|
Home | Forums | Gallery | Webcams | Blogs | YouTube Channel | Classifieds | Calendar | Register | FAQ | Donate | Members List | Today's Posts | Search |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
|
03-11-2008, 12:58 PM | #1 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 73
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
|
Ice Conditions
Has anyone been out to Rattlesnake Island via Wolfeboro Bay or Alton Bay? I am curious what the rain has done to the safety of the ice. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
|
03-11-2008, 08:18 PM | #2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: NH
Posts: 384
Thanks: 11
Thanked 76 Times in 51 Posts
|
I'm interested as well, any info would be great. I'm guessing from the ice fishing website I troll on that it could be OK if we get some light snow this week. I'm pretty sure it will be tight enough to go by sled but lube/cooling would be the problem without any snow. Did I just say that ??? need more snow ????
Yikes !! |
03-12-2008, 06:20 AM | #3 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 73
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
|
Ice conditions
I spoke with a friend who ventured out on Monday. He said that the ice is solid but without snow, the sleds were not good. He said that an ATV or walking would be best until we get more snow. Hard to believe that anyone who lived in NH would make that statement!
|
03-14-2008, 08:33 AM | #4 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: NH
Posts: 384
Thanks: 11
Thanked 76 Times in 51 Posts
|
Broads Ice
Quote:
Any updates??, Planning on a trip to the island on Sunday |
|
03-14-2008, 09:18 AM | #5 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 73
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
|
Conditions
No update from me. However, if you go to the Snake Eyes thread, several people have stated that the ice is solid but with little snow cover for snowmobile lubrication. There is a snow storm coming tonight and should drop 2-5".
|
Sponsored Links |
|
03-14-2008, 09:19 AM | #6 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Central MA
Posts: 2,352
Thanks: 18
Thanked 535 Times in 179 Posts
|
Snow this afternoon
Things could change out here if we get the few inches of snow that is forecast today. Ask again later... There was a dusting last night... you can take a snowmobile... it is just really bumpy..
__________________
Island Girl ....... Make Lemonade |
03-14-2008, 10:55 AM | #7 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Eastern MA & Frye Island/Sebago Lake, Maine
Posts: 935
Thanks: 249
Thanked 323 Times in 148 Posts
|
Lubrication!!
It's only being casually mentioned here but kick some snow onto your tracks and slides on your sled before leaving to go onto the ice. Other wise it won't take long to burn out your carbides or the slides on your sled track. There is no lubrication when on ice.
BT
__________________
" Live for today because yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come" |
03-14-2008, 03:32 PM | #8 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: NH
Posts: 384
Thanks: 11
Thanked 76 Times in 51 Posts
|
Thanks for the updates
|
03-15-2008, 07:32 PM | #9 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Lebanon Ct and Rattlesnake Island Since 2007
Posts: 610
Thanks: 180
Thanked 137 Times in 72 Posts
|
We went to the island (rattlesnake) this afternoon, the snow from last night created a cover on the ice that made snowmobiling ok. Things are slushy and everything (roof and deck snow) is melting. I would guess that this is the last night we spend here until the boat is in the water.
|
03-17-2008, 05:58 AM | #10 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 73
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
|
Thanks for the info. I am wondering if the ice is safe enough to walk on to get out to the island? I'm hoping with the colder temps that the slush will freeze and I can get there by snowmobile. If anyone ventures out to the island and would like to help me out, send a reply. I need to get my camper cover for my boat as I sold it. I have not had a chance to venture out to the island.
|
03-17-2008, 07:59 AM | #11 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Central MA
Posts: 2,352
Thanks: 18
Thanked 535 Times in 179 Posts
|
Ice Conditions
The ice is very solid on the broads side of Rattlesnake... Yesterday the surface was corn snow and enough of it for snowmobiling.
The thing to be careful about is where you are going onto the island. The east and south parts of the island get the sun all afternoon and the ice is pulling away from the edges. In some spots it is all water at the edge and some thin ice (may not look thin)... look for snowmobile tracks... and get there today. There is weather coming in and who knows what will happen to the ice then. Please do not go alone and make sure others know your travel plan. Call someone when you venture out and when you leave the island. Good Luck IG
__________________
Island Girl ....... Make Lemonade |
03-17-2008, 08:06 AM | #12 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: NH
Posts: 384
Thanks: 11
Thanked 76 Times in 51 Posts
|
Broads Ice
I was out yesterday as well, Ice very solid but "corn" Ice that will turn to slush with a few warm days. Edges will go first for sure, be carefull about 1/2 way up the island, broads side, one guys Ice eater is out of control and the water is open well off the shoreline.
Is it Ice Out yet ? |
03-17-2008, 08:19 AM | #13 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 73
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
|
I would be coming from Brewster Beach and heading to the Alton side of the island, about halfway up. It should be okay. I wanted to head out this weekend but my truck was in the shop, so I could not hitch up the sleds.
|
03-17-2008, 08:57 AM | #14 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Central MA
Posts: 2,352
Thanks: 18
Thanked 535 Times in 179 Posts
|
Shore
South or North of the peninsula?
__________________
Island Girl ....... Make Lemonade |
03-17-2008, 09:13 AM | #15 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 73
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
|
I'm not very good with directions. I would say that I am South or more towards the Alton Bay direction.
|
03-17-2008, 09:15 AM | #16 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Central MA
Posts: 2,352
Thanks: 18
Thanked 535 Times in 179 Posts
|
Edges
Just watch out for the edges.... it may look safe... it is a good idea to carry a pole to poke the ice, and wear spikes for your hands, in case you fall in!!
When are you going? IG
__________________
Island Girl ....... Make Lemonade |
03-17-2008, 09:31 AM | #17 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 73
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
|
I'm hoping to go 1 day this week. The guy is picking up the boat on Sunday and I would like to give him the cover.
|
03-17-2008, 09:31 AM | #18 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Merrymeeting Lake, New Durham
Posts: 2,224
Thanks: 302
Thanked 798 Times in 367 Posts
|
I have been traveling outside the country for the past 2 weeks. It is amazing to notice the changes when you haven't seen them every day.
When I left we had just had another storm and the snowbanks on the sides of the roads looked like they would be with us until July. But here in central MA and 2 weeks later, most of the snow pack is gone except for the big piles in parking areas (and in my back yard!). All the ponds and lakes are clear of snow, and it looks like the ice is going quickly. There is a pond I pass on the way to work that usually has the ice go about 2-3 weeks before the lakes region. The ice has already pulled away from the shoreline by about 2-3 feet and there rest looks thin. This all has been very surprising to me since the weather hasn't been unusually warm. I know there was a lot of rain while I was gone, and it is surprising how much still melts on a mid-thirties day. Be careful if you venture out on the lake. |
03-17-2008, 09:44 PM | #19 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 332
Thanks: 0
Thanked 51 Times in 26 Posts
|
NHDOLFAN,
If you have never made the trip this time of the year go easy. When in doubt, follow your instincts-don't go. With the seemingly warmer temps and the sun higher in the sky the ice is starting to move around, expand and contract etc. The shore line ice that is absorbing the sunlight in the day is getting soggy and then freezing up at night. You can hear the ice groaning and popping on a sunny day. Along the shoreline be really careful and scout the areas you plan on getting on and off the ice to the land before you commit to a spot. A good set of binoculars as well as polarized sunglasses are needed. The ice will break in large pieces around jetties, bubblers and other more natural land features. You may see solid ice at a distance, but there may be open water in between these pieces with spans over 6 feet across.(More than I can jump across, i don't know what you can do!)Anyway the safest ice at this time of the year is away from the land, watch out for ridgelines and if you see birds hanging out on the ice the chances are high that there is open water around- go easy. Follow the directions previosly given by island girl. It is important that someone locally knows your plan. Consider also wearing a orange or red life jacket and maybe even carry a flare gun- it may save your life if you go in alone. Check out some photo posts from lakes region ariels, they show some past ice movement in the direction you are going from Brewster past Barndoor out across the broads to the end of rattlesnake. Also take note as you go to where you may see other travelers on the lake or islands along the way, they may help you if you get into a pinch. Take pictures for us- |
03-19-2008, 06:36 PM | #20 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Lebanon Ct and Rattlesnake Island Since 2007
Posts: 610
Thanks: 180
Thanked 137 Times in 72 Posts
|
Does any have have an update on ice conditions, can I squeak out another night on Rattlesnake before Ice Out?
|
03-19-2008, 07:52 PM | #21 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,412
Thanks: 216
Thanked 782 Times in 464 Posts
|
Quote:
I spent a lot of time on the ice last year in the airboat and there were days looking from shore that I thought it was OK and found that it was not the case when out there. Obviously in an airboat we were safe, on a snowmobile it is a different story. On a fast sled with a lot of HP and picks you can go almost anywhere but this time of year with a family in tow the risk vs reward is not worth it. Take the time to get anything done around your home that you need to do so that at ice out you can have a boat in the water and be ready to enjoy the new place for your first whole summer. My boat is ready to be in my slip by April 18th, I am still hoping the date will work. I have been in the water and out on the lake the last 3 years on the day ice-out was called. That area is clearly Island Girl's domain so I would ask her and her neighbors for their advice. If you go, be careful! |
|
03-20-2008, 05:36 AM | #22 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: NH
Posts: 384
Thanks: 11
Thanked 76 Times in 51 Posts
|
I'm of the same thinking of Codeman, high HP sled with picks are a must as the weather loosens up the top layer of the lake. I have reports of 20" in areas around the broads but what will happen this year is the top will get soft fast due to all the snow ice. There is still plenty of ice but the slush that will develop is what will cause the problems. When you bury a sled to the running boards it's not the easiest thing to get out. I'm hoping to make my last run on Sat if conditions allow it, after this weekend I'd think twice unless we get a good cold snap.
|
03-20-2008, 06:40 AM | #23 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 73
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
|
Formula- where are you located? If your in the area of my cottage, maybe you could help me out. I'm on the Alton side of Rattlesnake #396.
|
03-21-2008, 05:38 AM | #24 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: NH
Posts: 384
Thanks: 11
Thanked 76 Times in 51 Posts
|
|
03-21-2008, 07:15 AM | #25 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Central MA
Posts: 2,352
Thanks: 18
Thanked 535 Times in 179 Posts
|
Getting onto the ice
The problem will be finding a safe place to get onto the ice. Mince Cove was no longer safe a couple of days ago and West Alton Marina was getting unsafe as well... according to a report I received. Perhaps someone else can tell you where it is safe to get onto the ice.
Keep in mind... conditions can change in an hour... what is frozen in the morning may open up in when the sun hits it. This is a dangerous time of year. Be careful out there.
__________________
Island Girl ....... Make Lemonade |
03-21-2008, 08:14 AM | #26 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,412
Thanks: 216
Thanked 782 Times in 464 Posts
|
I wish the wind that we are getting in Dover today was about 3 weeks from now.
|
03-21-2008, 08:53 AM | #27 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Eastern MA & Frye Island/Sebago Lake, Maine
Posts: 935
Thanks: 249
Thanked 323 Times in 148 Posts
|
It's not worth it...
I completely agree. The ice may be good out in the middle, but it's just not worth becoming a statistic in late March. I made my last trip last Sunday from my Island to the mainland. I know what some of you will say, but Sebago and Winnipesaukee have many similarities. It was a very different jump/skimming experience from the morning to the afternoon at the edges. Large pieces will break off this time of year and you could be in big trouble. Don't let the deep snow fool you.
Blue Thunder
__________________
" Live for today because yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come" |
03-24-2008, 07:07 AM | #28 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Merrymeeting Lake, New Durham
Posts: 2,224
Thanks: 302
Thanked 798 Times in 367 Posts
|
Quote:
I suspect the ice on the lakes is weakening from below too. I hope those vehicles are off soon. |
|
03-24-2008, 09:38 AM | #29 |
Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Westbrook, CT
Posts: 17
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
|
I made the trip out to Bear Island from Meredith Neck on Friday afternoon and spent the whole weekend out on the island. Around Dolly the water is beginning to open up a bit. Between Mark and Bear Island the ice depth averages 22 inches. I measured it in many spots. I can not recall the ice being this thick this time of year. People who know the lake should not have any problems on the ice for the next week or two. Be careful but we are still a long long way from ice-out.
|
03-24-2008, 11:46 AM | #30 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Weirs Beach, NH
Posts: 1,067
Thanks: 0
Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
|
Its strange, with all this snow and ice still around I have to remind myself its late March!
__________________
Is it bikeweek yet? Now? |
03-24-2008, 06:35 PM | #31 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: 20 mile bay
Posts: 87
Thanks: 0
Thanked 15 Times in 12 Posts
|
Ice conditions
Last weekend the ice in 20 mile bay was approx 24" but was getting meally. This weekend it was hard and solid again. I have never seen ice this thick, this late in the year. Ice out in May this year.
|
03-24-2008, 06:53 PM | #32 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,102
Thanks: 1,299
Thanked 558 Times in 287 Posts
|
I hope over confidence and perception don't conspire to cost someone their life out on the lake this SPRING. Remember, while it is easy to feel lulled into thinking winter will last forever, SPRING has arrived and with it is rapidly changing ice conditions. I have a simple rule, I don't go out on any body of water in the Lakes Region after March 15th. Yes, I occasionally miss a day of late season snowmobiling or ice fishing, but it is a small price to pay to avoid becoming the topic of a Forum thread on this site. Stay safe.
|
03-25-2008, 03:55 AM | #33 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Moultonborough
Posts: 3,538
Thanks: 1,577
Thanked 1,610 Times in 824 Posts
|
I agree second- the ice was not good this year consistency wise either. My truck stayed on shore this winter.
|
03-25-2008, 06:00 AM | #34 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Eastern MA & Frye Island/Sebago Lake, Maine
Posts: 935
Thanks: 249
Thanked 323 Times in 148 Posts
|
The majority of the ice on the lake is "snow ice", meaning it was snow that melted and/or got rained on and then turned to ice. That type of ice is full of air and, with the right weather, will melt quickly. We didn't get a good solid freeze of "black" ice to start things off. CLA, is there a more technical explanation that that??
BT
__________________
" Live for today because yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come" |
03-26-2008, 08:21 PM | #35 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Merrymeeting Lake, New Durham
Posts: 2,224
Thanks: 302
Thanked 798 Times in 367 Posts
|
Ice-out was declared on the aforementioned pond today! Therefore my new prediction for Winnipesaukee Ice-Out is April 16th, the day after we are all broke.
|
03-26-2008, 08:32 PM | #36 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: North Reading, MA and South Down Shores
Posts: 850
Thanks: 57
Thanked 183 Times in 114 Posts
|
Speak for yourself!
|
03-29-2008, 06:28 AM | #37 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: NH
Posts: 384
Thanks: 11
Thanked 76 Times in 51 Posts
|
Ice Updates
Can I sneak one more trip to the Island in ?
|
03-29-2008, 07:12 AM | #38 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Lebanon Ct and Rattlesnake Island Since 2007
Posts: 610
Thanks: 180
Thanked 137 Times in 72 Posts
|
I was going to ask the same question, but I figured I was pushing my luck this time of year. I did however see sled tracks in front of the Weir's can today, so someone was brave.
If you go, take pictures. |
03-29-2008, 02:51 PM | #39 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: 20 mile bay
Posts: 87
Thanks: 0
Thanked 15 Times in 12 Posts
|
ice 20" plus thick
The ice is still 20 plus thick. The ice is very punky though. The ice auger is plucking it out when you drill a hole. I would say that after this week I would not venture out. the ice can be thick but not suport any weight. It is like crushed ice ont the top of a drink.
|
03-29-2008, 03:18 PM | #40 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: NJ
Posts: 523
Thanks: 62
Thanked 44 Times in 24 Posts
|
I was looking at Black Cat's webcam (the time lapse sequence) and saw snowmobile tracks suddenely appear between the shoals were water is clearly visible and the dock where water is also visible. I don't know if these people are brave or just plain foolhardy, but it seems they must have made it across as the tracks do not disappear into the ice.
Scary. nj2nh
__________________
|
03-29-2008, 03:32 PM | #41 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 446
Thanks: 70
Thanked 57 Times in 40 Posts
|
We've had sleds go by all day in Wolfeboro by Grant Island.
|
Bookmarks |
|
|