Ice thickness

Webbsatwinni · 01-12-2009, 08:41 AM

We came up Sunday to do some snowmobiling and made our way to silver sands in Gilford. There were ice houses out on the lake so we went on the ice just to say we did. We stayed in that cove and spoke to some people ice fishing and they said that most of the ice they saw was 4 - 5 inches but a lot of areas still only had 1 inch or less.

On the thin parts there were snowmobile tracks which we thought was just nuts. There also was a track under the Gov Island Bridge through open water.

Did anyone else get an ice thickness update over the weekend?

XCR-700 · 01-12-2009, 10:40 PM

I havent been out yet this season, but hope to soon.

Where were you riding around the lake?

I to am interested to hear what thickness people are seeing.

Thanks

GH

Webbsatwinni · 01-13-2009, 06:51 PM

We stayed in the cove around silver sands in Gilford, there weren't any snowmobile tracks past that and we were not going to be the first.

XCR-700 · 01-13-2009, 08:42 PM

Did you ride anywhere else?

I have never ridden on the trails around the lake.

I tend to ride in the Andover and Plymouth/Rumney areas, but have heard there are some good trails around the lake.

Any recommendations?

Thanks - George

Webbsatwinni · 01-14-2009, 09:06 AM

We were just up for the day dropping off our sleds for the season, so we did not get much riding time in.

We went from the airport in Gilford, past Patrick's to the lake. Then we went back up past the airport and crossed over into the airport near the movie theater and took the power line trail for quite a while and back. My 9 year old daughter was bugging me to go snowmobiling, so that is why we did the day trip. She wanted to see the lake and be the first in the family to have her picture taken at the lake, so here it is.........

XCR-700 · 01-14-2009, 11:56 AM

OUTSTANDING picture!

I boat there all summer (most of my life) but have never snowmobiled near or on the lake.

So I'm trying to figure out where the better trails are and what parts of the lake are safe to ride on.

Its still early in the season for me, but I would like to get some miles in around the Winnipesaukee area this season.

I'm pretty cautious about riding on lakes and one as big and as far south as Winnipesaukee is not something I want to break trail on. Are there marked trails across Winnipesaukee?

Thanks for the photo, looks like she had a good time.

George

Cobalt · 01-14-2009, 01:08 PM

I went out yesterday with a friend for the first time this season on the Moultonboro Bay side of the lake. This area usually freezes first since it is not pounded by the high winds found out on the broads. I live in an area facing the broads that were wide open less than 2 weeks ago. I would not ride across the broads at this time.

We hit the lake at Camp Tecumseh and it was fast and smooth with about 6 inches of powder which was packed down by other machines. You can access 15 N & S from the lake. We took 15N up to the Castle trails and rode half way over the mountain which would take you to Ossipee. The trails on the Moultonboro side were very smooth with a hard base, but there is not much snow with some icy corners particularly on the mountain which under heavy traffic will wear quickly.

I rode the Andover/Rumney area last year for the first time and feel you will find very different riding conditions around the lake. I am sure some will disagree, but the trails are not as wide or fast with heavy traffic taking its toll on the conditions on the weekends. If you go down to Ossipee, you can take the railroad tracks north or south, but again this is a main corridor with exposed rails at times unless there is plenty of snow.

I would pick up a trail map for the area, and park at the Castle lot unless you plan on riding over from Plymouth along the tracks which will take you to Meredith.

Good luck.

DRH · 01-14-2009, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XCR-700

OUTSTANDING picture!

I boat there all summer (most of my life) but have never snowmobiled near or on the lake.

So I'm trying to figure out where the better trails are and what parts of the lake are safe to ride on.

Its still early in the season for me, but I would like to get some miles in around the Winnipesaukee area this season.

I'm pretty cautious about riding on lakes and one as big and as far south as Winnipesaukee is not something I want to break trail on. Are there marked trails across Winnipesaukee?

Thanks for the photo, looks like she had a good time.

George

XCR-700 - The lake should soon be safe to ride on in most areas, and when it is do yourself a favor and take a tour around the different sections of the lake and view the incredible scenery. Most of the typical summer atmospheric haze disappears during the winter because the air is very dry, so the views of the mountains are spectacular.

There are no marked trails on the frozen lake, but you'll see commonly-traveled routes that other snowmobilers have used to get from one area to another. You should stay safe sticking close to the tracks of others who have traveled those areas before you.

I took this photo of Quilt Lady (another Forum regular) several years ago from the ice on the northern side of Rattlesnake, not far from Webbsatwinni's place. The view of the mountains from the ice on a clear, sunny day is hard to beat.

Here's another photo, taken last February somewhere in the Tuftonboro or Moultonboro area. The views that day were outstanding.

Webbsatwinni · 01-14-2009, 07:56 PM

DRH,

Thanks for sharing the great photos, I was amazed last winter that the view in the summer could get any better, and they did. Can you give an ice update later in the week (given it's not too cold to go outside), we are thinking that if the reports are good, we would come up Sunday and stay the night.

We just know the broads are different and we want to be really careful.

XCR-700 · 01-14-2009, 10:39 PM

Many Thanks to you all, I'm sold!!!

Again, I'm very cautious about riding on southern lakes, but the views can't be beat and so I'm hoping to give it a try this season.

I think for my first couple of trips out I might hit the Bear Brook and Patuckaway, then a trip to Winnipesaukee looks like a must do.

I'd be trailering up from MA, so can anyone recommend a place to park truck and trailer with reasonable access to the lake?

I'll make sure we post before coming up, with any luck we could hook up with some of you folks and maybe enjoy the sights together.

Thanks Again

George

jeffk · 01-14-2009, 11:48 PM

After this cold snap the ice on the lake should be in very good shape unless we get a strong thaw. It's always good to be cautious and there are some spots on the lake that never freeze because of currents.

One thing to be aware of is the ice heaves that can occur. Some of them can be quite large and dangerous to hit at high speed.

I would suggest the parking lot by Castle in the Clouds. You can get to the Mountain scenery (Mt Shaw) by going up the Castle trail or head to the lake, about a 20 minute ride. Once on the lake at Ambrose Cove in Moultonboro you can head in several different directions. If you go over Moultonboro Bay down to Melvin Village you can pick up trails that will loop you over land back to the Castle parking area. Its a nice loop with lots of opportunities to explore other trails if you want to.

If you are OK with a long day you can probably get mountain and lake riding done in the same day. It's kind of cool to be up in the mountains looking down at the lake and a few hours later riding where you were looking at.

From the lake you can get to the Kona trails which weave through Moultonboro neck wooded areas and is a popular trail.

The snow cover may still be a little light at this point. From what it sounds like we could use another good 8+ inch storm to really get things going.

Formula260SS · 01-15-2009, 09:27 AM

The lake must have been "cracking" last night, I would expect tonight to be active. 5 Degrees in Southern NH this morning

She's gonna get tight fast this week

Merrymeeting · 01-15-2009, 09:59 AM

No temps above freezing in 10-day forecast so I expect the ice will be fine from this point on...

XCR-700 · 01-15-2009, 11:38 PM

Anyone have any recommendations for getting to the lake from the south side?

If possible I would prefer to find a place to park the truck/trailer around Weirs/Gilford or possibly Alton/West Alton or even Meredith.

I know the south side of the lake much better than the north side, so if possible I would rather start out on that side.

Thanks to all for you comments.

George

Ryan · 01-16-2009, 09:01 AM

I believe you can park in the movie theater parking lot in Gilford across from the airport.
From there you can go multiple directions on the trails, or out to Winni.
You are across the street from the gas station, which has maps.

I also believe parking is available at Weirs beach. Not sure about the conditions of the rail.

DRH · 01-16-2009, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XCR-700

Anyone have any recommendations for getting to the lake from the south side?

If possible I would prefer to find a place to park the truck/trailer around Weirs/Gilford or possibly Alton/West Alton or even Meredith.

I know the south side of the lake much better than the north side, so if possible I would rather start out on that side.

Thanks to all for you comments.

George

George - You can access the lake at Alton Bay using the public boat ramp next to Shibley's restaurant. There's limited parking for your truck & trailer across the road next to Pop's Clamshell.

NHDOLFAN · 01-16-2009, 11:54 AM

I would check Ellacoya State Park. There is more parking and easy access to the lake.

Mink Islander · 01-16-2009, 12:16 PM

Got on at the Cattle Landing docks this AM around 8:00 -- (a little more than a mile beyond the turn for Shep Brown's Boat basin) on Meredith Neck Road. Ample parking there and easy safe access to the lake on the south side of Bear Island. You can probably get on at Sheps too -- from the water, follow the road past the showroom to where the barges are. Usually can drive right on there. I didn't go by there today, however, since I'm on foot, so don't know the conditions.

The hill at Cattle Landing is a bit steep down to the lake but it has plenty of snow cover right now. 7+ inches of mostly black ice through the narrows. Stay to the North (Bear Island) side to avoid the thin spots near shore due to ice eaters around mainland docks in that area. In front of Mink we have 8+ inches. Ample snow cover.

A few sled tracks between Mark and Bear. Saw a sled over by Mark Island around 11:30.

I think the winter season is officially underway!

Beautiful quiet (but chilly) day.

Webbsatwinni · 01-14-2009, 01:58 PM

Last year was our first at the lake for snowmobiling and it was great. We went all around the local trails and plan to go farther this year. One trip we did make was to the top of Mt Shaw, everyone that rode with us that day is still talking about the view. This is one of the pictures I took that day, all I can say is wow.

ishoot308 · 01-14-2009, 01:40 PM

Can someone tell me the ice conditions between Glendale Town Docks and Welch Island??

Thanks!!

Dan

BoulderBronco · 01-14-2009, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ishoot308

Can someone tell the ice conditions between Glendale Town Docks and Welch Island??

Thanks!!

Dan

Yeah. Lets hear some ice reports.

Webbsatwinni · 01-14-2009, 02:09 PM

And while someone is kindly testing the ice between Glendale Town Docks and Welch Island, can they take a drive over to the north broads side of Rattlesnake and report back? My kids are jonesin' to go for the weekend and even with the low temps, it seems to early.

Has anyone been on the Rattlesnake access road yet?

fatlazyless · 01-31-2009, 08:31 PM

Twelve and one half inches of hard ice, underneath about six inches of heavy snow, and about four inches of wet slush, just west of Buoy 3, is what I measured, today.

Walking through this stuff is a slow-go.

BoulderBronco · 02-01-2009, 11:06 PM

11-12" of good solid ice halfway down Meredith bay. There is another 2-4" of solid slush ice on top of that. Conditions are great if you have a snowmobile. Not much slush at all.

Webbsatwinni · 02-02-2009, 08:05 AM

We were up this weekend and traveling by snowmobile on the lake was easy. There was a lot of traffic on the broads.

searay220 · 02-02-2009, 09:19 AM

A few of us stopped by on our sleds on a friend down on Alton Bay fishing from his bob house yesterday. He measured the ice while we were there and it measured 18" thick. It's a good thing because he is just a short distance from the runway and plane parking lot. I can't believe some the vehicles that go out and drive on the ice without even thinking twice.

fatlazyless · 02-15-2009, 05:43 PM

Took a measure one spar west of fl-3, at 12 1/2". This snowless, rough icy surface is just no good for snowmobiles. All day today, saw one snowmo, one atv, one hovercraft and no cars or trucks.

Seems like the deep freeze got done shut down and a sunny, warmer trend has begun ....exit stage right, the dog days of winter....aaaaarrrrrooooo......

XCR-700 · 02-19-2009, 07:55 PM

Anyone been out on the lake today?

Thinking of coming up to ride tomorrow and wondering what the conditions are like.

Any recommendations???

Thanks

GH

Treerider · 02-21-2009, 09:59 AM

so you actually believed that there was only 5" and in some places 1" of ice.......you aint from around here are yah??

Webbsatwinni · 02-21-2009, 10:09 AM

Not sure why you are choosing to challenge it now, but would you chance it?

Formula260SS · 02-22-2009, 06:52 PM

Drilled 2 holes off Rattlesnake Saturday, @ 24" in each hole. Been a while since I've seen the lake so good for snowmobiling. It was flat and fast !

hazelnut · 02-22-2009, 08:21 PM

HONESTLY!!!!!! I can't believe how beautiful the Northern Broads were between Bear and Long Island. It was a first time for me venturing across the middle part of the lake like that. I couldn't help myself. The conditions were so good it was incredible. The light conditions on Friday late afternoon, and the snow was so flat and smooth..... Well I just kept adding throttle and more, and more and almost full throttle but not quite.... I could have.... But.... wow. It felt like you were actually floating or flying. Just awesome.

welch100 · 03-05-2009, 08:38 AM

Is it safe???

Thanks!

fatlazyless · 03-05-2009, 08:37 PM

Over by fl-3, just south of Bear Island, saw a Ford F-250 pickup, 4-wheel drive go past today, and head towards the Weirs.....1st vehicle seen out here all winter. Went out and drilled two holes, and the ice was a solid 16" thick with no slush on top....just 5" of dry, light snow.

Lakewinn1 · 03-21-2009, 08:15 PM

Does anyone know the thickness of the ice near Far Echo? Haven't been at the lake in the last few weeks.

Aviatr · 03-21-2009, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lakewinn1

Does anyone know the thickness of the ice near Far Echo? Haven't been at the lake in the last few weeks.

Ice out is not far away. 2 weeks and the lake will be all open. As I'm sure you are most likely aware of, all trails are closed and the lake is not desireable for riding anymore. Good winter, but let's get summer here NOW!!

Lakewinn1 · 03-22-2009, 06:14 AM

Looking forward to ice out and getting the boat in the water..... summer can't be far away! Totally agree with your assessment of winter.

csuhockey3 · 03-23-2009, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aviatr

Ice out is not far away. 2 weeks and the lake will be all open. As I'm sure you are most likely aware of, all trails are closed and the lake is not desireable for riding anymore. Good winter, but let's get summer here NOW!!

What does Lilly pond by the airport look like? Seems to be the unofficial "2 week warning" as many of your know. Once Lilly pond is open it's about 2 weeks to ice out!!

chipj29 · 03-23-2009, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aviatr

Ice out is not far away. 2 weeks and the lake will be all open. As I'm sure you are most likely aware of, all trails are closed and the lake is not desireable for riding anymore. Good winter, but let's get summer here NOW!!

Sorry, I am no Lake Winni ice out expert, but IMO there is no way the lake will be "all open" in 2 weeks. I want to be on my boat as soon as the next guy, but it ain't gonna happen by April 6, much to my dismay.

Blue Thunder · 03-23-2009, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chipj29

Sorry, I am no Lake Winni ice out expert, but IMO there is no way the lake will be "all open" in 2 weeks. I want to be on my boat as soon as the next guy, but it ain't gonna happen by April 6, much to my dismay.

I'm no expert either, but I'm with you Chipj!!

BT

Webbsatwinni · 03-23-2009, 09:44 AM

I too think it will be longer, but we can all hope that Aviatr is correct.

codeman671 · 03-23-2009, 05:06 PM

2 weeks? No way.

3 weeks is more like it. My "revised" guess is around the 15th. A far cry from my contest guess which was much later.

GusMan · 03-24-2009, 12:07 PM

Hi All,

Looks like there's one lonely ice shanty left on the weirscam! I bet it pretty well frozen in place there until this mini-freeze ends!

Cheers....

Gusman

trfour · 03-25-2009, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GusMan

Hi All,

Looks like there's one lonely ice shanty left on the weirscam! I bet it pretty well frozen in place there until this mini-freeze ends!

Cheers....

Gusman

All gone this morning when I checked....

Webbsatwinni · 03-24-2009, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by codeman671

2 weeks? No way.

3 weeks is more like it. My "revised" guess is around the 15th. A far cry from my contest guess which was much later.

3 weeks would be nice, that puts us in the week of the 13th. That is enough time to get the snowmobiles cleaned and away, and still go up on the kid's April Vacation.

*Fingers Crossed*

mg2107 · 03-25-2009, 10:56 AM

Bet its closer to a month.

nvtngtxpyr · 03-25-2009, 02:08 PM

There's a lot of open water showing on the Weirscam. Is that normal? Are the dock bubblers keeping it that clear?

fatlazyless · 03-26-2009, 07:02 AM

There's still lots, like about 15 snowmobiles and atv's out by buoy three, and ice fishing as well. Yesterday, somehad a motorcycle, probably a street/off road bike, and it was look'n very wobbly....could have used some ice studs.

01-12-2009, 08:41 AM	#1
Webbsatwinni Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Lebanon Ct and Rattlesnake Island Since 2007 Posts: 610 Thanks: 180 Thanked 137 Times in 72 Posts	Ice thickness We came up Sunday to do some snowmobiling and made our way to silver sands in Gilford. There were ice houses out on the lake so we went on the ice just to say we did. We stayed in that cove and spoke to some people ice fishing and they said that most of the ice they saw was 4 - 5 inches but a lot of areas still only had 1 inch or less. On the thin parts there were snowmobile tracks which we thought was just nuts. There also was a track under the Gov Island Bridge through open water. Did anyone else get an ice thickness update over the weekend?

01-12-2009, 10:40 PM	#2
XCR-700 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: MA Posts: 1,342 Thanks: 757 Thanked 538 Times in 313 Posts	Snowmobiling I havent been out yet this season, but hope to soon. Where were you riding around the lake? I to am interested to hear what thickness people are seeing. Thanks GH

01-13-2009, 08:42 PM	#4
XCR-700 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: MA Posts: 1,342 Thanks: 757 Thanked 538 Times in 313 Posts	Snowmobiling Did you ride anywhere else? I have never ridden on the trails around the lake. I tend to ride in the Andover and Plymouth/Rumney areas, but have heard there are some good trails around the lake. Any recommendations? Thanks - George Last edited by XCR-700; 01-13-2009 at 08:44 PM. Reason: add picture

01-14-2009, 09:06 AM	#5
Webbsatwinni 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 were just up for the day dropping off our sleds for the season, so we did not get much riding time in. We went from the airport in Gilford, past Patrick's to the lake. Then we went back up past the airport and crossed over into the airport near the movie theater and took the power line trail for quite a while and back. My 9 year old daughter was bugging me to go snowmobiling, so that is why we did the day trip. She wanted to see the lake and be the first in the family to have her picture taken at the lake, so here it is......... Attached Images

01-14-2009, 11:56 AM	#6
XCR-700 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: MA Posts: 1,342 Thanks: 757 Thanked 538 Times in 313 Posts	Winnipesaukee Snowmobiling OUTSTANDING picture! I boat there all summer (most of my life) but have never snowmobiled near or on the lake. So I'm trying to figure out where the better trails are and what parts of the lake are safe to ride on. Its still early in the season for me, but I would like to get some miles in around the Winnipesaukee area this season. I'm pretty cautious about riding on lakes and one as big and as far south as Winnipesaukee is not something I want to break trail on. Are there marked trails across Winnipesaukee? Thanks for the photo, looks like she had a good time. George

01-13-2009, 06:51 PM	#3
Webbsatwinni 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 stayed in the cove around silver sands in Gilford, there weren't any snowmobile tracks past that and we were not going to be the first.

01-14-2009, 01:08 PM	#7
Cobalt Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 130 Thanks: 70 Thanked 33 Times in 25 Posts	I went out yesterday with a friend for the first time this season on the Moultonboro Bay side of the lake. This area usually freezes first since it is not pounded by the high winds found out on the broads. I live in an area facing the broads that were wide open less than 2 weeks ago. I would not ride across the broads at this time. We hit the lake at Camp Tecumseh and it was fast and smooth with about 6 inches of powder which was packed down by other machines. You can access 15 N & S from the lake. We took 15N up to the Castle trails and rode half way over the mountain which would take you to Ossipee. The trails on the Moultonboro side were very smooth with a hard base, but there is not much snow with some icy corners particularly on the mountain which under heavy traffic will wear quickly. I rode the Andover/Rumney area last year for the first time and feel you will find very different riding conditions around the lake. I am sure some will disagree, but the trails are not as wide or fast with heavy traffic taking its toll on the conditions on the weekends. If you go down to Ossipee, you can take the railroad tracks north or south, but again this is a main corridor with exposed rails at times unless there is plenty of snow. I would pick up a trail map for the area, and park at the Castle lot unless you plan on riding over from Plymouth along the tracks which will take you to Meredith. Good luck.

01-14-2009, 07:56 PM	#9
Webbsatwinni Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Lebanon Ct and Rattlesnake Island Since 2007 Posts: 610 Thanks: 180 Thanked 137 Times in 72 Posts	DRH, Thanks for sharing the great photos, I was amazed last winter that the view in the summer could get any better, and they did. Can you give an ice update later in the week (given it's not too cold to go outside), we are thinking that if the reports are good, we would come up Sunday and stay the night. We just know the broads are different and we want to be really careful.

01-14-2009, 10:39 PM	#10
XCR-700 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: MA Posts: 1,342 Thanks: 757 Thanked 538 Times in 313 Posts	Looks GREAT Many Thanks to you all, I'm sold!!! Again, I'm very cautious about riding on southern lakes, but the views can't be beat and so I'm hoping to give it a try this season. I think for my first couple of trips out I might hit the Bear Brook and Patuckaway, then a trip to Winnipesaukee looks like a must do. I'd be trailering up from MA, so can anyone recommend a place to park truck and trailer with reasonable access to the lake? I'll make sure we post before coming up, with any luck we could hook up with some of you folks and maybe enjoy the sights together. Thanks Again George

01-14-2009, 11:48 PM	#11
jeffk Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Center Harbor Posts: 1,169 Thanks: 205 Thanked 433 Times in 250 Posts	After this cold snap the ice on the lake should be in very good shape unless we get a strong thaw. It's always good to be cautious and there are some spots on the lake that never freeze because of currents. One thing to be aware of is the ice heaves that can occur. Some of them can be quite large and dangerous to hit at high speed. I would suggest the parking lot by Castle in the Clouds. You can get to the Mountain scenery (Mt Shaw) by going up the Castle trail or head to the lake, about a 20 minute ride. Once on the lake at Ambrose Cove in Moultonboro you can head in several different directions. If you go over Moultonboro Bay down to Melvin Village you can pick up trails that will loop you over land back to the Castle parking area. Its a nice loop with lots of opportunities to explore other trails if you want to. If you are OK with a long day you can probably get mountain and lake riding done in the same day. It's kind of cool to be up in the mountains looking down at the lake and a few hours later riding where you were looking at. From the lake you can get to the Kona trails which weave through Moultonboro neck wooded areas and is a popular trail. The snow cover may still be a little light at this point. From what it sounds like we could use another good 8+ inch storm to really get things going.

01-15-2009, 09:27 AM	#12
Formula260SS Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: NH Posts: 384 Thanks: 11 Thanked 76 Times in 51 Posts	Ice The lake must have been "cracking" last night, I would expect tonight to be active. 5 Degrees in Southern NH this morning She's gonna get tight fast this week

01-15-2009, 09:59 AM	#13
Merrymeeting Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Merrymeeting Lake, New Durham Posts: 2,226 Thanks: 302 Thanked 800 Times in 368 Posts	No temps above freezing in 10-day forecast so I expect the ice will be fine from this point on...

01-15-2009, 11:38 PM	#14
XCR-700 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: MA Posts: 1,342 Thanks: 757 Thanked 538 Times in 313 Posts	Winnipesaukee Sledding Anyone have any recommendations for getting to the lake from the south side? If possible I would prefer to find a place to park the truck/trailer around Weirs/Gilford or possibly Alton/West Alton or even Meredith. I know the south side of the lake much better than the north side, so if possible I would rather start out on that side. Thanks to all for you comments. George

01-16-2009, 09:01 AM	#15
Ryan Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Mass/Gilford Posts: 247 Thanks: 216 Thanked 70 Times in 33 Posts	I believe you can park in the movie theater parking lot in Gilford across from the airport. From there you can go multiple directions on the trails, or out to Winni. You are across the street from the gas station, which has maps. I also believe parking is available at Weirs beach. Not sure about the conditions of the rail. __________________ Please do not feel the trolls.

01-16-2009, 11:54 AM	#17
NHDOLFAN Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 73 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I would check Ellacoya State Park. There is more parking and easy access to the lake.

01-16-2009, 12:16 PM	#18
Mink Islander Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 753 Thanks: 59 Thanked 271 Times in 129 Posts	Ice Report Got on at the Cattle Landing docks this AM around 8:00 -- (a little more than a mile beyond the turn for Shep Brown's Boat basin) on Meredith Neck Road. Ample parking there and easy safe access to the lake on the south side of Bear Island. You can probably get on at Sheps too -- from the water, follow the road past the showroom to where the barges are. Usually can drive right on there. I didn't go by there today, however, since I'm on foot, so don't know the conditions. The hill at Cattle Landing is a bit steep down to the lake but it has plenty of snow cover right now. 7+ inches of mostly black ice through the narrows. Stay to the North (Bear Island) side to avoid the thin spots near shore due to ice eaters around mainland docks in that area. In front of Mink we have 8+ inches. Ample snow cover. A few sled tracks between Mark and Bear. Saw a sled over by Mark Island around 11:30. I think the winter season is officially underway! Beautiful quiet (but chilly) day.

01-14-2009, 01:58 PM	#19
Webbsatwinni Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Lebanon Ct and Rattlesnake Island Since 2007 Posts: 610 Thanks: 180 Thanked 137 Times in 72 Posts	Last year was our first at the lake for snowmobiling and it was great. We went all around the local trails and plan to go farther this year. One trip we did make was to the top of Mt Shaw, everyone that rode with us that day is still talking about the view. This is one of the pictures I took that day, all I can say is wow. Attached Images

01-14-2009, 01:40 PM	#20
ishoot308 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Gilford, NH / Welch Island Posts: 6,239 Thanks: 2,385 Thanked 5,280 Times in 2,053 Posts	Ice Conditions Can someone tell me the ice conditions between Glendale Town Docks and Welch Island?? Thanks!! Dan

01-14-2009, 02:09 PM	#22
Webbsatwinni Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Lebanon Ct and Rattlesnake Island Since 2007 Posts: 610 Thanks: 180 Thanked 137 Times in 72 Posts	And while someone is kindly testing the ice between Glendale Town Docks and Welch Island, can they take a drive over to the north broads side of Rattlesnake and report back? My kids are jonesin' to go for the weekend and even with the low temps, it seems to early. Has anyone been on the Rattlesnake access road yet?

01-31-2009, 08:31 PM	#23
fatlazyless Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 8,740 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 300 Thanked 1,007 Times in 735 Posts	12 1/2 inches Twelve and one half inches of hard ice, underneath about six inches of heavy snow, and about four inches of wet slush, just west of Buoy 3, is what I measured, today. Walking through this stuff is a slow-go. __________________ ... down and out, liv'n that Walmart side of the lake!

02-01-2009, 11:06 PM	#24
BoulderBronco Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 121 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	11-12" of good solid ice halfway down Meredith bay. There is another 2-4" of solid slush ice on top of that. Conditions are great if you have a snowmobile. Not much slush at all.

02-02-2009, 08:05 AM	#25
Webbsatwinni 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 were up this weekend and traveling by snowmobile on the lake was easy. There was a lot of traffic on the broads.

02-02-2009, 09:19 AM	#26
searay220 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Reading Ma/ Alton NH Posts: 81 Thanks: 1 Thanked 5 Times in 3 Posts	A few of us stopped by on our sleds on a friend down on Alton Bay fishing from his bob house yesterday. He measured the ice while we were there and it measured 18" thick. It's a good thing because he is just a short distance from the runway and plane parking lot. I can't believe some the vehicles that go out and drive on the ice without even thinking twice.

02-15-2009, 05:43 PM	#27
fatlazyless Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 8,740 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 300 Thanked 1,007 Times in 735 Posts	12 1/2" Took a measure one spar west of fl-3, at 12 1/2". This snowless, rough icy surface is just no good for snowmobiles. All day today, saw one snowmo, one atv, one hovercraft and no cars or trucks. Seems like the deep freeze got done shut down and a sunny, warmer trend has begun ....exit stage right, the dog days of winter....aaaaarrrrrooooo...... __________________ ... down and out, liv'n that Walmart side of the lake!

02-19-2009, 07:55 PM	#28
XCR-700 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: MA Posts: 1,342 Thanks: 757 Thanked 538 Times in 313 Posts	Lake conditions Anyone been out on the lake today? Thinking of coming up to ride tomorrow and wondering what the conditions are like. Any recommendations??? Thanks GH

02-21-2009, 09:59 AM	#29
Treerider Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NH Posts: 56 Thanks: 1 Thanked 17 Times in 7 Posts	ice thickness so you actually believed that there was only 5" and in some places 1" of ice.......you aint from around here are yah??

02-21-2009, 10:09 AM	#30
Webbsatwinni Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Lebanon Ct and Rattlesnake Island Since 2007 Posts: 610 Thanks: 180 Thanked 137 Times in 72 Posts	Not sure why you are choosing to challenge it now, but would you chance it?

02-22-2009, 06:52 PM	#31
Formula260SS Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: NH Posts: 384 Thanks: 11 Thanked 76 Times in 51 Posts	Drilled 2 holes off Rattlesnake Saturday, @ 24" in each hole. Been a while since I've seen the lake so good for snowmobiling. It was flat and fast !

02-22-2009, 08:21 PM	#32
hazelnut Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 1,348 Blog Entries: 3 Thanks: 508 Thanked 462 Times in 162 Posts	HONESTLY!!!!!! I can't believe how beautiful the Northern Broads were between Bear and Long Island. It was a first time for me venturing across the middle part of the lake like that. I couldn't help myself. The conditions were so good it was incredible. The light conditions on Friday late afternoon, and the snow was so flat and smooth..... Well I just kept adding throttle and more, and more and almost full throttle but not quite.... I could have.... But.... wow. It felt like you were actually floating or flying. Just awesome.

03-05-2009, 08:38 AM	#33
welch100 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Welch Island, Gilford Posts: 51 Thanks: 50 Thanked 15 Times in 6 Posts	Glendale to Welch? Is it safe??? Thanks!

03-05-2009, 08:37 PM	#34
fatlazyless Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 8,740 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 300 Thanked 1,007 Times in 735 Posts	Over by fl-3, just south of Bear Island, saw a Ford F-250 pickup, 4-wheel drive go past today, and head towards the Weirs.....1st vehicle seen out here all winter. Went out and drilled two holes, and the ice was a solid 16" thick with no slush on top....just 5" of dry, light snow. __________________ ... down and out, liv'n that Walmart side of the lake!

03-21-2009, 08:15 PM	#35
Lakewinn1 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 93 Thanks: 78 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Ice Thickness Does anyone know the thickness of the ice near Far Echo? Haven't been at the lake in the last few weeks.

03-22-2009, 06:14 AM	#37
Lakewinn1 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 93 Thanks: 78 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Ice Out Looking forward to ice out and getting the boat in the water..... summer can't be far away! Totally agree with your assessment of winter.

03-23-2009, 09:44 AM	#41
Webbsatwinni 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 too think it will be longer, but we can all hope that Aviatr is correct.

03-23-2009, 05:06 PM	#42
codeman671 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 3,491 Thanks: 221 Thanked 810 Times in 486 Posts	2 weeks? No way. 3 weeks is more like it. My "revised" guess is around the 15th. A far cry from my contest guess which was much later.