine ice out will be a bit longer.

[Merrymeeting]

The small ponds and lakes here in central MA are just starting to go. Lakes Region is usually a few weeks later. So those with guesses near the norm (mid-April) look to be good.

[Cow Man]

Last year I tried to make the trip from Harilla to Cow by boat on March 31 just because I never had done it that early. Unfortunately, I was stopped by ice just north of Ragged. Undaunted, I was able to do the trip on April 1. I believe official ice out was April 4.
So far this year I have skied out once and found a Kayak and dock box missing :( probably a result of high winds.
This spring my primary aim is to repair, replace and open up camp. I expect to do that by April 11 and shortly after be able to ride the Mount!

[Blue Thunder]

Are we being fooled by the apparent dark color of the ice because it was thick clear black ice at the beginning?? You ice out experts should know!!

BT

[DBA]

:)
Hi All,
I have just posted a photo to the gallery that was taken this morning from high up on the Gunstock side of Rattlesnake. When Don has approved it, you can see very visible cracking. The ice is still much thicker than one would think. These winds are causing visible surging of water around all the holes that have opened near shore. There are a couple of larger openings visible today about 200-300 yards offshore from the north side of Rattlesnake. It's coming.... slow but sure.
DBA

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/510/medium/e-2007_Mar_28_033_m.JPG

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/510/medium/e-2007_Mar_28_032_m.JPG

[Rattlesnake Gal]

Thanks for the great pictures DBA! I’ve been walking around today with a smile on my face and a spring in my step. Ice-out isn’t far away. Wahooooooo! :banana:

[Merrymeeting]

I know I always get over anxious and this process always takes longer than I hope. But I'm noticing some signicant changes today.


Broadview cam view - first major cracks in ice sheet around shorleine and dock
Pine Island South Cam - ice in foreground disappeared during the course of today.
Fairhaven Cam - Looks like ice in lagoon may be gone by morning.
Channel Cam - sheet of ice on right side mostly gone today
Alton Live Cam - dock areas completely clear, first signs of openings in the ice on right toward riverThanks to all who support these cameras. It's fun to watch each year and the process never gets old!

[Just Sold]

Canobie Lake in Salem is showing some large openings in the middle and lots of cracking so Winni will not be far behind.:D The wind today is very strong and will help speed things up with movement of the ice. Think Ice Out! Think Ice Out! I am like RG today with "can't wait".:eek:

[CanisLupusArctos]

As evidenced in the WeatherCam's time lapse (www.blackcatnh.com) over the past several days, the holes around Black Cat Shoals are widening more each day and the ice near shore has also opened up a lot.

There are cracks and a few holes starting to appear (small, but present) in the middle but the pack has been doing a very good job fighting the influence of the strong winds we've had the last 48 hours. Only last weekend there were sleds and ATVs on it, and the temperatures haven't been incredibly warm this week.

Yesterday winds peaked at 45 mph and frequent gusts to the high-30s continued through this morning. Time lapse shows the ice bobbing up and down a little but so far it's holding its own. Typically Black Cat Ledge's opening widens to the shores of Black Cat and sometimes over to Three-Mile, after which any West wind can grab the edge and start ripping.

The 6-14 day outlooks from the NWS show us in a below-normal temp trend through the period... so I doubt there'll be much 80-degree weather to speed the iceout process up.

Those with shoreline structures... just keep watching the wind. If the wind has its way, the lake will break up into thick shards of ice without the temp being able to soften it first, and we could see a recurrance of the damaging "false iceout" we had in January's high winds.

[DBA]

Hello All,
I've posted pictures of some of today's ice condition changes. Holes are appearing in multiple areas. As much as I would like to report otherwise, Airboat Guy moved our craft out onto areas very close to the holes and there was no cracking, nor indication of breakthrough yet. So perhaps these holes are more from water movement than "melting". Stay tuned....
DBA

[Island Girl]

Great pics, DBA. I wish I was there.

The ice-out page at http://www.rattlesnakecam.com/iceout.htm has been updated. It will now load much faster.. the live video feeds are now links.. just click on the image or link (some images are not there yet) and see Alton Bay and Wolfeboro Bay live. I cannot find the new address to the ClubCam at Corinthian Yacht Club in Wolfeboro... if anyone has it please post.

DRH's daily image from the shores of W. Alton are now much wider and on its own row. Make sure you click on the image to go to his page with all of his pics.. you can see the daily progress.

Kathy D. from Glidden Cove is sending daily pictures from the cove facing Sleeper's Island and Rattlesnake Island.. scroll down the ice-out page to see her great efforts.

The non-functioning cams have been moved to the bottom of the page for now.

This is the time of the year when progress is seen daily... let's hope all the cams stay up!!

Enjoy.
IG

[mcdude]

I cannot find the new address to the ClubCam at Corinthian Yacht Club in Wolfeboro... if anyone has it please post.
IG

Island Girl: Here is the link to the ClubCam.

WOLFEBORO CORINTHIAN YACHT CLUBCAM (http://www.wcyc-nh.com/wcyc-nh_008/clubcampage.html)

It's the oddest thing. There appears to be the arm of a crane extending over the main dock with something hanging from the end of the crane?

[DRH]

There appears to be the arm of a crane extending over the main dock with something hanging from the end of the crane?You're right, McD. That's the crane they use for lifting boats in and out of the water. What's hanging on the cable is an "X" shaped support that the straps going under a boat's hull are attached to.

[Just Sold]

I posted yesterday that Canobie Lake in Salem had some big holes. Well today they are all gone:eek: .....No Ice to be seen from N. Policy Rd. across the lake.

[DBA]

Hi All,
A couple more photos on the Gallery and this view of a hole off our dock. It skimmed over last night, but you can see the white lines (cracks) that show the true thickness. The rest of the ice is extremely clear and very dense. Still about 18 inches thick.
DBA

[DBA]

Just when you think spring takes forever... DBA

[Island Girl]

Thanks DBA, How wonderful to see this morning... they are a most welcome sight.

Thanks McD for the link to the club cam link. I had been searching the web and could not find any link to their web site.

Hey FlyGuy... I hope you have a paying job that will take you over the lake in the next week or so... we could sure use some pictures then.

IG

[Island Lover]

Any idea why the bear cams are not working on the ice out page. They work when I use the link.

Thanks for all the cameras! Being able to watch ice out is fantastic.

[Island Girl]

I will look again... I did fix them on the iceout page.. refresh your screen a couple of times.. I might have missed something.

[Island Girl]

All of the links work from the iceout page (http://www.rattlesnakecam.com/iceout.htm)and the lakecams page (http://www.rattlesnakecam.com/lakecams.htm). If yours do not work, refresh your page a few times. If they still do not work, clear your cache (delete temporary internet files in internet explorer.)

Here's how:

From any Internet Explorer window click on Tools, then Internet Options.. look for the Temporary Internet Files section and click on the Delete Files button. This is for Internet Explorer 6 versions.. Version 7 may be slightly different.

If you still cannot see the bearcam from these pages.. clear your dns by:

Start, run
Type cmd and press the enter key
In the window that opens type ipconfig /flushdns and press the enter key... close that window and all should be well.

[John A. Birdsall]

Oh I've heard it thru the grapevine,, Ice out will be on April 9th at 10:00 first time in recorded history that it has happened on that date.:D

[Resident 2B]

John,

I would be very surprised if Ice-Out came that soon given the thickness of the ice and the weather forecast. Looks like another 3 to 4 weeks to me.

I think the April 9th date maintains its perfect record.

R2B

[Just Sold]

I took a trip around the lake yeasterday and posted photos from many locations that show from the Broads and South the ice appears to be closer to "ice Out" than most of the areas on the northern half. This, I know, is very typical.

Check Out Lilly Pond too. http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=11083&nocache=1

I also got this shot of "Puddy Tat's" old home. :eek:
http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/506/medium/3-31-07_Alton_Bay_Puddy_Tats_Home.jpg (http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=11077&size=big&cat=recent&limit=recent)

[Silver Duck]

I was up at the lake yesterday, too. I wish that I could be more optimistic, but I figure it will be another two to three weeks, minimum. Everybody take up the Chant - MELT, MELT, MELT, MELT.....

Silver Duck

[Merrymeeting]

It's only a rough indicator (especially given the weather this week), but a pond that I drive by on my way to work here in Marlborough MA is completely ice free as of this morning. Past history has been that the lakes region follows within 2 weeks...

I'm not a fisherman so I can't confess to understanding the passion. There have been boats floating by the Wolfeboro webcam almost nonstop since yesterday. Including right now. It's raining, it's in the mid-30's.... guess you really have to love it! :D

[joann721]

My husband took the cover off our pool this weekend to check the water
level. I was in the kitchen and I heard him calling me. I went out on the
back porch and he turned around, put his arms up and yelled ICE OUT !!!! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

As he went on to tell me... when the chlorine duck can float from one end of the pool the other... it is ICE OUT..... :eek:

I think he has been away from the lake to long... we might just have to take a field trip to Waldo's :liplick:

[Lin]

In Sunday's telegram there was an article called "Ready for the Icy Plunge -Bets focus on when water will open on frozen lakes" by John Curran Associated Press. The last little bulletin paragraph was on Lake Winnipesaukee where he says, "Predicting Ice-out on New Hampshire's largest lake, Winnipesaukee, has been a local passion and occasion for celebration for more than a century. Emerson Aviation in Laconia, NH declares ice-out on the 72 acre (think that's wrong for sure, think he meant miles) lake when the MS Mt. Waashington cruise ship can reach all its ports of call. Records have been kept since 1887 (ice out May 7) and range from March to May, Ice-Out was declared last year at 2:47 PM on April 3. The Web Site www.winnipesaukee.com offers modest prizes such as charts and T-shirts to whomever makes the three closest guesses on the site during February."

Pretty neat to see Don's forum printed in news and online on more than several occasions a year now. Thanks Don for supplying us all with such a fun interactive site.

[Weirs guy]

I think he has been away from the lake to long... we might just have to take a field trip to Waldo's :liplick:

I think you may want to get up here quick!

[Merrymeeting]

http://www.telegram.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070401/NEWS/704010607&SearchID=73276848032991

[Just Sold]

I just looked at a lot of the web cams and for this time of year and hoping for ice out in a few weeks the view with the snow and low visability is depressing.:confused: Just look the Rattlesnake cam, it has black snow!:eek:

Where or Where is Spring and Ice Out!

[Island Girl]

I will be putting a battery backup on Snake Eyes this spring... the darn thing hiccups a lot this year... Hopefully airboat guy can get there and reboot it.. again!!

[Resident 2B]

From what I see in the Ice-Out History information, there has not been a recorded Ice-Out on May 1st.

Although I have a late April date in the contest, based on current ice reports and activities, current weather conditions and the long range weather forecasts, I would not be surprised, at all, that we get into May with Ice-Out.

May 1st might be a date that it will happen. Better late than never!

Time will tell!

R2B

[Pineedles]

Had 10:30 this morning, oh well.

[Resident 2B]

Pineedles,

I really wish that you were right. It is time for a boat ride! The winter that never started, is never ending! :confused:

R2B

[Grant]

Had 10:30 this morning, oh well.

If it's any consolation, the ice is out of my local trout pond.

[codeman671]

I will be putting a battery backup on Snake Eyes this spring... the darn thing hiccups a lot this year... Hopefully airboat guy can get there and reboot it.. again!!

I will be going up on Friday with our airboat, if you are in the area and need to get out there I am sure I can help.

[Island Girl]

Thanks codeman621... airboat guy from Rattlesnake Island rebooted Snake Eyes today... I can't wait for ice out when I am under my own power again!!! I so appreciate the offer!!!

IG

[CanisLupusArctos]

The wind has now completely torn open Black Cat Shoals and there is now open water from the south tip of Black Cat out to FL #83. This is significant because it happened while temps were in the mid-20s, and because historically the wind has used this opening as a "purchase point" to start ripping the ice cover from NW to SE. This larger opening has allowed for some decent wave action to get going which is eroding the edges.

Given the current weather pattern, it's a good bet that there will be several more days of winds from the NW in the next couple of weeks and even though that is a winter direction, it'll help to widen that hole.

The strangest thing is to see the main ice pack as white as it ever was during the winter... but in April when it should be gray!

[AC2717]

The wind has now completely torn open Black Cat Shoals and there is now open water from the south tip of Black Cat out to FL #83. This is significant because it happened while temps were in the mid-20s, and because historically the wind has used this opening as a "purchase point" to start ripping the ice cover from NW to SE. This larger opening has allowed for some decent wave action to get going which is eroding the edges.

Given the current weather pattern, it's a good bet that there will be several more days of winds from the NW in the next couple of weeks and even though that is a winter direction, it'll help to widen that hole.

The strangest thing is to see the main ice pack as white as it ever was during the winter... but in April when it should be gray!

Wondering if you would be able to post some pictures, you just made me want to run up and turn the engine over just to start the boat up!:rolleye2:

[DBA]

There is a good sized open area that is being worked by some breeze today, but the open areas around the docks refroze over night and even now have not thawed. The white snow is more gray today, too, but not much melting.
DBA

[AC2717]

thank you please keep sending them in:D

[CanisLupusArctos]

Wondering if you would be able to post some pictures, you just made me want to run up and turn the engine over just to start the boat up!:rolleye2:

Even better.... you can see it in the webcam view at www.blackcatnh.com.

[AC2717]

Even better.... you can see it in the webcam view at www.blackcatnh.com.

thank you, I frequently go to the web cams through out every day, it drives me nuts not being there

[fatlazyless]

It snowed about one inch overnight in Waterville Valley and now there's flurries. Enough so the town plows are out scraping the roads. With almost every trail open, skiing on Easter was like an ideal ski day in early March or late February. Almost no one was there, and today it is closed for the season.

Like why do they bother having a ski area if they close it with some very excellent conditions. Didn't they ever hear of advertising? If Tom Corcoran was still the boss, he'd be promoting the ski conditions on the Boston tv. "Come to WV, where we treat you like a champion," he used to shout while doing a parallel stop that made the snow fly.

[SIKSUKR]

I'm with you there FLL.I skied at my beloved Cannon yesterday for their last day and the place had midwinter conditions.You know as well as I do though, that they lose money at this time of year.Cannon sold 2 tickets yesterday.Do you want to raise more taxes to subsidize the state run area?Me neither.I guess you'll have to do it the old fashioned way and "earn your turns" on Waterville.Myself,I'm not quite done yet.A couple more at Sugarloaf and Sunday River,then iceout will occur on April 19th so I can win some Winni bling!

[Merrymeeting]

Well current and nighttime temps notwithstanding, the ice still seems to be slowly going away. More open water showing in Alton and other areas. Wentworth cam shows large open area for the first time.

One warm sunny day with some wind, and night staying above freezing is all we need. Unfortunately looks like at least another week before we get it!

[dmjr]

When will Emerson Avaition start flying over the lake looking at the ice?

[Merrymeeting]

Looks like ice could disappear out to the bandstand in Alton Bay today. :)


Just in time for the snow! :(

[DBA]

The run in yesterday morning for supplies was solid ice. Didn't break through at all. Coming back late yesterday, different story. We broke through 60-70% of the way back. The south side of Rattlesnake is open (new pictures in the gallery). There is even some iceberg movement off the south western tip of the island. But when you come around the westerly end, things are still thick and tight. It's almost like there are two seasons depending on which side of the island you are on. The openings out in front of the house on the northerly side have melded together into one larger opening and the "road" has produced the only open areas away from the shore right now. More pictures as things open up.
DBA

[Chris Exley]

Coming up Tuesday to open the cottage on Mirror Lake. Should I plan on bringing the boat? Will I get to launch it? Do you think the ice will be gone by then?

[Just Sold]

Bring the boat but plan for it being left at the cottage. You may be able to launch but getting the dock in and navigating from the launch to the dock could be a problem. I have not seen Mirror Lake since my last drive by and photo post from there so maybe someone else who has been by can tell you.

[Lakegeezer]

On a flight this afternoon from Ottawa to Boston, the path went right over the east edge of Winnipesaukee. A great view from 32K feet! Forget about ice-out anytime soon. The broads shows a few dozen swiss cheese like holes, many edges are pulling away and there are big open areas around Rattlesnake. The rest of the lake looks pretty solid. None of that gray look it gets right before iceout. Lakes are frozen north to the border and at least 20 miles south of Winni too. Time to wax the boards and enjoy one more weekend of winter. The boats are going to have to wait.

[Resident 2B]

I drove from Center Harbor to Alton on the west shore between yesterday and today. I do not know how thick the ice is, but we still have 85% to 90% of the lake surface covered with ice based upon what I saw from overlooks and a few other stops. The edges are gone and in places the ice is 50 feet or more from shore, but the lake is very white and with more snow on the way, it should stay white.

The area around the Weirs is looking thin and had water puddles yesterday, but the puddles re-froze last night. Meredith Bay is still ice and there was still ice around the Alton Bandstand around noon today.

I believe we are two to three weeks away from ice-out. I really hope I am wrong. It is time for a boat ride!

R2B

[fatlazyless]

Saw a large orange and white Coast Guard helicopter fly past at 3pm at maybe 1000' from S Bear Isl-Mark Isl passage and directly overhead and heading west. I waved my hat.......hello Coasties.....nice helicopter......looks and sounds very powerful....much bigger and more powerfull than the NH State Police or WMUR helicopters. Every once in a while, a Coast Guard Falcon jet, or a pair of A10S fighter jets streak past.

[jetskier]

I drove from Center Harbor to Alton on the west shore between yesterday and today. I do not know how thick the ice is, but we still have 85% to 90% of the lake surface covered with ice based upon what I saw from overlooks and a few other stops. The edges are gone and in places the ice is 50 feet or more from shore, but the lake is very white and with more snow on the way, it should stay white.

The area around the Weirs is looking thin and had water puddles yesterday, but the puddles re-froze last night. Meredith Bay is still ice and there was still ice around the Alton Bandstand around noon today.

I believe we are two to three weeks away from ice-out. I really hope I am wrong. It is time for a boat ride!

R2B

I drove up yesterday and there appears to be thin ice pretty much everywhere. Paugus is still iced over as is Gilford harbor. I think that there is a possibility for an earlier ice out (than 2 weeks) if the storm on Monday churns things up. Otherwise, I would quite agree.

Jetskier:cool:

[Merrymeeting]

Well, the good news is that the ice IS still melting. Disappeared in Alton almost to bandstand last night. Thankfully today's predicted snowfall hasn't happened yet and looks like it might be rain. Monday's mess now looks more like rain than snow too.

We've delayed our tradtional opening from Patriot's Day until later in the week but we're coming, "come h&77 or high water".... it may be both! :eek:

[screaminspool]

Hi Guys,
I'm new to the site and check it everyday. I was wondering if anyone could help. I don't seem to have any luck with the Wolfcams. Could someone tell me if you could troll with a small boat at Wolfeboro?

Thanks,
Rick:confused:

[hilltopper]

There was some brave souls out there as of 5 days ago. Sounds like some open water, but not alot....

http://pub32.bravenet.com/forum/2670364208/fetch/843210/2

hilltopper

[phoenix]

water temperature 5 degrees colder than last year at this same time

[Steveo]

water temperature 5 degrees colder than last year at this same time


Could be due to the fact that Ice Out was April 3rd last year. Plenty of time to warm up.

[SteveA]

Dated 4-12

http://www.citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070412/CITIZEN_01/104120185/-1/CITIZEN :( :(

Looks like I'll be a loser.. I have 4-28 :rolleye2:

I see 4 or 5 Early May entries.... including FLL on 5/2.... !

I think the ground hog was off this year too..

[DBA]

Hi All,
I've posted some new views to the gallery that confirm the insulation of the ice continues. Even some areas that we all open now have a skim ice / snow substance that is strong enough to withstand the breezes blowing now. The southwest tip, and northeast shore have open water out to 150 feet or so. But the northwest view is much more solid. Maybe the weight will help water saturation and the whole thing will sink soon!
DBA

[DRH]

Thanks for the updated ice condition photos, DBA. It does look like we may have to wait a while longer for ice-out. :emb:

By the way, DBA, congratulations on becoming a Senior Member!!

[Steveo]

Thank you for your pics DBA but can they be any more depressing. We are going for the record, heading into May for sure

[Island Girl]

It all looks wonderful... and I wish I was there instead of where I am.

Ice out will come when it does... the lake temp did go up a degree today.. it is 39.. last year it was 40 at ice out...

Love to you all
IG

[kayakn]

Ice is still strong enough to hold a big red fox from Smith Point to Sleeper's Island this AM. The fox was very careful with it's footage. But, made it to island shore very easily. I was very happy to see this animal make it to shore. But, then realized that the ice is still thick. Maybe the coming rain/snow mix will push the ice along...

[DBA]

Hi All,
New pix up on the gallery that show OPEN WATER from west of Diamond and wind pushing and chewing ice on most of the southerly side. Much more hopeful than yesterday's pix! The wind is westerly right now but will be out of the northeast tomorrow and Monday. Between the wind and the rain coming.....there's hope!
DBA

[codeman671]

We found the ice in the Gilford area to be very thin and basically left an open path wheverer we went. The holes from last week are very large and things are starting to shift.

The further south we went the thinner and softer it was. There was much open water from Ellacoya to Diamond where we turned around. I am surprised at the difference in the last week. If we get rain and wind from the next storm I think it will spell a quick end to the remaining ice. Check out todays pictures in Sunset Bob's photopost. He rode shotgun today and we had a blast!

[AC2717]

Hi All, went up today to do some work on the cottage, came down the bypass road and noted, with excitement, that Lilly pond appeared to be 3/4 ice out! and that was at 8:30 this morning, did not look on the way home, was to tired to rememer! does the saying hold true that about two weeks after Lilly is ice out then Winni is ice out?

[Sully]

Good morning gang,

Could the winds that are now approaching us create "ice out" today in the midst of a snow storm????

Would that be a first time in history???

Maybe I'm just thinking too hard.................

[Merrymeeting]

Given the weather we've been having, I'm surprised that the water temperature has continued to rise. With 39 degrees eating away from below, the ice structure certainly looks fragile on many of the webcams.

I hope so. Still hoping to open up later this week.

[hazelnut]

Sully,

I was thinking along the same lines as you are. I looked at the webcams this morning and noticed that whatever ice is left looks fairly fragile. With the predicted Hurricane Force winds approaching I just don't see how that ice can hold up. Maybe it won't be Ice-Out but it will do some major damage.

My April 27th Ice-Out Guess could be in jeopardy after this storm. I will gladly be wrong in the interest of getting this ice outta here!

[ApS]

A huge ice floe that had been slowly retreating to about 200 feet away from my dock just got shifted about a hundred feet closer by this morning's wind!

The floe is about 2-miles by 1½-miles, and it is all ice.:eek:

(And the power just "blinked"—this is not good). :(

[AC2717]

Check out Rattlesnake's cam, Icebergs everywhere. Bring on the wind for the week! Rip the ice a new one!
The one time I like this sort of weather!

[Pine Island Guy]

from the looks of the webcam this morning things are breaking up pretty rapidly... and the lake level is rising rapidly as well!!

here's hoping for a trip to the island and opening up the camp this coming weekend :)

PIG

http://mysite.verizon.net/pineisland/PineIslandGuy.jpg

[phoenix]

water temperature now 9 degrees colder than last year

[AC2717]

Pine Island Cam lost its temperature gauge, now how are we going to get the right temp, That is the one I go by

[Merrymeeting]

Major shift in the ice pack in Wolfeboro Bay. Ice seems to be crumbling in most locations. Ice out by the weekend!!! :D

[Resident 2B]

Pine Island Cam lost its temperature gauge, now how are we going to get the right temp, That is the one I go by

Try this web site: http://www.neweather.org/station/

R2B

[This'nThat]

Major shift in the ice pack in Wolfeboro Bay. Ice seems to be crumbling in most locations. Ice out by the weekend!!! :D
I hope it's late Saturday -- boat in, and win the ice-out contest all in one day! (Perhaps)

[19MileBaylover]

Any reports on the ice on 19 or 20 mile bay?

[Island Girl]

The lake is now on the move... I really wish I had a live video feed from Rattlesnake Island (http://www.rattlesnakecam.com) to watch the broads as the icebergs move around. It is quite a sight. (I was on the island the last two years... illness prevented that this year)

The lake rose 7" since yesterday and 11" in the last five days (see Bizer's web site) (http://www.bizer.com/bztnews.htm#lakelevel) and there is dock damage for many.

Keep checking out the webcams (http://www.rattlesnakecam.com/iceout.htm)for more!!! Ice out is well underway!!!

PhotoPost has some great pictures of this action from DBA who lives on the island.

Please click on the Google ads and visit our sponsors... those of us operating these sites for your viewing pleasure need the money generated to keep the sites alive... and to upgrade equipment.. This goes for our generous host, winnipesaukee.com as well.

Thanks
IG

[offmycloud]

I should know this but that camera is pointing west toward the Ossipee Mountains (which we see in the pic), correct? Not Red Hill area.

[Pine Island Guy]

that is the ossipee range you see, however the camera points due east (not west). if you find the #4 light buoy on a winnipesaukee chart, it is directly behind that on the island.

cheers! PIG

[offmycloud]

I meant east (duh). I look at that cam every day from Chicago. My place is in Moultonborough but there aren't any cams on that side of the lake so at least I get to see the Ossipees.

[DRH]

Yesterday's nor'easter broke up and destroyed most of the ice between Rum Point, Smith Point, Rattlesnake Island, and Moose Island. Here are two photos I took this morning. The first is my "Ice-Out Watch" photo for today, and the second is a view looking toward Diamond Island (in the background), with Sleepers Island on the right. As you can see, in this area everything is mostly open water this morning.

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/523/medium/EastView_041707.jpg
(Click here (http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/523/EastView_041707.jpg) for a larger image)


http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/523/medium/NorthwestView1_041707.jpg
(Click here (http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/523/NorthwestView1_041707.jpg) for a larger image)

[rander7823]

My wife I were celebrating our 18th anniversary and drove up to the lake. I snapped this picture a little after 1:00PM on Sunday April 15th.

How do I collect my winnings?

[Weirs guy]

My wife I were celebrating our 18th anniversary and drove up to the lake. I snapped this picture a little after 1:00PM on Sunday April 15th.

How do I collect my winnings?

rander's right, she came home Sunday after we planted those flowers. (My takes 50/50, right rander?)

[gtxrider]

My wife I were celebrating our 18th anniversary and drove up to the lake. I snapped this picture a little after 1:00PM on Sunday April 15th.

How do I collect my winnings?
Are you sure this is the 15th and not the 1st?


APRIL FOOLS!

[rander7823]

rander's right, she came home Sunday after we planted those flowers. (My takes 50/50, right rander?)

We'll have to talk about the split.....after 18 years my wife gets all of my share.

[LPW]

Howdy,
First time posting to the forum, but I have been reading this thread with great interest for a couple of weeks now. I am also enjoying the Ice-Out Watch Rattlesnake Cam. Does anyone know of a cam that shows Meredith Bay?
Thanks,
Leo.

[ApS]

Yes, when the wind from from the NE the ice will clear away from parts of the lake.

But as of early this afternoon, a change to a north wind has blown the thick, but crumbly, ice pack straight against my dock pilings—and they are protesting loudly.

So far, just the outermost uprights have deflected against the strain, but they're left loose so they don't break off. My two circulators have no effect against this kind of ice movement and were turned off ten days ago.

[Gilligan]

My wife I were celebrating our 18th anniversary and drove up to the lake. I snapped this picture a little after 1:00PM on Sunday April 15th.

How do I collect my winnings?

Ice Out is officially when the Mount can make it to ALL of it's ports. Meredith to the Weirs is a start but not a win :( sorry.

Now what we should do is coral all the ice that's left now and tuck it in some shady cove. Sometime in late July we'll wish we had some of that ice to cool down with. :laugh:

Happy anniversary rander.

It's coming. Or should I say it's (the ice) leaving?

[Just Wonderin]

Well, the lake is up another 3" from yesterday for a total of 14" in only six days! (and it's still rising!) :eek:

[EricP]

Howdy,
First time posting to the forum, but I have been reading this thread with great interest for a couple of weeks now. I am also enjoying the Ice-Out Watch Rattlesnake Cam. Does anyone know of a cam that shows Meredith Bay?
Thanks,
Leo.
I am not aware of one, but would like to see one there somewhere

[Chris Exley]

Well, we decided to come up without the boat to open the cottage, and it was the right decision. Mirror Lake ice is still in the coves by Libby Museum. Water is higher than I have seen it in many years. Can't get the dock in yet, and with the ice flows still out there, I would be leery about it anyway.

19mile bay was open for about 100 yards. All the docks are open. I could not see where the ice ended.

I think it is called Winter Harbor (Across from Libby Museum). It is still iced in, only about 150 feet of water open.

Guess we'll just have to play more poker and drink more beverages of our choice instead of fishing.

Have fun all.

[DRH]

The ice is pretty much gone from our area today, but chunks of ice occasionally blow in. The pieces of ice that are coming in today are very porous and resemble tubes of ice that are packaged together. There is little body left to them and they shatter on impact.

I've uploaded a number of photos I took today of these floating ice tubes, which you can see in PhotoPost. Here's one of the shots.

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/523/medium/Iceout_10.jpg

Click here (http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=11174&cat=500&ppuser=11) to see the images in PhotoPost.

[CanisLupusArctos]

This was Meredith Bay yesterday... still some ice left but much more open than it was. Docks had their ends taken off by the wind-blown ice.

[LPW]

This was Meredith Bay yesterday... still some ice left but much more open than it was. Docks had their ends taken off by the wind-blown ice.

Awesome - thanks for the photo. Me and the family are coming up tomorrow and hope to do some fishing - :rolleye2:

[DBA]

Airboat Guy and I returned to RSI today. This is the view we saw when we arrived.
DBA

[KPW]

19 Mile bay is still mostly iced in. There is gray ice as far as I can see. The water temp is 38, so with a little sunshine, it will go quick.

[fatlazyless]

Apparently, the wind picked up and moved a very large, like maybe three miles x one mile sized, sheet of ice toward my 30' dock. Probably, it was my next door neighbor's breakwater, made from large interlocked boulders, which kept it safe. The outermost 15' of dock are under about two inches of water and I have the trash barrels full of water helping to keep it all in place along with boatlift and boat. Anyway, a lot of tinkling icy noise from outside caught my attention and down on the dock there was a sheet of soft ice maybe one inch thick that's pushed up on top! So, I think for a minute and then with the 15' roof rake start smacking the ice to create a small safe zone.

Had to share that, and this will be a very long night. Oh well funny how things work out, at last it got me away from thinking about the lovely property tax.

[DBA]

Breeze is up again now, but this was the view this morning. DBA

[phoenix]

water now 11 degrees colder than last year at this time

[DRH]

This "ice castle" floated by our house this morning. Does Mother Nature have a sense of humor? :laugh:

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/523/medium/IceCastle_041907.jpg

Click here (http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/523/IceCastle_041907.jpg) for a larger version.

[Island Life]

This "ice castle" floated by our house this morning. Does Mother Nature have a sense of humor? :laugh:

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/523/medium/IceCastle_041907.jpg

Click here (http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/523/IceCastle_041907.jpg) for a larger version.


Or maybe not a castle at all, DRH. To me, it looks more like Poseidon's Trident. There must be some significance. Perhaps some implications, good or bad, for the fishing season.

[hazelnut]

THANKS for my new desktop wallpaper. What an incredible photo!

[CanisLupusArctos]

Or maybe not a castle at all, DRH. To me, it looks more like Poseidon's Trident.

Hmmm. I see a Greek letter like on the side of a college fraternity house. Last time I checked, frat brothers liked fishing, and grilling out... so I think this is a sign of summer!

This morning I looked over towards Meredith Neck (in the direction of Gatto Nero's Black Cat Island Cam) and saw that the ice accumulated over there during the storm is now GONE!

Down the lake between Hull, Bear, Steamboat and 5-Mile it's having a harder time leaving but the temp has just shot skyward with sunny conditions. In the last hour the dewpoint (amt. of moisture in the air) has suddenly fallen through the floor. I thought for sure we'd seen our last subzero dewpoint of the spring until just now. That's great news for the lake level (which is still rising.) Extremely dry air means more evaporation and less runoff, quicker end to the flooding.

Could also be great news for iceout too - if we get some incredibly dry air blowing across the ice along with the higher temps it may help the ice to evaporate as well as melt - speeding up the disappearing process without adding to the lake level.

Beautiful day! Time for a storm cleanup BBQ!

[DRH]

CLA's right - it's a beautiful day!

The sun finally came out this morning after days of overcast, wet, dismal weather.

Here's a view of Sleepers Island taken from near Minge Cove, showing some ice that blew in overnight. It's mostly "tube ice" that distintigrates on impact and makes a weird "tinkling" sound as it crumbles.

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/523/medium/BeautifulDay_041907.jpg
Click here (http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopost/data/523/BeautifulDay_041907.jpg) for a larger version.

[Weirs guy]

DRH, I think the ice just gave you an obscene gesture myself.

Weirs Bays ice is now that lovely dead gray color and there is a split in the ice on Paugus Bay by the Evergreens that goes the full length of the bay.

[Island Girl]

Please save some tube ice for me... I want to hear that wonderful sound... I am heading up Sat afternoon... going to the island... Woo Hoo!!!

[meteotrade]

Here's a nice high res satellite photo taken today... looks like the lake is almost completely ice free. Also notice the snow covered hills surrounding the lake... even Red Hill is snowcapped.

[Pine Island Guy]

what was ice free as far as the webcam could see, has taken a sudden turn as the wind has pushed in a nice ice-flow... regardless, we will be on the island this weekend! PIG

[offmycloud]

PIG - will you put the thermometer back up this weekend, please?
Thanks!

[SteveA]

The Broads look to be very open as viewed from the Scenic View on Rt 11. Some ice has blown in around Ellacoya and Lake Shore Park.

Looks like my 4/28 guess is going to be a bit off. :rolleye1: With the high temps over the next few days, it could go fast.

[CanisLupusArctos]

Here's a view shot today from Black Cat - the season's first boater taking a cruise up to the edge of the ice, in the shadow of *snow-covered* Mount Major, enjoying temps that soared to 58 today. And now the forecast is calling for 70 on Monday. Break out the BBQ's and turn on the Sox game! (And maybe take a few runs down Wildcat Mountain in shorts... can't believe they're 100% open and still grooming half a dozen trails.)

The frogs are croaking in the marsh... making quite a chorus. First time I've heard them in over a year.

...And now the loons are chiming in.

Spring has just sprung.

[Merrymeeting]

We drove up through Farmington on the Kings Highway (Rt. 153). Many, many areas where the side of the road has been washed away, with asphalt undermined in many areas. Lake level is similar to what it was last May, namely very high.

There is water everywhere, with snow patches still in evidence in the woods and hillsides. The ice pack on Merrymeeting is still pretty solid. which is surprising as we usually track the same or a bit ahead of the big lake. My son almost stepped out on it last night (until I yelled). But it may have supported him. Very slushy on top, but like icebergs, fairly solid below.

I sat on my dock at 6 PM last night, and it was wonderful! Full sunshine (I DO remember what it looks like!) and total silence. The seasons at the lake, despite the weather, are still wonderful.

Most surprising to me is that the open areas are skimmed over with a new layer of ¼” ice this morning, despite temps now in the 50’s and no lower than 38 last night. With water temps 38-39, can any of the weather experts explain how this can happen?

I still hope the weather helps get it all out this weekend.

[Rattlesnake Gal]

Can anyone tell me the status of the ice in Alton Bay? Thanks!

[Resident 2B]

Most surprising to me is that the open areas are skimmed over with a new layer of ¼” ice this morning, despite temps now in the 50’s and no lower than 38 last night. With water temps 38-39, can any of the weather experts explain how this can happen?

Merrymeeting,

In Laconia, the tempature was below 32F for several hours last night. I would expect that same was true at Merrymeeting.

With the wind down and the dew point low, radiational cooling has a huge impact and right at the ground or lake level, it can be colder than at say 10' or 20' above the ground or lake. The cold air seeps to the lowest possible level. The only way 38F water can freeze is for the air around it to be below freezing.

R2B

[Merrymeeting]

The only way 38F water can freeze is for the air around it to be below freezing.

With the wind down and the dew point low, radiational cooling has a huge impact and right at the ground or lake level, it can be colder than at say 10' or 20' above the ground or lake. The cold air seeps to the lowest possible level.



The part about needing below freezing temps seemed obvious to me which is why I was puzzled. I have a local temperature gauge that tracks high and low temps. The lowest reading it recorded last night was 38.

But, you explained it. The gauge is located about 100' from the shoreline, and about 20-30' above water level. The air was very still last night I'm sure the cold settled above the water.

Thanks!

Also, contining on my report, I forgot to mention that while the water is usually crystal clear this time of year, it is now very tea-colored and muddy from all the runoff.

[fatlazyless]

Right now looking at the ice mass under the mid-day sun from about three hundred yards away, you can see the moisture evaporating upward just like on a 90's humid, July day. Yesterday there was a lone bald eagle that had a mouse or something, and it flies out to the edge of the ice, next to the open water and takes its' time dining on the mouse.

Another week, the eagle will be gone to Hudson's Bay or somewhere, and will be replaced by 8000lb-32'-1200hp Bajas. Got to enjoy these days now!

[SIKSUKR]

How about evaporative cooling?Does this make any sense?

[Resident 2B]

Evaporative cooling would have an additional minor effect. But with ice at 1/4 inch thick, it had to be more than that.

The official temp at the airport was below freezing for 3 hours and the same was measured at the Weirs Cam weather station. It was most likely colder a bit above the surface of the water

R2B

[dmjr]

Any news on if ice out has happened yet?

[SteveA]

taken from Big Pier at Lake Shore Park... Ice is gone as far as the naked eye could see...

1376

Open all the way to Welch and RattleSnake and beyond.

The only ice that was there had blown in.. it is very think.. 3-4' and only right along the shoreline

1375

1377

Nice view of Mt Washington.. I think the islands are Timber, Mink and Mark... maybe Round and Camp ?

[meteotrade]

Here's today's high res shot... an even better one than yesterday. If you look closely you will see some ice lingering in Meredith Bay as well as the area just west of Long Island. Interesting to note that Squam is still completely ice covered and the snowpack looks deep in the Ossipees.

[Lin]

Loved that trident photo, DRH, great photos of the various parts of the lake, thank you all for sharing. Also can I ask Metrotrade what website you are getting that satelite shot from? Thanks

[meteotrade]

Also can I ask Metrotrade what website you are getting that satelite shot from? Thanks

http://rapidfire.sci.gsfc.nasa.gov/realtime/?calendar

You have to check the orbit tracks of the 2 satellites to figure out what time they are overhead. Today's shot was from the Aqua/MODIS at 17:50Z.

[hayes]

Hello all. My first post although I check this site daily. I am itching to pick up my new boat I purchased from Meredith Marina this winter. How's it looking in the bay? I cant take it home till they take me out for a test run and I can't do the test run till the ice is GONE! Thanks. Great website!

[CanisLupusArctos]

Shot this pic today from Black Cat.

A whole bunch of gray ice remains between here and Rattlesnake (in bergs, not solid) and I think the warm temperatures this weekend will take care of it. Monday at the latest.

High reached 58 here (surrounded by cold water) but 69 at Center Harbor's inland station, and 72 at NH-DOT's station on I-93 in Ashland!

Maybe the Babes on Sleds should become the 'Babes on Jetskis' and do an iceout dance!

[Just Sold]

RG
Alton Bay was clear except for an area from Echo Point to Loon Cove and up to Pumpkin Point. I think your dock area is clear. Could be some ice bergs lurking though. Lots of bergs and some large ice areas in the broads as seen from the RT 11 observation area.

Yes, I stole away and went up today. :D

They told me a Fay's that they are 2-3 weeks behind due to the snow/rain storms.

[mcdude]

Can anyone tell me the status of the ice in Alton Bay? Thanks!
RG: We scoped it out from Alton Mt. tonight on our way into town. You'll be fine. As Justsold said, there are some "icebergs" floating around to the right (east) of Rattlesnake, but you'll have no trouble getting around them. Be Safe and Have Fun! McD

[Island Girl]

Maybe the Babes on Sleds should become the 'Babes on Jetskis' and do an iceout dance!

Excellent idea, wolfman, I will stand on my dock and dance away!!! I am sure DBA will help me...

IG

[Merrymeeting]

Evaporative cooling would have an additional minor effect. But with ice at 1/4 inch thick, it had to be more than that.

The official temp at the airport was below freezing for 3 hours and the same was measured at the Weirs Cam weather station. It was most likely colder a bit above the surface of the water

R2B

...and I rechecked my reading and had remembered it incorrectly. It actually had a reading of 35.2. So it isn't unresonable to assume a few degrees lower down at the water level.

[fatlazyless]

Just like snow loses its' moisture content thru evaporation, so was the 1 mile x 2 mile ice sheet which was made of various rotten ice pieces about three inches thick and full of melted perforations type holes. Thankfully, the wind speed was very small, so incoming flows of the ice blob could be pushed and broken up with a 15' roof rake. Very usefull tool, that roof rake......it taking a beating and keeps on and on and on.....it's tougher than a Winnipesaukee iceberg flow. So, the ice has to be rotten for a roof rake to be able to smack up three inch thick ice. Is this getting too scientific for you or what? I think it is for me.

Anyway, ice out will not be happening for at least another week.....just too too much ice....and probably it will be on May 2 at 10am! Now, who has that time? Time for me to go have another adult beverage.

[abay]

As i was driving south on Rte 11, about 1:00 this afternoon, a there was a boat sitting beside a sizable ice flow about 200 feet offshore at Ames farm.

There was also a large drift that had completely cut off the end of Alton Bay, just south of Little Mark island. It looked to be resting on both the east and west shore at that point. But even so, it is certainly on the move.

[mcdude]

Our own Steve A's photo of ice-out was featured on this morning's 11:00 broadcast on NECN. Steve: Was curious....did you submit the photo to NECN or was it "harvested" from the photo gallery?

[SteveA]

I didn't submit anything to NECN.... did they credit a SteveA? Strange... wished I had seen it. Which photo was it?

I'll have to check their website... I know they posted a great pic from DRH about a month ago... but I think he submitted it... as well he should have.

I'm a star and I didn't even know it! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Move over Sanjaya! :D

[KBoater]

Where is the ice jam holding up the Mounts Route or did I miss something again?

[Paugus Bay Resident]

Where is the ice jam holding up the Mounts Route or did I miss something again?

I agree, plus I picked April 21st ;)

[boat_guy64]

I sat at Grouse Point and watched 3 major pieces of ice from Meredith Bay flow towards Weirs today. Looks like there is still some ice down at Weirs but it's going away fast. Ice out tomorrow.....I hope...

[Merrymeeting]

Merrymeeting was skimmed over with ice again this morning. But by mid-morning the new ice was gone and the old ice was disappearing fast.

The wind picked up around noon and a significant ice shift opened up a good portion of the lake. The wind blew the rest to the east where it now sits. But it wouldn't surprise me if it's gone when we get up tomorrow.

[LPW]

My family and I spent a couple of days at Church Landing (Mill Falls). When we arrived on Thursday afternoon the bay was mostly ice covered. Friday morning most of the ice was gone or well on its way to Weirs. Today even more so.

It was just a beautiful couple of days on the water - even if I did not get any of the salmon we came for...

Leo.

[spotsink]

Can anyone report on what the ice looks like between Long and Little Bear? from Harilla's toward Hole in the Wall? We were at 19 Mile Bay yesterday and there was still a lot of ice in the bay. 20 Mile Bay was the same... someone we met at 19 Mile said the ice was still 4"+ in some places...

We'd love to hear from anyone who has been out in the vicinity of Hole in the Wall and the south shore of Little Bear :)

[EricP]

I took the SeaDoos out for a shakedown today. I saw ice that was falling apart quickly between Eagle Island and The Weirs. I rode pretty close to Timber Island on the Governors Island side and then all the way down Meredith Bay and back, and back into Hubbard Bay where I live and that was the only ice I saw, it was visible in the Weirs cam and it was almost gone an hour later. We gotta be close!! And it was beautiful out there. I some some debris, but not as much as I expected, maybe there is more elsewhere.

[Just Sold]

Just Wondering!

By this time, Ice Out season, we have some photo's from Fly Guy, Lakes Region Aerials, showing the ice conditions and then the official ice out photos after he calls "Ice Out". Where has he been or is he not doing it anymore?
:(

[KBoater]

Wentworth finally declared ice-free at 6:00AM this morning, April 23.

Winnie will not be far behind.:coolsm:

[Island Girl]

Have ya seen the price of gas.... need a paying job to fly around!! Now if we all got togehter and funded a couple of trips a year.....

[This'nThat]

Wentworth finally declared ice-free at 6:00AM this morning, April 23.
Is Ice-Free the same as Ice-Out? What does it mean to be Ice-Free? Inquiring minds want to know.

[Merrymeeting]

Have ya seen the price of gas.... need a paying job to fly around!! Now if we all got togehter and funded a couple of trips a year.....

I think we can all understand this. But with no ice in evidence on any of the webcams, temps above 75, and water temp now 40, how does ice out get declared?

Isn't it the Laconia Chamber of Commerce that makes the official announcement?

[Merrymeeting]

Ok, I found the answer to my own question. It is actually the Lakes Region Association that makes the call.

And it turns out they have been doing fly-overs, just no pictures...

http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Lake+Winnipesaukee+ice-out+eagerly+anticipated&articleId=820386d8-98ab-47dc-be49-612858f2d95e

[capewx]

1. For this contest "Ice-Out" is defined as the day, hour and minute this spring that the M/S Mt. Washington cruise ship could navigate between its ports without being blocked by ice. The exact date and time is determined by an observer in a small plane over the lake and announced by the Lakes Region Association. For this contest, the announcement by the Lakes Region Association will be the final and official date and time of Ice-Out.
I really think it should of been yesterday, because that was my day.
I think for next year I'll pick a weekday.

[codeman671]

We just got back from Gilford. There was not a bit of ice to be seen from Alton Bay to Glendale (as viewed by car from RT 11), and from Glendale to Mark by boat. gorgeous, 86 degrees and flat calm. We saw a few bergs floating off the tip of Diamond, and plenty of fisherman enjoying the day. Too bad I could not have stayed longer!

There was lots of debris floating, boaters beware.

[Resident 2B]

Hi All!

I have April 25th in the Ice-Out Contest. I feel I may be a day too late.

I have been purchasing ice by the ton and throwing it onto the lake in an attempt to keep some ice on the lake. With these tempatures, I think I am fighting a losing battle! :D

R2B

[jetskier]

Hi All!

I have April 25th in the Ice-Out Contest. I feel I may be a day too late.

I have been purchasing ice by the ton and throwing it onto the lake in an attempt to keep some ice on the lake. With these tempatures, I think I am fighting a losing battle! :D

R2B
It was almost 90 degrees in MA today. How close are we to ice out?

Jetskier:cool:

[Lucky2Bhere]

I can't believe it hasn't been declared. The last of the icebergs floated by this morning in Braun Bay. The wind picked up and most of the debris floated away. It's really glorious out there!

[Pier626]

http://rapidfire.sci.gsfc.nasa.gov/realtime/?calendar

You have to check the orbit tracks of the 2 satellites to figure out what time they are overhead. Today's shot was from the Aqua/MODIS at 17:50Z.

Great satelite images at that URL/website, thanks for sharing!!
-Pier626

[WeirsBeachBoater]

At 3:47pm it was declared that the M/S Mount Washington could make all her ports!

[NHKathy]

Took a quick scan through the Ice Out Guesses, and I think the winner is:
April 23, 3:30 p.m.
Posted By: Norma Gannon
THere were some other close guesses too:
April 23,2007 245pm
Posted By: Thomas Conforti
April 23 @ 4:15pm
Posted By: Ed Piscopo
April 23 @ 2:17 p.m.
Posted By: MAX
CONGRATS TO WHO EVER WON!

[csuhockey3]

My Guess was yesterday, so I was feverishly/compulsively tracking the IceOut page IG had built for all of us, when what do you know....could it be IG herself?!?! IG: Thank you so much for all of your hard work and contributions to this site, it is so greatly appreciated!
1385
P.S. My wife just walked in and asked what I'm doing, adding it "better not be the two W's, work and winnipesaukee"...Busted :D

[Blue Thunder]

Holy smokes IG, over 26,000 views of this thread. Nearly 4,000 more than last year. Probably due to a later ice out. Thanks for hosting this thread.

BT

[Island Girl]

We did indeed top last years views on the ice out thread.. and yes that was me and friends... putting in the water!

Summer is here!!! Thanks all for supporting this site and Rattlesnakecam.com.. Keep coming back!

IG

[codeman671]

Holy smokes IG, over 26,000 views of this thread. Nearly 4,000 more than last year. Probably due to a later ice out. Thanks for hosting this thread.

BT

I bet 2k of those are mine... I check the thread and the cams a ridiculous # of times per day! :D

[Blue Thunder]

I bet 2k of those are mine... I check the thread and the cams a ridiculous # of times per day! :D

get in line!!!

[Water Camper]

The Ice went out on Paugus Bay sometime between 3:30pm and 6:00pm on Sunday 4/22/2007.

Saw a few cruisers skirting the ice Sunday, I think Irwins had their open house this last weekend. The wave action probably helped move the ice out.

Also, had a few wave runners scurrying around the edges.

Checked with Lakeport Landing, my boat's in the water, I'm ready for a cruise !!

Summers Here, (yes hun, I'll get the yard work done).

Bill

[Island Girl]

Here is yesterday mornings view of the last of the ice from Emerson Aviation. This is in today's Citizen online. Hope it is ok to post, Dave.

http://fdimg.sv.publicus.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=FD&Date=20070424&Category=CITIZEN_01&ArtNo=104240154&Ref=AR&MaxW=250

[webmaster]

I bet 2k of those are mine... I check the thread and the cams a ridiculous # of times per day! :DIf you read the thread 2000 times you would only be counted once. 26,000 views means 26,000 viewers (with a few exceptions).

[Blue Thunder]

If you read the thread 2000 times you would only be counted once. 26,000 views means 26,000 viewers (with a few exceptions).

WOW!! And I thought it was me.

[Heff]

I knew ice out was not to far away after being up there this past weekend. My kids and I had a blast hanging out at Weirs Beach and the channel - in the water up to our knees (yes it was extremely cold) and pulling out huge chunks of ice. I have been going there the past twenty years, but have never seen the ice moving and breaking apart as it was on Sunday afternoon.

As a side note, this is my 1st official post, after reading this forum almost daily. The info posted makes such a wonderful area, even better. Thanks!

[JTA]

Thanks Island Girl for starting this thread and hosting the Ice-Out watch cam page on Snake-Eyes. It was really quite exciting watching the ice out on Snake-Eyes particularly since your cam is aimed toward my beloved Cow Island.

[AC2717]

The Ice out was announced on WBZ radio down here in Boston Today and yesterday. I cheered, that means I get to get my boat and start making waves, lol. To bad will not be that many this year with the current gas prices:confused: