Ice-In 2012-13

[Island Girl]

This is the Official 2012-13 Ice-in Thread. Please post your
comments about this year's Ice-in here.

The Ice-in page went live this morning at www.rattlesnakecam.com/icein.htm. I moved the webcams that are not working to the bottom of the page. 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.

There is ice in Moultonborough Bay and some of the coves. 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 38 degrees. (12-18-2012)

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)

Start the Lake Freeze Dance.... then the Snow Dance, once we have a nice base!


IG

[MAXUM]

I never paid as much attention to the ice in thread as much as I am this year, of course that's cause I now have a reason to be interested having bought the isl;and camp this year and I'm going through some serious withdrawals.

Can't wait till the ice locks in and the snow flies. My sleds are ready to go after spending all day last Saturday doing all my pre-season maintenance and checkups.

[Merrymeeting]

With temps at or below freezing for the next few days, and the wind (and waves) finally calm for a bit, we should start to see more ice forming this week.

They are also talking about a significant snowfall in 2 days. The heavy, wet stuff that will make a good base for winter sports, if it lasts.

Merry Christmas!

[Lakesrider]

Both 19 and 20 mile bays were snow covered this morning on my way into work. Looked real slushy on the way home though. Mirror Lake was completly covered this morning as well.

[trfour]

But, the Alton Bay Cam shows that the ice runway isn't quite ready yet...

Alton Bay On Christmas Day 2012.


Terry
________________________________

[Bear Island South]

A little ice starting to form along south bear

[PaugusBayFireFighter]

Similar skims of ice across a dead calm Paugus Bay. Snow later and then the cold settles in.

[ishoot308]

I think the heavy winds coming in will break up any and all skim ice on the lake...unfortunately

[gokart-mozart]

Ice-in at sunup today. Two previous tries (partial coverage) defeated by wind and then rain, but with temps tonight in the teens this should be permanent.

[Merrymeeting]

We've had many Hooded Merganser's hanging around Merrymeeting for the past few weeks. Images here and in Photopost.

Surprisingly, still no ice forming on the lake, though I expect it could happen quickly. Hopefully these guys get out of here before it happens. Especially with the storm predicted for the next 24 hours.





Even more surprising to me was seeing several ice fishermen, and even a bob house, on the ice on the Merrymeeting River. Given the lake has still not frozen, and the fact there are still lots of open areas on the river, I have to say it shocked me to see them out there.

[tis]

We have too. I love the white that they have on their heads.

[Blue Thunder]

Doesn't look too promising at this point. Even though it's going to be very cold the first part of next week, it's also supposed to be windy....time will tell but with the water temps at 36* it shouldn't be too long...

[Merrymeeting]

Still no ice anywhere on Merrymeeting. This wind has been something!

Given water temps and the outside temps this week, I expect that if the wind dies down, it will flash freeze quickly. (Perhaps Thursday if the forecast holds)

[Island Girl]

Could be Thursday night... I am thinking more likely Saturday night into Sunday? The lake is cold enough now.... Just need some calm!

Woo Hoo!
IG

[Pine Island Guy]

after spending the New Year weekend out on the island we came back last night... we were hoping to get one more trip out by boat next weekend, but looks like maybe not, especially with the forecast for the remainder of the week!!!

Happy 2013 to everyone, we're looking forward to it!!

ice ice icey ice -PIG

[Island Girl]

The webcams show lots of icing... Still too windy for the broads.

Soon, very soon.

IG

[Just Sold]

Originally Posted by Pine Island Guy

after spending the New Year weekend out on the island we came back last night... we were hoping to get one more trip out by boat next weekend, but looks like maybe not, especially with the forecast for the remainder of the week!!!

Happy 2013 to everyone, we're looking forward to it!!

ice ice icey ice -PIG

You must have a new URL for your web cams. No picture is showing on the link on RattlesnakeCam.com and a couple of others sites. The Pine Island South cam shows an old picture from May 2012. I sure do miss seeing the 2 views.

[BoulderBronco]

Did the Broads and Meredith Bay freeze also?

[fatlazyless]

Did ice-out get started last night? Between yesterday and right now, today, all the ice on Snake Eyes and Governor's Isl cams show 100% open water and yesterday both were iced over, so me-thinks that ice-out happened last night? And, Snake Eye's is showing open water with white caps!

The next five days are predicted to be a big warm-up as well so things are not looking too good right now for ice-in fans! Tuesday and Wednesday says winds will be about 15-mph ....... so ...... ?

Say-hey.....the only good ice is the ice cube in my iced lemonaid!

[codeman671]

Here is todays view from Mark facing Camp Lawrence.

[Kings Bluff]

Did we somehow miss Winter? It looks like Alton Bay went from Ice-in to Ice_out in 3 days.

[Lakegeezer]

Looking at the ice-in cams, I am not seeing any open water, other than what is likely near-shore bubblers. Can we declare ice-in?

Looking at the responses, I guess not!

[Belmont Resident]

Originally Posted by Lakegeezer

Looking at the ice-in cams, I am not seeing any open water, other than what is likely near-shore bubblers. Can we declare ice-in?

Looked like there was still open water in Meredith bay, after today I'm sure there will be more opening up. Temps in the 50's coming this weekend.

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by Lakegeezer

Looking at the ice-in cams, I am not seeing any open water, other than what is likely near-shore bubblers. Can we declare ice-in?

From Welch Island, open water everywhere!

[Kings Bluff]

The ice goes in, the ice goes out.
The ice goes in, and you shake it all about.
Lets to the Hokey Pokey . . . . .

[Winnisquamguy]

Originally Posted by Lakegeezer

Looking at the ice-in cams, I am not seeing any open water, other than what is likely near-shore bubblers. Can we declare ice-in?

Looking at the responses, I guess not!

Have you had a chance to read or look at the weather forecast? We will not be getting cold again until around the 15-16 of the month. I would say we will be starting over.

[fatlazyless]

Chopped away about 1/2" ice and finally got my boat lift and dock all in today, so ice-in may now begin......bring it on......baby.......ice-in happens to those who don't plan ahead!

[hilltopper]

Originally Posted by Winnisquamguy

Have you had a chance to read or look at the weather forecast? We will not be getting cold again until around the 15-16 of the month. I would say we will be starting over.

Let's hope little snow and inconsistent/sketchy ice are not the new normal...

[fatlazyless]

Looks like the ice shown on Snake Eyes has returned to open water wiith the wind and warmer temps, but so far the Gov Isl cam is showing all ice.......now that I took my boatlift and dock out on Tuesday.....that pretty much guarantees all the Gov Isl ice will soon be open water....never should have removed that boatlift.....dang-it.......that is one unbelievable work of engineering removing a 450-lb, 10' x 10' x 6' boatlift up and over a six foot high rocky embankment all by myself.......budda-bing-bang-boom!
.......

And, about 40-minutes later.......say-hey.....is that some open water now showing on the upper left hand area of the Gov Isl cam......it well could be some new open water there?

[Belmont Resident]

[QUOTE=fatlazyless;196755]Looks like the ice shown on Snake Eyes has returned to open water wiith the wind and warmer temps, but so far the Gov Isl cam is showing all ice.......now that I took my boatlift and dock out on Tuesday.....that pretty much guarantees all the Gov Isl ice will soon be open water....never should have removed that boatlift.....dang-it.......that is one unbelievable work of engineering removing a 450-lb, 10' x 10' x 6' boatlift up and over a six foot high rocky embankment all by myself.......budda-bing-bang-boom!
.......

Maybe if you had friends they could give you a hand.....
Not stealing from Lowes and then bragging about it on a forum may help

[Belmont Resident]

Wind and warmth, not a good sign.
I'm not sure which is worse for melting, a warm wind or a cold rain.
It does look like the middle of the week will bring colder temps with the possibility of a storm. Hopefully in the form of snow.
From the reports I'm seeing it has been staying below freezing up north with temps down near zero at night. Great for grooming the snowmobile trails, in fact a short warm up should actually help with the base.
Unfortunately after this weekend we will be at or near bare ground again.

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by Belmont Resident

fatlazyless; Looks like the ice shown on Snake Eyes has returned to open water wiith the wind and warmer temps, but so far the Gov Isl cam is showing all ice.......now that I took my boatlift and dock out on Tuesday.....that pretty much guarantees all the Gov Isl ice will soon be open water....never should have removed that boatlift.....dang-it.......that is one unbelievable work of engineering removing a 450-lb, 10' x 10' x 6' boatlift up and over a six foot high rocky embankment all by myself.......budda-bing-bang-boom!
.......

Maybe if you had friends they could give you a hand.....
Not stealing from Lowes and then bragging about it on a forum may help

Definition of steal: Take another person's property without permission or legal right and without intending to return it.

I think your accusations are pretty much uncalled for and that Don should moderate some of your comments.

From what I've read, FLL didn't "steal" anything from Lowes.

[fatlazyless]

Putting together three ten foot boards and a couple 2x4's to build a ramp plus tying a temporary winch to a tree lets me remove my dock and boatlift all by myself, and basically do the work of four strong guys; to remove a 450-lb boatlift up the six foot embankment. Plus, it gives me the flexability to wait until the very last minute of ice-in.....this year there was about 1/2" of ice to chop up....plus trying to assemble three guys for dock removal is a huge hassle & big expense....plus I'd rather save the expense money for items like electricity and groceries and gasoline......so thanks for your good faith!

[DEJ]

Originally Posted by Rusty

I think your accusations are pretty much uncalled for and that Don should moderate some of your comments.

Rusty, with all due respect some of your comments have IMO been boarderline also. If Don moderated all of the comments/statements made on this forum there would not be much activity. ALL of us have posted questionable content, Don will take care of this if he see's a problem.

[Belmont Resident]

Originally Posted by Rusty

Definition of steal: Take another person's property without permission or legal right and without intending to return it.

I think your accusations are pretty much uncalled for and that Don should moderate some of your comments.

From what I've read, FLL didn't "steal" anything from Lowes.

Rusty you may want to explore the topic before commenting.
Many, not just myself would call purchasing something to use for 3 months then returning it to the store as an unused product stealing.
Maybe you wouldn't mind purchasing a used product thinking it was brand new but I would.
I'm not even going to waste my time pointing out the thread because after some of your recent comments your opinion means nothing to me. There have been others like yourself and they usually just go away with time.
Hint, hint...

[meredith weekender]

Originally Posted by Belmont Resident

Rusty you may want to explore the topic before commenting.
Many, not just myself would call purchasing something to use for 3 months then returning it to the store as an unused product stealing.
Maybe you wouldn't mind purchasing a used product thinking it was brand new but I would.
I'm not even going to waste my time pointing out the thread because after some of your recent comments your opinion means nothing to me. There have been others like yourself and they usually just go away with time.
Hint, hint...

NONE of the crap posted in the last few posts has anything to do with the lake or with ice in /ice out. Can't we all just get along and play nice.

[meredith weekender]

Now back to our regularly scheduled posts about the ice. The ice in Meredith Bay seems to be retreating. Hopefully my pic got attached.

[fatlazyless]

What had been a solid sheet of thin ice yesterday, maybe 1/2 to one inch or maybe two inches (?) thick, stretching for about two or three miles from Bear Island to Mark to Timber to Governor's is now mostly open water with some large ice sheets left intact that are getting moved about by the 10-mph winds.

In the passage between Bear Island and Cattle Landing, yesterdays solid ice has been replaced by open water for about a quarter mile north of the Cattle Landing town dock. Seems like yesterday's solid albeit thin ice cover just did not have the strength to withstand today's wind and warm temps and sunshine.

Big phooeey here....never needed to remove my boat....could be fly fishing for smallies today off that 12-million dollar, medieval castle-style home known as "The Dealer Ship" on the southern point of Governor's Island.......boo-hoo!

[meredith weekender]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

What had been a solid sheet of thin ice yesterday, maybe 1/2 to one inch or maybe two inches (?) thick, stretching for about two or three miles from Bear Island to Mark to Timber to Governor's is now mostly open water with some large ice sheets left intact that are getting moved about by the 10-mph winds.

In the passage between Bear Island and Cattle Landing, yesterdays solid ice has been replaced by open water for about a quarter mile north of the Cattle Landing town dock. Seems like yesterday's solid albeit thin ice cover just did not have the strength to withstand today's wind and warm temps and sunshine.

Big phooeey here....never needed to remove my boat....could be fly fishing for smallies today off that 12-million dollar, medieval castle-style home known as "The Dealer Ship" on the southern point of Governor's Island.......boo-hoo!

Next time you should watch the weather forecast before removing your toys. LOL

[HellRaZoR004]

So. Who keeps track of the ice-in dates year after year? Are we normal for this time of year, late...a quantitative answer would be helpful... Thanks!

[webmaster]

Lakes Region Aerial Photography has posted a few good pictures of the ice on their Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...51409173198899

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...51409003133899

[BoulderBronco]

Looks like the Meredith Bay ice held strong through the warm temps (at the Weirs anyway). Now bring on the COLD!

[Hamiltony]

Keep the updates coming! My brother's and I are planning to come up to "camp" (in our un-insulated house on Bear across from Cattle Landing) the first weekend in March. Last year we had to cancel and hike Mt. Monadnock instead because we didn't think it'd be safe to get across the ice, but we'd much rather be on Winnipesaukee.

[JMR]

South side, sunny side of Rattlesnake Island. No ice

[fatlazyless]

....not only no ice.....there's also no snow on the ground either......January 14 and no snow on the ground......how's about them apples for some not-too-good snowmobiling conditions.......if anything......it looks like a good day to go rake up some more of the leaves that never got raked!

[Webbsatwinni]

Originally Posted by JMR

South side, sunny side of Rattlesnake Island. No ice

JMR, Where did you launch from? Was there ice on the broads side?

[PaugusBayFireFighter]

Back to back arctic blasts are coming in for the next couple weeks after a couple inches of snow tomorrow. Not sure about the trails, but the ice is going to get the weather you ice lovers are looking for.

[Belmont Resident]

Originally Posted by PaugusBayFireFighter

Back to back arctic blasts are coming in for the next couple weeks after a couple inches of snow tomorrow. Not sure about the trails, but the ice is going to get the weather you ice lovers are looking for.

No snow left in Belmont and from what I have seen of Gilford.
I had two, foot size chunks that I kicked off behind the front tires after the last storm. Nothing left of them.
I just read on Facebook the even as far north as Greenville Maine some of the trails are down to dirt.
I hope tomorrows snow turns into more then 2-4 inches.
Another year with no snowmobiling in the lakes region?

[Winnisquamguy]

Originally Posted by Belmont Resident

No snow left in Belmont and from what I have seen of Gilford.
I had two, foot size chunks that I kicked off behind the front tires after the last storm. Nothing left of them.
I just read on Facebook the even as far north as Greenville Maine some of the trails are down to dirt.
I hope tomorrows snow turns into more then 2-4 inches.
Another year with no snowmobiling in the lakes region?

They are reporting a few storms in January and they have freezing temp into February right now...some nights in are in the minuses. Bundle up...60 degrees, then next day or so we are getting 2-4 inches of snow.

[ishoot308]

The snow on my dock is gone and no ice in sight anywhere!! I sure hope something cold happens soon!!

[AC2717]

this is so upsetting

[Belmont Resident]

I just drove by the bay and the ice looks the same as it does just before ice out.

[BoulderBronco]

Originally Posted by Belmont Resident

I just drove by the bay and the ice looks the same as it does just before ice out.

Which bay?

I'm not worried. Average temps in the low-mid teens for the next ten days has ice written all over it. Just need some snow, but after the ice re-freezes solid.

[JMR]

The photo taken by friend, who launched a pontoon boat from Ames Farm, but due to wind did not go around to the Broad side. But Snakeeyes does not show ice in Broads

[BlackCatIslander]

Yesterday was a great day for skiing although a wee bit on the chilly side. The visibility was remarkable. We couldn't remember when so much of the lake was wide open at this time in January.

[rsmlp]

last post I see is dated about a week ago. i suspect with this weeks frigid temps ice in a far more likely prospect?

[Mink Islander]

And it was great to see the Broads locked in over night!

After last winter, it's good to see us back to a "typical" ice in timeline again.

[ishoot308]

Looks like she locked up around Welch last night as well!!

[MAXUM]

Is it time for the official ice out thread to begin?

[Resident 2B]

Looking at the weather forecasts and knowing what we need to form the initial skim of ice, it really does not look that good. We need cold temps and no wind to form the initial skim coat of ice. We will have the cold temps the next five days, but we will have more wind than is ideal. Thursday night looks like the best bet for ice to form, but it gets windy again for the weekend.

It looks to me like the snow tonight will be in the 3 to 5 inch range around the lake. It looks like less up north. This snow will cool the surface water which is good. My concern is it will also form an insulating layer over the ice that still holds in the bays, potentially making that ice relatively poor quality the rest of the season.

I wish the news was better, but right now it is not great. Still a lot of winter to come, but we are at the halfway point of meteorological winter, December, January and February, and what we have is not what we usually have.

R2B

[Blue Thunder]

Originally Posted by Resident 2B

Looking at the weather forecasts and knowing what we need to form the initial skim of ice, it really does not look that good. We need cold temps and no wind to form the initial skim coat of ice. We will have the cold temps the next five days, but we will have more wind than is ideal. Thursday night looks like the best bet for ice to form, but it gets windy again for the weekend.

It looks to me like the snow tonight will be in the 3 to 5 inch range around the lake. It looks like less up north. This snow will cool the surface water which is good. My concern is it will also form an insulating layer over the ice that still holds in the bays, potentially making that ice relatively poor quality the rest of the season.

I wish the news was better, but right now it is not great. Still a lot of winter to come, but we are at the halfway point of meteorological winter, December, January and February, and what we have is not what we usually have.

R2B

Nearly all of the long range guidance is progging tremendous cold beginning next week. Do you (as a fellow weather follower) not see this?

BT

[Belmont Resident]

Originally Posted by Blue Thunder

Nearly all of the long range guidance is progging tremendous cold beginning next week. Do you (as a fellow weather follower) not see this?

BT

Hopefully it also brings some big snowfall as well. I just had the transfer case rebuilt and a new turbo put in my plow truck.

[Resident 2B]

Originally Posted by Blue Thunder

Nearly all of the long range guidance is progging tremendous cold beginning next week. Do you (as a fellow weather follower) not see this?

BT

As stated, I was only looking out five days, that is through Sunday. It could get very cold after that, but I was not looking at that timeframe.

R2B

[hilltopper]

Originally Posted by Blue Thunder

Nearly all of the long range guidance is progging tremendous cold beginning next week. Do you (as a fellow weather follower) not see this?

BT

Temperature-wise, from what I see, we will have an average to below average stretch for about 8 days (1/21ish to 1/28ish) after which we go above average again. This is from looking at a few different forecasts.

Disclaimer: I don't trust any Winter forecasts beyond the 72 hour time range...

[Bear Island South]

Originally Posted by Resident 2B

My concern is it will also form an insulating layer over the ice that still holds in the bays, potentially making that ice relatively poor quality the rest of the season.
R2B

Fresh layer of snow...probably not helping with the ice-in process.

[Resident 2B]

Well it is certainly cold now, will warm up a bit tomorrow, then get very cold for next week. However, for the next five days the wind looks to be up and ice does not form on open water when the wind is blowing.

We need a big, fat high pressure system to sit over us for a night or two to get the ice going. I just do not see one out there willing to do this in the next week.

I wish the news was better.

R2B

[ITD]

First bob house on Meredith by the boat launch, didn't venture on the ice myself.

[Bear Island South]

The rinks are starting to take shape in Meredith Bay...nice stretch of cold weather coming to help out.
Picture is from a post by Lakeside Deli on Facebook.

[BoulderBronco]

Tonight is the night. Whole lake frozen by tomorrow morning.

[Resident 2B]

Originally Posted by BoulderBronco

Tonight is the night. Whole lake frozen by tomorrow morning.

I wish you were right, but the wind is now back. Forecast calls for wind until at least Thursday night. It is cold, but the wind is ruling the lake right now.

R2B

[BoBo]

Dropped off bobhouse Sunday. Fished last night but did not go far out. 6" in cove but not willing to go up to Plum Island yet.

[Webbsatwinni]

ig, are those old pics posted? What a difference a day makes.

[RLW]

Originally Posted by BoBo

Dropped off bobhouse Sunday. Fished last night but did not go far out. 6" in cove but not willing to go up to Plum Island yet.

BoBo, I just noticed that you are fairly new to posting on the forum and glad you have joined us. Have fun and enjoy the Winni Forum while making many new friends. It will not be to long that you will be able to move the house anywhere on the lake to drop your line, ya something trolling in ya boat. LOL

[fatlazyless]

I just called 527-0071 for the Lakeport Dam NH-DES recorded lake data daily 7:15-am report and it said that the water temperature is 35-degrees ..... and doesn't it need to be a water temperature of 34-degrees at the dam to usually have ice-in happen....if I recall correct. Wind, water temperature, sun's daily exposure and whatever all adds up for an ice-in or ice-out.....hey how's about that Lake Sebago about one hours drive to the east in Maine and how that looks to be all open water....so why is that....Maine winters have a reputation for being long and cooold?

[Resident 2B]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

I just called 527-0071 for the Lakeport Dam NH-DES recorded lake data daily 7:15-am report and it said that the water temperature is 35-degrees ..... and doesn't it need to be a water temperature of 34-degrees at the dam to usually have ice-in happen....if I recall correct. Wind, water temperature, sun's daily exposure and whatever all adds up for an ice-in or ice-out.....hey how's about that Lake Sebago about one hours drive to the east in Maine and how that looks to be all open water....so why is that....Maine winters have a reputation for being long and cooold?

Sebago is very deep and as a result holds more heat. I almost never freezes other than in bays and coves.

R2B

[Blue Thunder]

Originally Posted by Resident 2B

Sebago is very deep and as a result holds more heat. I almost never freezes other than in bays and coves.

R2B

Since I would be the resident Sebago expert here, I will say this....while Sebago is very deep in places (200-315 ft) the reason it doesn't freeze is strictly due to the fact that the wind almost never stops. The water is certainly cold enough and with temps at 0 last night and a projected low of 10 below tonight, unless the forecasted breeze of west wind 3-8 mph tonight doesn't happen there will be open water tomorrow morning. Hard to believe....but it does freeze completely about 50% of the time.

Edit: this morning's sunrise webcam shot..-4 degrees and no ice.

[ishoot308]

Still have open water this morning!!

[fatlazyless]

Originally Posted by BoulderBronco

Looks like the Meredith Bay ice held strong through the warm temps (at the Weirs anyway). Now bring on the COLD!

Today, a big area of open water in Meredith Bay just out front of that 10-million dollar? plus log style cabin-mansion now under construction, land and building, that supposedly belongs to some pro wrestler.... can be seen from the waterfront gazebo in front of the Church Point Hotel.

[HomeWood]

This ice in is really depressing so far.

[KarmaGirl]

Pics from Broadview Condos this am looking toward Welch.

[Island-Ho]

It sure would be nice to have a web cam with that view! Keep us posted as to when that hole closes up!

[Resident 2B]

The stronger winds look to go away during the day on Friday. The cold will moderate some, but the conditions to freeze the open water will be better than they have been starting Friday night through Monday night. We have the cold, we just need to get rid of these winds. With most of the open areas locked up, I think the rest will be locked up by Monday or Tuesday.

Where there is ice, it is growing. You can hear the cracking sounds coming down Meredith Bay at night.

R2B

[Mink Islander]

So FLL, seeing any activity through/around Cattle Landing yet? Have you ventured out onto the ice yet to test it's thickness? Still planning a trip up on Saturday morning to check things out. Expectations are that I should have plenty of ice by then (but will be cutting holes as I go!) just to be sure.

I would love to hear from anyone with reports on that area.

Minkislander

[ishoot308]

No ice gain I can see all day! The wind must really be whippin'.

Dan

[MAXUM]

Originally Posted by Mink Islander

So FLL, seeing any activity through/around Cattle Landing yet? Have you ventured out onto the ice yet to test it's thickness? Still planning a trip up on Saturday morning to check things out. Expectations are that I should have plenty of ice by then (but will be cutting holes as I go!) just to be sure.

I would love to hear from anyone with reports on that area.

Minkislander

I plan to do the same thing, crossing between Sheps over to Bear Island on Saturday morning on foot. Gonna have an ice auger with us just to be sure, we'll drill holes as well but I can tell you that at least that ice was looking real good on Sunday (see pics I posted earlier) so it's no doubt good to go now. Cattle landing was still open water from there looking out towards Timber and Governor's Island so whatever ice is there is new as of Monday.

[Idylltimer]

I was at Cattle today, all iced in as far as you can see from the dock, excluding the bubbler. It was open water a few days ago looking towards Govenor's Island, but looking towards Pine, it was all ice.

[RLW]

Idylltimer, I just noticed that you are fairly new to posting on the forum and glad you have joined us. Have fun and enjoy the Winni Forum while making many new friends. Thanks kindly or the input regarding new ice locations.

[jess1234]

Any pictures of Welch Island Area open water?

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by jess1234

Any pictures of Welch Island Area open water?

Here ya go!...

[Dhuberty24]

There must be an anti-freeze spring there.

[SteveA]

Pictures from yesterday morning 1-24-13, and today 1-25-13. Both taken from Big Pier.

Yesterday looking toward Diamond and Rattlesnake at sunrise



Today looking toward Diamond at sunrise. Looks like the overnight NW wind is piling up any ice that tries to form.

[crowsnest]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

Here ya go!...

Are you sure your bubbler is in the right place
You need to move it closer to your dock !

[SteveA]

Originally Posted by crowsnest

Are you sure your bubbler is in the right place
You need to move it closer to your dock !

Good idea.. let's blame Dan!

[fatlazyless]

Originally Posted by crowsnest

Are you sure your bubbler is in the right place
You need to move it closer to your dock !

Most likely, the 4x6" wood posts are attached to the dock but don't extend down to the lake bottom, and the dock is held up by horizontal logs that are set inside the stone breakwater, so there's no need for an ice-eater water circulator. And, the stone breakwater has an angled outer face designed to deflect a moving ice sheet that can weigh a hell of a lot.

At zero degrees it sure seems like the ice is much stronger and much harder to break with an ice chopper than it is at say 25-degrees. With colder temperatures, the ice gets stronger and stronger? .....just my two cents from chopping the lake ice around a dock...

What that breakwater needs is a small hot tub, like a $4500 Jetsetter from Energysavers, on top of the stones down at the end! That would be a dynamite spot for a hot tub! ..

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

Most likely, the 4x6" wood posts are attached to the dock but don't extend down to the lake bottom, and the dock is held up by horizontal logs that are set inside the stone breakwater, so there's no need for an ice-eater water circulator. And, the stone breakwater has an angled outer face designed to deflect a moving ice sheet that can weigh a hell of a lot.

Nope, those 4" x 6" posts go right to the bottom and have been that way for many years without issues. No bubbler system either. I do have some large round telephone type poles horizontally that take the weight of the dock also.

[NHgirl]

Tonight might be it. Low 4 with winds light and variable.

[Little Bear]

The ice between the south side of Diamond Island and the shoreline in Gilford/West Alton (by Ames Farm area) is at best only 3 days old. I could not believe my eyes when I just saw three people on the ice in this area. One is on an ice boat, the other two on skates holding some kind of kite.

Maybe the ice is thick enough due to the cold, but I can tell you...I wouldn't be out there!

[Webbsatwinni]

We need to have the ice tested somehow

[BoulderBronco]

Originally Posted by Little Bear

The ice between the south side of Diamond Island and the shoreline in Gilford/West Alton (by Ames Farm area) is at best only 3 days old. I could not believe my eyes when I just saw three people on the ice in this area. One is on an ice boat, the other two on skates holding some kind of kite.

Maybe the ice is thick enough due to the cold, but I can tell you...I wouldn't be out there!

While I agree that it's still a little early to be out there given the variation in freezing/thickness, I would think this extreme cold would be adding at least 1" per day if not 2" or more. Even over the course of three days there could already be 6" of ice.

[oldflounder]

Pictures are in this order:

1. From Wolfboro Town Docks/Brewster Beach?
2. A little more into Wolfeboro Bay
3. 19 Mile Bay
4. Center Harbor
5. Leavitt Park
6. Meredith Bay
7. Opechee Boat Ramp
8. Laconia ramps at Winnisquam
9. S. end of Winnisquam/Belknap [?] Park