Official 2013-14 Ice-In Thread

[Island Girl]

This is the Official 2013-14 Ice-in Thread. Please post your
comments about this year's Ice-in here.

It is hard to believe that ice-in has started so early in the season. Perhaps this is a sign for a nicely frozen Lake Winnipesaukee for winter sports. This thread typically gets started in late December. With the lake temps so low for the past few days, things are starting to freeze.

There is ice in Moultonborough Bay and in some of the coves. It is reported that Mirror Lake and Lake Wentworth have skimmed over.

It is typically 33-35 degrees at the Weirs when the broads skims over. The Lake temp as of this morning, reported by the Winnipesaukee Dataphone is 35 degrees. (11-30-2013)

The Ice-in page went live a few minutes ago at www.rattlesnakecam.com/icein.htm. If you have a webcam or know of one, please post the information in this thread and I will add it to the page. If you have a webcam that I have in the defunct section of the ice-in page please let me know if it is ever coming back.

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

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

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

See you on the ice!
IG

[PaugusBayFireFighter]

This upcoming week is supposed to get mild, in the 40s, then back to very cold next week. The night time lows should stay at or below freezing so we may see a lot of freezing and melting before it has a decent base.

[Lakesrider]

Both 19 and 20 mile bays were skimmed over this morning with a light dusting of snow as I drove into Wolfeboro this morning. Wolfeboro Bay was wide open.

[Merrymeeting]

The bays and coves on Merrymeeting Lake were skimmed over yesterday morning. I was surprised when I woke up and saw mist rising off the open water give how cold the water has been. Then I realized that it was 7 degrees out, so relatively speaking, the water was warm.

The Merrymeeting River before the marsh, and most of the Merrymeeting Marsh are now frozen, though I don't think it's very solid.

Today all the skim on the lake is gone. With temps predicted to stay at or above freezing for the next week, I think we'll see a slowing of ice-in.

[PaugusBayFireFighter]

This was Langley Cove at Christmas Island this morning. If I took this picture a few weeks ago the Christmas Island Motel would have been on that dirt!

[polarisman14]

I thought I could see some ice on the lake when going across the Gilford bypass the other day. I'm glad to see it coming in so early this year--with any luck we'll have a blockbuster winter. Though I love boating (and it's neat when you get be in the 80s and 90s in May in a mini-heatwave out on the boat) I need to log some miles on my sled this year.

[Merrymeeting]

Originally Posted by polarisman14

I'm glad to see it coming in so early this year--with any luck we'll have a blockbuster winter.

Mother Nature giveth, and taketh away...

This afternoon was a beautiful, late-March-like afternoon, temps in the mid-40s with sunshine. Almost all of the ice that had formed on rocks along the shoreline has melted, and the road is a bit slushy as the top layer of dirt melts.

[salty dog]

Originally Posted by PaugusBayFireFighter

This was Langley Cove at Christmas Island this morning. If I took this picture a few weeks ago the Christmas Island Motel would have been on that dirt!

Does seem strange to see just a bunch of dirt where the motel stood. I may have missed it in earlier postings about what, if anything is going up on the location. We had ice along the shore here in Beverly last week or so and with the cold snap coming, it won't be long 'til the lake is officially iced in.

[PaugusBayFireFighter]

Originally Posted by salty dog

Does seem strange to see just a bunch of dirt where the motel stood. I may have missed it in earlier postings about what, if anything is going up on the location. We had ice along the shore here in Beverly last week or so and with the cold snap coming, it won't be long 'til the lake is officially iced in.

For the first time in a long time you can see Pixie Island from the road.
They are building 17 or so townhouses so it won't last long. Still unclear what's going to happen to the steak house.

[Merrymeeting]

Very surprised to see how much ice formed overnight last night. It's skimmed over about 100 yds out from shore in our cove. There was none at sunset, and the snow is sticking on it in places.

With no temps above freezing forecast for the next 10 days, if it stays calm, we could see early ice-in this year.

[Dhuberty24]

Any updates? Looks like moultonboro bay is caught.

[codeman671]

We went out to Mark today, no ice in sight other than a bit of broken stuff in between mark and mink in the nwz. It looked like the mouth of smith cove has opened up a bit as well.

[Geneva Point]

I was at Geneva Point area in Moultonborough today and Melvin Bay is not frozen yet. There's some thin ice in our cove but the Bay is open.

[gokart-mozart]

Originally Posted by Geneva Point

I was at Geneva Point area in Moultonborough today and Melvin Bay is not frozen yet. There's some thin ice in our cove but the Bay is open.

Lake Wentworth froze over on November 30 and, despite some challenges in the first week from rain and 40s is now frozen solid.

[Merrymeeting]

The ice on Merrymeeting reported above disappeared once the wind came up, and we are ice free for now.

I expect that if the wind dies, we could get a flash freeze quickly, as happened a few years ago. For about a week, we had beautiful, dark black ice that was smooth as glass. Great for ice boating and skating!

Maybe it'll happen after this weekends storm as all the snow landing in the water chills it more.

[PaugusBayFireFighter]

No doubt the water is cold enough to freeze. It just needs a couple of calm nights. Went to check my thermometer this morning but the ice formed. The coves around CI are frozen as well. I didn't turn on my ice aerator on until late January last year. Still cooking outside though!!! That grill will come in today with snow coming ...George Forman until late March

[Steveo]

Originally Posted by PaugusBayFireFighter

No doubt the water is cold enough to freeze. It just needs a couple of calm nights. Went to check my thermometer this morning but the ice formed. The coves around CI are frozen as well. I didn't turn on my ice aerator on until late January last year. Still cooking outside though!!! That grill will come in today with snow coming ...George Forman until late March

So what are the bags over the posts for?

[PaugusBayFireFighter]

Originally Posted by Steveo

So what are the bags over the posts for?

Too funny Steve O, after I added the photo I said "someone is going to look at those bags and say what the heck is that"
I have solar/battery powered lights that are mounted to the top of the dock posts. You can easily remove the snap top housing, containing the bulbs and wires, from the base of the light. The plastic bags are a lazy effort to keep any rain out of the bases. There's only a mirrored reflector in the base and I am only slightly worried about them filling with water and expanding when they freeze. The bags should help.

[WIS]

Ice all the way to Sleepers Island.

[upthesaukee]

All the way to Little Mark, and over to Black Point.

[Webbsatwinni]

Hope it makes it through the warm up this weekend, I am having island withdrawls!

[Slickcraft]

When I drove by Ames Farm today the view was of open water. It is going to be a while.

[BoulderBronco]

I think the lake temp thermometer is broken.

[Grady223]

.....next week. The bays seem frozen over early this year. Any ice developments since 12/20.
Thanks for the update for us down south (PA).

[ishoot308]

Have some nice ice forming off Welch! If it can stay calm and cold long enough to lock it up, we should be good to go real soon!!

Think ice!!

Dan

[Blue Thunder]

Next week looks very favorable for ice growth as long as the bitter cold that's coming doesn't include wind. So PBFF, I'm caving in!!! It took me six weeks but I think next week will bring true ice-in.

BT

[ishoot308]

Nice progress!!

[Island Girl]

....but still a lot of open water.

[PaugusBayFireFighter]

Maybe we will get an update from Emerson Aviation soon?

[codeman671]

Originally Posted by PaugusBayFireFighter

Maybe we will get an update from Emerson Aviation soon?

We still have a bit to go, Emerson flying right now solely to verify would be wasted fuel. We seem to be on track, or just slightly ahead of a normal ice-in.

[HellRaZoR004]

Hopefully you can see this picture from Gunstock's facebook page.

[ishoot308]

Here's a couple pics I took just a few minutes ago from my deck in Gilford.

The first pic shows a large patch of ice coming from the Southwest side of Welch island which goes across the entire lake to the Belknap point area.

The second pic shows Welch at 9:00 o'clock. As you can see the main section of the broads are still open water. There is some minor skimming that can be seen as well as some large ice flows floating through.

The bad news is the high winds predicted for Monday will most likely blow all the ice you see away. The good news is a long period of cold weather is predicted starting Tuesday night so hopefully things will lock up!

Dan

[LadyJane]

lovin' the pictures.....THANKS !!!

[chaseisland]

OK, Snake Eyes is showing ice to Tuftonboro neck. Will someone declare "ice in"? Oh, fudge, I'll do it. "ICE IN"!!

[FLAG!]

Check out the Erica's cam (Gunstock Acres I believe) it shows open water remaining in the broads.

[mcdude]

Originally Posted by FLAG!

Check out the Erica's cam (Gunstock Acres I believe)

http://www.wunderground.com/webcams/erikas/1/show.html

[ishoot308]

Here's a pic I just took of the open water in the broads. That's the Southeast tip of Welch Island at 9:00 o'clock, and yes, that is snow just sitting on the top skin of the water...

Dan

[Webbsatwinni]

Broads at 1:15 pm today.

[Island Girl]

There is still open water off the north east part of Rattlesnake Island. If you enlarge the Snake Eyes image you can see the open water.

On the other hand it looks like ice from Chestnut Cove to Rattlesnake Island!

[IceoutNH]

Ice Out, a consignment shop located at 24 Mt. Major Hwy in Alton Bay recently announced the winners of the first annual Ice In at Alton Bay contest. First prize went to David Anson, second prize to Jim Raschilla and third prize winner was John Bowles. Thanks to all who entered!

[TJNed]

So... Has Ice in been declared yet?

[Lakegeezer]

Originally Posted by TJNed

So... Has Ice in been declared yet?

The satellite picture today is a bit hazy, but compared to Sunday's shot, it looks like a large piece of ice broke off and drifted south. No ice in yet.

[ishoot308]

Holy cow! What's going on with the weather up there anyway! I was completely expecting to log in and find out that "ice in" would be declared by now!

After emailing fellow forum member "Slickcraft" I have been informed that once again that darn stubborn spot between Welch and Belknap Point still has a little open water... Would someone PLEASE call the Belknap Point motel and tell them to turn off their hot tub so the ice will freeze!!! Sheesh!

I was truly hoping to get the bob house out this weekend but heck, might have to wait another week to be comfortable with ice conditions! Fat guy in shack on thin ice = not good!!

In the meantime here's my "Corona Moment" for you all while waiting for ice in....

Dan

[Slickcraft]

You should be able to get the bob house on the lake this weekend without getting those feet wet! It is 5 deg here right now. Put some shoes on just in case.

[dippasan]

Can anyone provide any info regarding the area between WAM and Sleepers Isl.
I 'd love to walk out as soon as ice permits.

Thanks

[Slickcraft]

We were surprised to see open water today extending south from Welch past Ellacoya. That is Welch on the left.

[snowflake]

Any sign of ice - in yet? Weather keeps changing, warmish here in Boston.

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by snowflake

Any sign of ice - in yet? Weather keeps changing, warmish here in Boston.

Couldn't get any pictures as it was too foggy this morning but there is still a massive section of open water from the Southern tip of Welch island that extends all the way to the shore at Ellacoya State Park. From Ellacoya it looks like it goes past Lake Shore park and extends somewhere past Somerset towards Diamond Island.

Going to be a while still...

Dan

[chachee52]

Just came back from a nice relaxing weekend on the lake at Lake Shore Park. I ask this question: what is the "official" definition of ice-in? Because when I got up there Friday the open water from Welch to Diamond was pretty obvious. By today at noon, it was skimmed over and snow was covering it. Now would I say "ice-in"? NO, because the skim could not hold a rock of any size, but there was ice over the water. Now if the wind stays down this week, then the cold weather that is predicted this week we should see the ice nicely locked in.

[tis]

It has historically always been around he 3rd week of Jan before the broads are iced over completely. I think this has been said before, but thought I would say it again.

[FLAG!]

I was surprised at the lack of bob houses I saw on wolfeboro bay over the weekend, however the guy at the bait shop told me people have been taking atv's out to barn door island and beyond. The snow we got will certainly invite the sleds out there.

[dippasan]

None of my business but I couldn't help but notice your user name of "Flag" and your avatar/photo is an antler.
There's an old movie called "The Yearling" where a young boy cares for an orphaned deer. If memory serves the boy names it Flag because of the white tail. Phenomenal movie.
Any connection?? Just wondering

Thanks

[FLAG!]

Originally Posted by dippasan

None of my business but I couldn't help but notice your user name of "Flag" and your avatar/photo is an antler.
There's an old movie called "The Yearling" where a young boy cares for an orphaned deer. If memory serves the boy names it Flag because of the white tail. Phenomenal movie.
Any connection?? Just wondering

Thanks

That's pretty funny. I was just thinking yesterday that my avatar is old and not relevant. I will have to check out that movie. Flag! is a reference to ice fishing which is one of my favorite winni activities. The antlers were in reference to my pursuit of whitetail. I know smoe hunters refer to a wiving whitetail in the woods as a flag. I saw one just this year as I settled into my tree stand on a very windy day. Straight away 100 yards out a white "flag" was waiving at me.

[dippasan]

Thanks for the reply. Didn't mean to get off the "Ice In" subject.
The Yearling starred Gregory Peck and Jane Wyman. Great movie for kids to watch. Full of life lessons, struggles, accountability and self reliance. In other words...full of things that seem to be forgotten by many today!!

Thanks

[FLAG!]

You're dead on accurate with that statement! Thanks.

[dowshill]

Black Cat seems to think the lake is frozen in, is that just that end of the lake? Are we making progress out in the Broads?

[Slickcraft]

Still some open water between Welch and Diamond. Not as much open now but still a good size strip.

A while ago, in jest, I suggested that there may be a new geothermal vent in that area. Now I am starting to wonder. It is real cold out there isn't it?

Well if there is still open water tomorrow morning.............

[pcmc]

Originally Posted by Slickcraft

Still some open water between Welch and Diamond. Not as much open now but still a good size strip.

A while ago, in jest, I suggested that there may be a new geothermal vent in that area. Now I am starting to wonder. It is real cold out there isn't it?

Well if there is still open water tomorrow morning.............

Great, now there will be a 'geothermal vent fee' for boaters.

[secondcurve]

I sit miles away from the lake at this moment but I am making the bold prediction that ice in will be declared within 24 hours.

[NHWakesurfer]

If this cold weather hasn't locked it up yet it might just not ever happen this year. Slickcraft might be on to something. At this rate Lake Michigan might freeze over sooner. today has to be the day any updates from overnight. Now we just need some snow!

[Slickcraft]

We made a quick stop at the scenic overlook and from there both of us think that there is still a strip of open water between Welch and Diamond. If I am that way again today I'll bring the binoculars to see if I can see any wave action. I would have walked out to check but I was scheduled back home to cook breakfast sandwiches.

[SIKSUKR]

It must be the Geothermal Vortex.

[pcmc]

Originally Posted by dippasan

Thanks for the reply. Didn't mean to get off the "Ice In" subject.
The Yearling starred Gregory Peck and Jane Wyman. Great movie for kids to watch. Full of life lessons, struggles, accountability and self reliance. In other words...full of things that seem to be forgotten by many today!!

Thanks

Sorry to veer in the wrong direction again!

Is this movie still available? I googled it and found reviews and a down load option, but I would like to have a hard copy such as a DVD or tape if that's even possible anymore.

[Blue Thunder]

Looking much closer to total coverage today. The pic is a little milky but still worth looking at.

BT

And yes, "hot springs" Sebago Lake to the right remains largely open....

[Slickcraft]

Went back with the binoculars, that is definitely a patch of water in my earlier post today. Light blue color and moving ripples on the surface.

But is not a large patch of water, maybe 1,500' long and 300' wide and ever so slowly shrinking.

All looks solid elsewhere, bob houses between FL 26 and north Welch.

Is 99 44/100 good enough? I don't know.

[upthesaukee]

If the Mount Washington UTV can make it to its 5 ports of call on the ice, then it is ice in.

[Slickcraft]

Answering my own question: If it is not safe to travel from the broads to Glendale passing between Welch and Diamond due to open water, then declaring ice-in would give a false sense of security. Like for a snow machine traveling at night.

[dippasan]

Originally Posted by pcmc

Sorry to veer in the wrong direction again!

Is this movie still available? I googled it and found reviews and a down load option, but I would like to have a hard copy such as a DVD or tape if that's even possible anymore.

I'm not sure if it's available on DVD or not. I've seen several clips on You Tube and I think it can be seen in it's entirety on You Tube as well. Its one of those movies like "Captain's Courageous" or "Down to the Sea In Ships" that has great lessons for youth and a great message. You won't be disappointed! Enjoy.

[pcmc]

Originally Posted by dippasan

I'm not sure if it's available on DVD or not. I've seen several clips on You Tube and I think it can be seen in it's entirety on You Tube as well. Its one of those movies like "Captain's Courageous" or "Down to the Sea In Ships" that has great lessons for youth and a great message. You won't be disappointed! Enjoy.

Thankyou, and I appreciate your additional suggestions.

[ishoot308]

Here's a couple more pics of the open water I took this morning. Definitely smaller than last time I saw it but still can't believe it has not frozen especially with the -1 degree temps last night!

Dan

[HellRaZoR004]

Let's see if this works. Not my photos (Emerson Aviation), just re-posting them. These images are from yesterday.

[Pine Island Guy]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

Here's a couple more pics of the open water I took this morning. Definitely smaller than last time I saw it but still can't believe it has not frozen especially with the -1 degree temps last night!

Dan

with the below zero temps and very little wind, it is very strange that this particular spot hasn't at least skimmed over... I think it's time for forum member Diver1111 to take a trip down under and find out what's going on... Russian satellite with nuclear power that crashed in the lake? fissure from the famous New England fault line releasing magma? Remnants of the Naval work at Diamond Island? Underwater laboratory of Doctor Evil?

The good news is that there has been very solid ice from Y-Landing out to Pine Island for the past few weeks, so I'm happy! (although watch out for the usual pressure ridge between Bear and Pine)

brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr it's cold -PIG

[Slickcraft]

The open area is wider that it appears from shore, see 2nd pic in Emerson series posted by HellRaZoR004. Also the area of surrounding unsafe ice is quite extensive. Yikes!

[FLAG!]

This is nuts! How can that area be unfrozen with the consistently cold temps we've had? Has it been windy at night up there? All it should take is one calm night with these tempareatures to skim that over and it should thicken quickly.

[Island Girl]

Must be underwater serpents keeping the water moving.

It does seem strange.

IG

[Island Girl]

Just in case you all missed the thread on the power out on Rattlesnake Island. That is the reason that Snake Eyes is not updating.

The power company guys will get out there when the ice is safe.

[Merrymeeting]

Originally Posted by FLAG!

This is nuts! How can that area be unfrozen with the consistently cold temps we've had? Has it been windy at night up there? All it should take is one calm night with these tempareatures to skim that over and it should thicken quickly.

Refer to the recent post about the volume of water in the Winnipesaukee watershed. It takes a LONG time to change the temperature of billions of gallons of water even 1 degree. Also keep in mind that the water in the lower levels of the lake is 50ish degrees.

I assume that this area of the lake has more turbulence than other parts and the "warmer" water below is being brought up, keeping this area open despite the amazingly cold and long-durnation weather we're having.

Eventually it will freeze as the overall water body cools, and it will be the same, frustrating, seemingly-forever, time to go in the opposite direction in the Spring, as we all check the webcams multiple times a day for ice-out

(Keep in mind, Don's post for the ice-out contest will be here in a week!)

[dowshill]

We are interested in talking to the elect company about hitching up, we are 1 of 4 on the island who aren't connected. Could you send along the contact info for who you have been talking to, perhaps that would be a good time for them to check out our possibilities. Thanks.