Go Back   Winnipesaukee Forum > Winnipesaukee Forums > Weather
Home Forums Gallery Webcams Blogs YouTube Channel Classifieds Calendar Register FAQDonate Members List Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read

Closed Thread
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 10-27-2008, 11:29 PM   #1
BoulderBronco
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 121
Thanks: 0
Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Default Lake temps/ ice in

I searched around and it sounds like the temp thing is gone for now. Being out in Colorado it's tough to get any info out there. Seems the weather has been on the colder side over the last few weeks and that it is going to continue that way. Makes me think that maybe we can get an early freeze on Winni. So could someone post the lake temp in their area and, if the information is available, what an average lake temp is for this time of year? Much appreciated. On a side note does anyone know what the earliest recorded "ice in" was? I get like an 8 year old who can't wait for snow this time of year.
BoulderBronco is offline  
Old 10-27-2008, 11:54 PM   #2
GWC...
Senior Member
 
GWC...'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,325
Thanks: 5
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by BoulderBronco View Post
I searched around and it sounds like the temp thing is gone for now. Being out in Colorado it's tough to get any info out there. Seems the weather has been on the colder side over the last few weeks and that it is going to continue that way. Makes me think that maybe we can get an early freeze on Winni. So could someone post the lake temp in their area and, if the information is available, what an average lake temp is for this time of year? Much appreciated. On a side note does anyone know what the earliest recorded "ice in" was? I get like an 8 year old who can't wait for snow this time of year.
It's right at your fingertips...

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/

Look at the bottom link under Site Navigation.

Water Temperatures...

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/tempcal/index.cgi
__________________
[Assume funny, clever sig is here. Laugh and reflect... ]
GWC... is offline  
Old 10-28-2008, 05:14 AM   #3
Mink Islander
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 753
Thanks: 59
Thanked 271 Times in 129 Posts
Default Water Temps

In the left column of this site's homepage is a link to the calendar with the daily water temps at Lakeport. You can also go to Bizer.com and link to the lake level site which also lists Lakeport's water temps.
Mink Islander is offline  
Old 10-28-2008, 05:48 AM   #4
Blue Thunder
Senior Member
 
Blue Thunder's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Eastern MA & Frye Island/Sebago Lake, Maine
Posts: 935
Thanks: 247
Thanked 323 Times in 148 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by BoulderBronco View Post
I searched around and it sounds like the temp thing is gone for now. Being out in Colorado it's tough to get any info out there. Seems the weather has been on the colder side over the last few weeks and that it is going to continue that way. Makes me think that maybe we can get an early freeze on Winni. So could someone post the lake temp in their area and, if the information is available, what an average lake temp is for this time of year? Much appreciated. On a side note does anyone know what the earliest recorded "ice in" was? I get like an 8 year old who can't wait for snow this time of year.
IMHO, it will be some time, and certainly not before the first of the new year before "ice in" occurs. The lake is very deep and it takes quite a while to get the water temp down to the uniform 39 degrees necessary for ice formation to commence on the surface. It also takes many successive cold nights of well below freezing temps and we generally don't get that kind of deep cold until early January. Sit back and relax...enjoy the Holidays!

Blue Thunder
__________________
" Live for today because yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come"
Blue Thunder is offline  
Old 10-28-2008, 06:53 AM   #5
wifi
Senior Member
 
wifi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Lakes Region
Posts: 1,321
Thanks: 282
Thanked 287 Times in 169 Posts
Default

Don't forget Mikes weather site, live data, pix, and much more:

http://www.blackcatnh.com/weather/
wifi is offline  
Sponsored Links
Old 10-28-2008, 10:33 AM   #6
chipj29
Senior Member
 
chipj29's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Bow
Posts: 1,874
Thanks: 521
Thanked 308 Times in 162 Posts
Default

When you look at the water temps right now, go back to the same month in previous years. You get a pretty good indication of how this years water temps compare to years past.
__________________
Getting ready for winter!
chipj29 is offline  
Old 10-28-2008, 11:08 AM   #7
kjbathe
Senior Member
 
kjbathe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 281
Thanks: 3
Thanked 21 Times in 11 Posts
Default Ice In?

I just looked over the past 6 years of temp data and the temps in low 50's line up like most other years. There's nothing that really indicates the lake will freeze any earlier than it typically does.

But what is the definition of "ice in"? Folks can be ice fishing in Alton Bay when there's still open water not far beyond Sandy Point. And in late January it's not uncommon to be skiing and still see open water in the broads.
kjbathe is offline  
Old 10-28-2008, 02:20 PM   #8
Merrymeeting
Senior Member
 
Merrymeeting's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Merrymeeting Lake, New Durham
Posts: 2,216
Thanks: 299
Thanked 795 Times in 365 Posts
Default

Most years I watch the first of the major ice forming on the lake while enjoying the week off between Christmas and New Years.

As other notes have indicated, mostly New Years before ice really starts, and mid-January before it is solid....in a "normal" year.
Merrymeeting is offline  
Old 10-28-2008, 02:52 PM   #9
Grady223
Senior Member
 
Grady223's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: New Hope, PA & Barndoor Island
Posts: 463
Thanks: 93
Thanked 24 Times in 18 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Blue Thunder View Post
IMHO, it will be some time, and certainly not before the first of the new year before "ice in" occurs. The lake is very deep and it takes quite a while to get the water temp down to the uniform 39 degrees necessary for ice formation to commence on the surface. It also takes many successive cold nights of well below freezing temps and we generally don't get that kind of deep cold until early January. Sit back and relax...enjoy the Holidays!

Blue Thunder
Only needs to be 39 degrees to freeze? Is that someting like the reason I get frost on my car when it is 38 degrees?

A big factor with ice formation is the wind, there have been years when it was so windy that the ice never did completely form.
Grady223 is offline  
Old 10-28-2008, 03:34 PM   #10
This'nThat
Senior Member
 
This'nThat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 534
Thanks: 19
Thanked 134 Times in 61 Posts
Default Freezing is all about water density

Quote:
Originally Posted by Grady223 View Post
Only needs to be 39 degrees to freeze?
No, water freezes at 32 degrees. However, the lake can't freeze until all water underneath is at 39 degrees (4 degrees C). Water is most dense at 39 degrees, so water at that temperature sinks, and warmer lake water rises to the surface -- which also must be cooled to 39 degrees -- which sinks, is replaced by warmer water, and so on until everything is at 39 degrees. When that temperature is reached, there is no more warm water to rise to the surface. Therefore, the surface water can now begin to freeze and ice begins to form and stay on the lake.

This "water density at 39 degrees" also explains why shallow lakes freeze quicker than deep lakes like Winni. Deep lakes have much more water that needs to be cooled to 39 degrees. It also explains (in part) why Alton Bay can freeze before the rest of the lake, or even other parts of Alton Bay (as mentioned by another poster here) -- because it is more shallow and gets to 39 degrees a lot quicker.
This'nThat is offline  
Old 10-28-2008, 10:59 PM   #11
BoulderBronco
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 121
Thanks: 0
Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Default

Thanks guys and gals. Looks like the lake temps are a solid 2-4 degrees colder than this time last year. Now I am no expert but seems to me that is a note worthy difference for water temps. Of course a warm spell can ruin all that but at 2-4 degrees the lake COULD freeze earlier than usual by a week or two. Good enough for me. I am tired of these winters with thin ice. I want to see 24" this year in Meredith bay.
BoulderBronco is offline  
Old 10-29-2008, 05:30 AM   #12
Lakegeezer
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Moultonboro, NH
Posts: 1,656
Blog Entries: 1
Thanks: 342
Thanked 614 Times in 277 Posts
Default

The water depth averages 30' around here and the earliest I've walked on the ice is December 17'th. That year was weird as it melted a few days later. For my first fourteen years here, the local ice was safe to walk on for New Years day. Three of the last four years, that has not been the case. Its too bad we don't have a way of measuring ice-in like we do ice-out in the spring. It would be interesting to see the history, along with knowing if there was any correlation between the two dates.
__________________
-lg
Lakegeezer is offline  
Old 10-29-2008, 05:52 AM   #13
Blue Thunder
Senior Member
 
Blue Thunder's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Eastern MA & Frye Island/Sebago Lake, Maine
Posts: 935
Thanks: 247
Thanked 323 Times in 148 Posts
Default Great Explanation!

Quote:
Originally Posted by This'nThat View Post
No, water freezes at 32 degrees. However, the lake can't freeze until all water underneath is at 39 degrees (4 degrees C). Water is most dense at 39 degrees, so water at that temperature sinks, and warmer lake water rises to the surface -- which also must be cooled to 39 degrees -- which sinks, is replaced by warmer water, and so on until everything is at 39 degrees. When that temperature is reached, there is no more warm water to rise to the surface. Therefore, the surface water can now begin to freeze and ice begins to form and stay on the lake.

This "water density at 39 degrees" also explains why shallow lakes freeze quicker than deep lakes like Winni. Deep lakes have much more water that needs to be cooled to 39 degrees. It also explains (in part) why Alton Bay can freeze before the rest of the lake, or even other parts of Alton Bay (as mentioned by another poster here) -- because it is more shallow and gets to 39 degrees a lot quicker.
Nice job TNT. I was gonna take a crack at explaining it after I posted it, but I knew someone else with a better way of explaining it would come along. I remember former Channel 4 meteorologist Bruce Schwoegler talking about the 39 degree principle on TV when I was a kid. He always made references to Winnipesaukee during "ice in/out" season.

BT
__________________
" Live for today because yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come"
Blue Thunder is offline  
Old 10-29-2008, 07:29 AM   #14
CanisLupusArctos
Senior Member
 
CanisLupusArctos's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Center Harbor
Posts: 1,049
Thanks: 15
Thanked 472 Times in 107 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by wifi View Post
Don't forget Mikes weather site, live data, pix, and much more:

http://www.blackcatnh.com/weather/
Thank you for the plug, WiFi!

The water temperature on my site is updated every 15 minutes from 2 depths.
CanisLupusArctos is offline  
Old 10-29-2008, 08:04 AM   #15
Orion
Senior Member
 
Orion's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Cow Island
Posts: 914
Thanks: 602
Thanked 193 Times in 91 Posts
Default Yep, great site

Quote:
Originally Posted by wifi View Post
Don't forget Mikes weather site, live data, pix, and much more:

http://www.blackcatnh.com/weather/
That's one of the nicest and informative Lake-related web pages.
Orion is offline  
Old 10-31-2008, 03:10 PM   #16
nj2nh
Senior Member
 
nj2nh's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: NJ
Posts: 518
Thanks: 62
Thanked 42 Times in 23 Posts
Default

Thanks for all the information on the lake freezing and the whole 39 degrees thing. You learn something new everyday!

I am going to pass this along to my kids.

nj2nh
__________________
nj2nh is offline  
Old 11-07-2008, 10:45 PM   #17
This'nThat
Senior Member
 
This'nThat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 534
Thanks: 19
Thanked 134 Times in 61 Posts
Default Fish also benefit

Quote:
Originally Posted by nj2nh View Post
I am going to pass this along to my kids.nj2nh
NJ2NH, the 39 degree water temperature also explains why the whole lake doesn't freeze down to the bottom, and why the fish also don't freeze. The bottom layer of the lake ice is always in danger of being melted by the 39-degree temperature water underneath, which actually limits the thickness of the ice in our NH climate. Think about how much heat is in the massive body of water at a uniform 39 degrees! To put it in perpective, if you had a heat pump at your house, when the air temperature is 39 degrees outside, the heat pump can completely warm the entire house and keep it at a comfortable 68 degrees F inside -- that's a lot of heat at 39 degrees.

And of course, 39 degrees isn't freezing, so the fish are happy to be swimming in this relatively "warm" water -- given that they are a cold-blooded species and don't need to stay warm.
This'nThat is offline  
Old 11-10-2008, 04:18 PM   #18
Grady223
Senior Member
 
Grady223's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: New Hope, PA & Barndoor Island
Posts: 463
Thanks: 93
Thanked 24 Times in 18 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by nj2nh View Post
Thanks for all the information on the lake freezing and the whole 39 degrees thing. You learn something new everyday!

I am going to pass this along to my kids.

nj2nh
I agree, thanks for the info.
Grady223 is offline  
Old 11-17-2008, 02:24 PM   #19
Grady223
Senior Member
 
Grady223's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: New Hope, PA & Barndoor Island
Posts: 463
Thanks: 93
Thanked 24 Times in 18 Posts
Default

Looks like we are about one week behind last year - we are at 49 degrees, last year we made it there by 11/9. Of course some teen temps this week may catch us up in a hurry.

Last edited by Grady223; 11-17-2008 at 02:25 PM. Reason: spelling
Grady223 is offline  
Old 11-19-2008, 07:16 PM   #20
CanisLupusArctos
Senior Member
 
CanisLupusArctos's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Center Harbor
Posts: 1,049
Thanks: 15
Thanked 472 Times in 107 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Grady223 View Post
Looks like we are about one week behind last year - we are at 49 degrees, last year we made it there by 11/9. Of course some teen temps this week may catch us up in a hurry.
I think you're right. We're at 47 for lake temp now, only the second cold night in a row and more to come.
CanisLupusArctos is offline  
Old 11-20-2008, 08:03 AM   #21
Mink Islander
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 753
Thanks: 59
Thanked 271 Times in 129 Posts
Default Water Temps

And now it's down to 44 degrees at Lakeport.... C'mon winter!
Mink Islander is offline  
Old 11-20-2008, 08:09 AM   #22
chipj29
Senior Member
 
chipj29's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Bow
Posts: 1,874
Thanks: 521
Thanked 308 Times in 162 Posts
Default

I have seen ice on some of the smaller ponds in Southern NH. There is even ice on parts of the Shawsheen River down here in Andover, MA. Certainly is early for ice, but a good sign nonetheless.
__________________
Getting ready for winter!
chipj29 is offline  
Old 11-20-2008, 08:26 AM   #23
Merrymeeting
Senior Member
 
Merrymeeting's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Merrymeeting Lake, New Durham
Posts: 2,216
Thanks: 299
Thanked 795 Times in 365 Posts
Default

The small pond that I pass on my way to work here in central MA was fully skimmed over for the first time this morning...
Merrymeeting is offline  
Old 11-20-2008, 11:21 AM   #24
BoulderBronco
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 121
Thanks: 0
Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Default

Bring it on. I just looked at the forecast for the Meredith area and it looks like a good cold spell has a hold on you guys. Come on winter!
BoulderBronco is offline  
Old 11-21-2008, 04:55 PM   #25
Resident 2B
Senior Member
 
Resident 2B's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: North Shore, MA
Posts: 1,352
Thanks: 987
Thanked 310 Times in 161 Posts
Default Back to normal, cold to hang in

Looking at the data for the past 5 years, it looks like 45 degrees, plus or minus a degree, is the normal for November 20th in this era. Yesterday was November 20th and the lake was at 44 degrees.

With the cold weather here and looking to hold for some time, I would guess that will put the lake a few degrees below normal in a week or so, so it is approaching the magic temp of 39 degrees for transition rather quickly. I realize the water freezes at 32 degrees, but there are specific gravity reasons why 39 degrees is so magical, and important.

It looks like there are about eight weeks to get the sleds and bob houses ready for the big lake, maybe less in the coves if the cold holds.

R2B
Resident 2B is offline  
Old 11-21-2008, 05:25 PM   #26
BoulderBronco
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 121
Thanks: 0
Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Default

My brother was just up there (Meredith Bay) yesterday getting the sleds fired up and ready. I would love it if the lake froze by Christmas, but that might be too optomistic He said it was pretty burly out there. I don't think he was out on the water but he said it was nasty!
BoulderBronco is offline  
Old 11-21-2008, 05:29 PM   #27
Lakegeezer
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Moultonboro, NH
Posts: 1,656
Blog Entries: 1
Thanks: 342
Thanked 614 Times in 277 Posts
Default Skim ice in Meredith

There is a bunch of skim ice on Winnipesaukee by the Lago resturaunt. It extends from the guest docks to the western shore and about 100 feet south of the north shore. Woo-hoo! Maybe its time to think about getting the docks in.
__________________
-lg
Lakegeezer is offline  
Old 11-23-2008, 07:56 AM   #28
Merrymeeting
Senior Member
 
Merrymeeting's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Merrymeeting Lake, New Durham
Posts: 2,216
Thanks: 299
Thanked 795 Times in 365 Posts
Default

I was at the lake yesterday. It was miserably cold and windy. Smaller ponds are all skimmed over, even some of the coves showing signs of ice.

What surprised me the most was to see the Merrymeeting Marsh and River around the Alton circle completely skimmed over. With the water temps and movement, I wouldn't have expected this.

Flip should occur any day now, if not already.

http://www.squamlakes.org/sla/ecology.htm
Merrymeeting is offline  
Old 11-24-2008, 11:26 AM   #29
Mink Islander
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 753
Thanks: 59
Thanked 271 Times in 129 Posts
Default Water Temp's dropping fast

41 degrees at Lakeport this morning per the recorded message. Getting close to that magic 38.2 degrees....
Mink Islander is offline  
Old 11-24-2008, 12:43 PM   #30
Grant
Senior Member
 
Grant's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Pennsyltuckey, Tuftonboro, Moultonborough
Posts: 1,485
Thanks: 337
Thanked 212 Times in 116 Posts
Default

Check out the Ossipee cam...Broad Bay appears to be entirely skimmed over.
__________________
"When I die, please don't let my wife sell my dive gear for what I told her I paid for it."
Grant is offline  
Old 11-24-2008, 02:35 PM   #31
Way Out There 2
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Meredith
Posts: 65
Thanks: 2
Thanked 37 Times in 8 Posts
Default

It's coming, Wickwass was skimmed over this AM.
Way Out There 2 is offline  
Old 11-24-2008, 10:52 PM   #32
Mee-n-Mac
Senior Member
 
Mee-n-Mac's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,943
Thanks: 23
Thanked 111 Times in 51 Posts
Arrow Pemigewasset too

Quote:
Originally Posted by Way Out There 2 View Post
It's coming, Wickwass was skimmed over this AM.
Was that way this afternoon as well. Pemigewasset was too. I noted Winni near Clough Park was also skimmed over. Chief Chocorua was shivering ! Supposed to warm up this week though.
__________________
Mee'n'Mac
"Never attribute to malice that which can be explained by simple stupidity or ignorance. The latter are a lot more common than the former." - RAH
Mee-n-Mac is offline  
Old 11-25-2008, 09:36 AM   #33
liberator211
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Westbrook, CT
Posts: 17
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default Cumminings Cove / Bear Island?

Has anybody been around the Cummings Cove or Cattle Landing area? I usually make my last trip to Bear Island this weekend after the feast on Thursday and then pull my boat out. I keep it in Cummings Cove area and in the past have not had issues with ice this time of year. Do I need to get up the lake and pull my boat before the holiday? Are people just overly optimistic for ice-in or is there serious skimming occurring? Thanks.
liberator211 is offline  
Old 11-25-2008, 09:40 AM   #34
nj2nh
Senior Member
 
nj2nh's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: NJ
Posts: 518
Thanks: 62
Thanked 42 Times in 23 Posts
Default Make up your minds, people!

I love this!

We spend late winter and early spring waiting and watching for the ice out.

We spend the late fall and early winter waiting and watching for the ice to come it.

Only at Lake Winnipesaukee. Wish I were there to live it for myself. Soon, but not soon enough.

nj2nh
__________________
nj2nh is offline  
Old 11-25-2008, 09:43 AM   #35
fatlazyless
Senior Member
 
fatlazyless's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 8,507
Blog Entries: 1
Thanks: 291
Thanked 950 Times in 692 Posts
Default

It's all open water around Cattle Landing....no starter ice yet in any of the usual spots.....Indian Summer lives at the Cattle Landing....the boating season has at least another month left before the January 8 ice-in.
__________________
... down and out, liv'n that Walmart side of the lake!
fatlazyless is offline  
Old 12-08-2008, 08:26 AM   #36
Mink Islander
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 753
Thanks: 59
Thanked 271 Times in 129 Posts
Default Water Temp 38 degrees at Lakeport this A.M.

Won't be long now....
Mink Islander is offline  
Old 12-08-2008, 09:25 AM   #37
Lakegeezer
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Moultonboro, NH
Posts: 1,656
Blog Entries: 1
Thanks: 342
Thanked 614 Times in 277 Posts
Default Ice breaking up

A lot of the ice from M'boro bay to Lees Mills has been broken up and is flowing south. Sunday, the lake was almost frozen in from Ambrose cove across to the snowmobile power-line trail, but this morning, its all open again. Whitecaps everywhere, and smoke rising from the water. Its 6 degrees at 9:30AM - so if the wind would ever calm down, things would freeze up again quickly.
__________________
-lg
Lakegeezer is offline  
Old 12-08-2008, 10:05 AM   #38
CanisLupusArctos
Senior Member
 
CanisLupusArctos's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Center Harbor
Posts: 1,049
Thanks: 15
Thanked 472 Times in 107 Posts
Default

There is quite a showing of arctic sea smoke this morning at Black Cat. The water temp has dropped 2 degrees overnight. The temp at 10 feet down was 40 yesterday and is now 39. The temp at 2 feet down is now 37. At 35 there is usually some ice on the surface. The 10-foot probe usually stays around 35 or 36 all winter.

This week we'll get some snow chilling the surface tomorrow and then Thursday will bring another cold blast.
CanisLupusArctos is offline  
Old 12-09-2008, 07:22 AM   #39
Lakegeezer
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Moultonboro, NH
Posts: 1,656
Blog Entries: 1
Thanks: 342
Thanked 614 Times in 277 Posts
Default What a difference a nite makes

The wind died down enough last night - and it was 4 degrees - to freeze over virtually everything north of Moultonborough Bay. All white - shore to shore - except for a few wet spots here and there. It is snowing lightly, so its easy to see where its ice and not. We'll see how it stands up to Wednesday's "upper 40's" and showers.
__________________
-lg
Lakegeezer is offline  
Old 12-09-2008, 10:04 AM   #40
Merrymeeting
Senior Member
 
Merrymeeting's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Merrymeeting Lake, New Durham
Posts: 2,216
Thanks: 299
Thanked 795 Times in 365 Posts
Default

The large pond in Marlborough, MA that I pass on my way to work was completely frozen over and covered with snow this morning for the first time. Over the years, I've found this to be a good indicator for the lake as it preceeds what happens at the lake by about 2 weeks, both Spring and Fall.

It had been wide open before this. I expect it will open up again over the next few days. But the freeze does seem to be a bit earlier this year.

From the Alton Bay cam, I see that it is similarly covered today.
Merrymeeting is offline  
Old 12-09-2008, 01:49 PM   #41
CanisLupusArctos
Senior Member
 
CanisLupusArctos's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Center Harbor
Posts: 1,049
Thanks: 15
Thanked 472 Times in 107 Posts
Default

This morning I found a few small bergs drifting past Black Cat. I assume they came from a frozen part of the lake, perhaps Salmon Meadow Cove.

The water temp dropped during this morning's snowfall, which tallied 1.5 inches. The 2-foot probe is now at 37 and the 10-foot probe is 38. We're getting close. More snow or sleet will help to chill the water surface, as will more cold, dry, windy weather like yesterday's.

The warmup is stalling. It was forecast to go to the 30s today, but it's almost 2 pm and we've only reached 20 so far. Tomorrow, if the warmup gets in here in earnest, I don't expect it to last long. Thursday we'll be right back into winter.
CanisLupusArctos is offline  
Old 12-10-2008, 07:50 AM   #42
chipj29
Senior Member
 
chipj29's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Bow
Posts: 1,874
Thanks: 521
Thanked 308 Times in 162 Posts
Default

Pretty warm today...those toasty winds are going to warm the surface up quite a bit I would imagine.
__________________
Getting ready for winter!
chipj29 is offline  
Old 12-10-2008, 08:07 AM   #43
hilltopper
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Meredith
Posts: 714
Thanks: 25
Thanked 105 Times in 66 Posts
Default Storm watch

Looks like they're already posting a Winter Storm Watch for Belknap County Thursday night into Friday afternoon with the possibility of 6+ inches. I'm sure this will get it's own thread. Everyone ready?
hilltopper is offline  
Old 12-19-2008, 08:28 PM   #44
BoulderBronco
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 121
Thanks: 0
Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Default

Any ice forming up there yet? Looks like a bit of snow and cold temps are there to stay. Plus the water temp says 36*. I don't think I have ever seen it feeze before Christmas. This year maybe? Come on ice!
BoulderBronco is offline  
Old 12-19-2008, 10:23 PM   #45
CanisLupusArctos
Senior Member
 
CanisLupusArctos's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Center Harbor
Posts: 1,049
Thanks: 15
Thanked 472 Times in 107 Posts
Default

Earlier this evening the probe at 2 feet deep went to 32. The probe at 10 feet was 35. This is the normal wintertime temp pattern when it is frozen. My guess is that the snow falling in the water, which was already at 36, lowered the temp a lot more. There's no doubt it's ready to freeze as soon as it sits still. The question is, when will it sit still?

Saturday: Windy and cold, high 19. (More chilling of the water.)

Sunday: Possible Nor'Easter, more snow. (More chilling of the water.)

Monday: Very windy and very cold, high 14. (Mega chilling of the water.)

Tuesday, maybe? Wednesday brings another storm.
CanisLupusArctos is offline  
Old 12-23-2008, 09:46 AM   #46
CanisLupusArctos
Senior Member
 
CanisLupusArctos's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Center Harbor
Posts: 1,049
Thanks: 15
Thanked 472 Times in 107 Posts
Default

This morning the water temperature at Black Cat Island is again down to 32 at the depth of 2 feet, and 33 at 10 feet. It has been trying to freeze when still, but has not been very still for the last several days. Today the northwest wind howls once again; we are gusting to 28 mph and wave heights are about 2 feet. There are several bergs of ice formed from the snow, which never melted in the lake water.
CanisLupusArctos is offline  
Old 12-27-2008, 11:51 AM   #47
BoulderBronco
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 121
Thanks: 0
Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Default

Anyone have any updates/info on the ice? Is meredith still iced over or has it gone away with this warmer weather? How about the rest of the lake?
BoulderBronco is offline  
Old 12-27-2008, 01:51 PM   #48
Resident 2B
Senior Member
 
Resident 2B's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: North Shore, MA
Posts: 1,352
Thanks: 987
Thanked 310 Times in 161 Posts
Default The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

About the current ice situation:

The Good is that the water is cold, in fact cold enough to freeze on a normal night without wind.

The Bad is that it will get warmer the next day or so, likely record warmth. It will also get windy. This will break up and melt most of the thin ice that is in the coves.

The Ugly is the wind. I do not see any stretch of time where it will be cold without wind between now and about Jan 6th. There is a short period around Jan 1 and 2 that might become more promising for the ice, but right now it does not look cold enough or calm enough.

Unfortunately, it might get uglier! It is my personal opinion that from mid January to late February, it is likely to be warmer than normal. It will still be cold, this is northern New England in the winter, but compared to normal, I see it on the warmer side.

For those technical folks out there, I see the trough near the east coast moving (retro-grading) westward and holding a blocking position near the Rocky's, giving them winter and us the warmer flow found on the east side of a trough, with a ridge over us or slightly to our east enhancing the northward flow of the warm air about a month from now. That is why I think it will be above normal here from Jan 20th to late February.

I really hope that I am wrong with this, but that is the way it looks to me at this time.

R2B
Resident 2B is offline  
Old 12-30-2008, 12:11 AM   #49
BoulderBronco
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 121
Thanks: 0
Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Default

Well I hope you are wrong. Looks like the temps are going to drop quite a bit after tonight. Looks good to me for the next week or so. Alton is still frozen which is good but I am still wondering about Meredith bay. Frozen?
BoulderBronco is offline  
Old 12-30-2008, 05:15 PM   #50
Resident 2B
Senior Member
 
Resident 2B's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: North Shore, MA
Posts: 1,352
Thanks: 987
Thanked 310 Times in 161 Posts
Default

BB,

I took a ride up to Meredith this afternoon to get you an updated status of the Meredith Bay ice.

The ice is covering more of the bay than I had thought. It extends down to Grouse Point and across to Pinnacle Point. From there it is wide open. There is no ice in the area where the falls exit into the bay to the left of the launching ramp as you look out from the land.

The ice looks like it will hold and build with the cold weather the next week. Alton is also iced up well past Sandy Point.

It will be windy the next week or so, so unless the wind dies down, I do not think we will see much more new ice.

I have some photos that I hope to get up in the next day or so.

Happy New Year!

R2B
Resident 2B is offline  
Old 12-30-2008, 11:25 PM   #51
BoulderBronco
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 121
Thanks: 0
Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Resident 2B View Post
BB,

I took a ride up to Meredith this afternoon to get you an updated status of the Meredith Bay ice.

The ice is covering more of the bay than I had thought. It extends down to Grouse Point and across to Pinnacle Point. From there it is wide open. There is no ice in the area where the falls exit into the bay to the left of the launching ramp as you look out from the land.

The ice looks like it will hold and build with the cold weather the next week. Alton is also iced up well past Sandy Point.

It will be windy the next week or so, so unless the wind dies down, I do not think we will see much more new ice.

I have some photos that I hope to get up in the next day or so.

Happy New Year!

R2B
Top notch report. Thanks. Thats ahead of schedule. I hope you didn't drive up there just to look at the ice for me. I assumed someone lived there. My parents are up there all this week so they will be watching. I am looking for one of those real cold winters. Where there is a "highway" down the bay and 24" of solid black ice. It's been almolst ten years since we drove our trucks out there. This year is going to be fun. Thanks again.
Chris
BoulderBronco is offline  
Old 01-02-2009, 10:03 AM   #52
Little Bear
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 559
Thanks: 104
Thanked 237 Times in 126 Posts
Default

Once the wind stopped, ice formed from the Ames Farm area all the way out to Diamond Island and Rattlesnake Island. I saw some lights out on the southwest end of Rattlesnake last night, so if there is someone staying out there, they were iced in this morning.
Little Bear is offline  
Old 01-02-2009, 10:29 AM   #53
Lakegeezer
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Moultonboro, NH
Posts: 1,656
Blog Entries: 1
Thanks: 342
Thanked 614 Times in 277 Posts
Default Walking on the ice

North of Moultonborough Bay, the ice is about 3" thick and can be carefully walked on. Most of the snow has been blown off the ice once you move away from shore. Not too much human activity yet - but it was safe enough to walk out and shoot off some fireworks on the night of New Year's day. Moultonborough Bay is iced-in as far as I can see.

Jan 3 update: Ice is 6" plus. The pressure ridge at the north entrance to M'boro bay has formed.

Jan 10 update: Ran the snowmobile from the trail entrance in Smith Cove in M'boro bay up to Lees Mills and through the woods trail into Greens Basin area. The ice is very solid in all places except the typical open water going into Greens. Even both sides of Little Ganzy are solid. There is enough snow on the ice to make it great driving.
__________________
-lg

Last edited by Lakegeezer; 01-10-2009 at 06:51 AM. Reason: update
Lakegeezer is offline  
Old 01-02-2009, 12:00 PM   #54
boat_guy64
Senior Member
 
boat_guy64's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Windham and Meredith
Posts: 225
Blog Entries: 5
Thanks: 33
Thanked 89 Times in 42 Posts
Default Meredith Bay ice

After the wind died down last night, Meredith Bay became completely iced in. Ice formed from Grouse Point all the way out to the Weirs. I'm sure it is very thin but probably enough to protect it from any wind damage and to allow it to continue to thicken. On my way to Lowes this morning I also noticed that Paugus Bay is also iced over. A couple more cold days like we've had and a little less wind and we'll make some serious progress on ice in.
boat_guy64 is offline  
Old 01-02-2009, 12:44 PM   #55
tis
Senior Member
 
tis's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,388
Thanks: 716
Thanked 1,376 Times in 952 Posts
Default

There was one lone bob house out today in front of Libby Museum.
tis is offline  
Old 01-02-2009, 01:39 PM   #56
Resident 2B
Senior Member
 
Resident 2B's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: North Shore, MA
Posts: 1,352
Thanks: 987
Thanked 310 Times in 161 Posts
Default Wind and More Wind

It is great to see the lake getting more ice last night.

In post #48 of this thread, I mentioned that we could get a short period of little or no wind on the 1st and 2nd. That happened and we got good, but thin ice coverage. However, as expected, the calm period will be short. Tonight, we should have wind gusts back up to 20 - 30 MPH mainly from the west. Some ice will survive and some will not. It is wind from the NW or SE that do the most ice damage so west is not the worse direction for ice lovers.

We will have another period of cold weather and low winds the 6th and 7th as I expected, then another around the 10th and 11th, that might be with a bit if snow.

I still think the weather to go above normal around the 20th and lasting through Febraury. If the lake has iced up, this should not be a big deal, but open areas will likely stay open if this materializes.

Saty safe out there!

R2B
Resident 2B is offline  
Old 01-03-2009, 04:49 PM   #57
CanisLupusArctos
Senior Member
 
CanisLupusArctos's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Center Harbor
Posts: 1,049
Thanks: 15
Thanked 472 Times in 107 Posts
Default Ice is IN at Black Cat

The ice to the southeast of Black Cat Island has remained in place despite very windy weather today. Winds are currently gusting to 34 mph and are sustained at 16 mph. We have had a peak gust of 48 mph this afternoon. Yet, the ice is still there.
CanisLupusArctos is offline  
Old 01-03-2009, 05:13 PM   #58
Resident 2B
Senior Member
 
Resident 2B's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: North Shore, MA
Posts: 1,352
Thanks: 987
Thanked 310 Times in 161 Posts
Default Cold Water = Fast Ice Build

I am surprised that so little new ice got eaten up by all the wind we have had for the last 12 hours or so. I think it has to do with the relatively cold water.

The Broads are still wide open, but in all the bays I saw today, and in every area except for the main part of the broads, the ice was holding. It also looks like ice that will develop into real solid ice given the cold temps we will see for the next ten to fifteen days.

Please, everyone, be safe and let Mother Nature do her job in making the ice thick before you think about going out on it.

I see a few 12 to 20 hour periods in the next week or so where it will be very cold with very little wind. Hopefully, this will allow the ice to cover most of the broads.

R2B
Resident 2B is offline  
Old 01-03-2009, 10:19 PM   #59
Treerider
Senior Member
 
Treerider's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: NH
Posts: 53
Thanks: 0
Thanked 15 Times in 6 Posts
Default Ice

The Nightrider and I fished on Winter Harbor today on 2" of ice!!! only in 3-4 ft of water!! we didn't see any open water looking from winter harbor towards the broads all the way to Rattlesnake!
Treerider is offline  
Old 01-09-2009, 07:06 PM   #60
Resident 2B
Senior Member
 
Resident 2B's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: North Shore, MA
Posts: 1,352
Thanks: 987
Thanked 310 Times in 161 Posts
Default It is getting COLD and will get COLDER!

I realize that I have predicted a thaw of some magnitude for the last week to ten days of January. However, between now and then it is going to get very cold!

Starting Wednesday and lasting through the weekend, daytime highs will be between 8 and 14 degrees and it will be below zero at night, possibly -10F on a few nights.

This will build ice much more than any possible thaw will take it away.

All winter events, the Derby and the Carnivals, are looking real good right now.

Thank God the cost of oil is down!

Stay safe and keep warm!

R2B
Resident 2B is offline  
Old 01-09-2009, 08:00 PM   #61
BoulderBronco
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 121
Thanks: 0
Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Resident 2B View Post
I realize that I have predicted a thaw of some magnitude for the last week to ten days of January. However, between now and then it is going to get very cold!

Starting Wednesday and lasting through the weekend, daytime highs will be between 8 and 14 degrees and it will be below zero at night, possibly -10F on a few nights.

This will build ice much more than any possible thaw will take it away.

All winter events, the Derby and the Carnivals, are looking real good right now.

Thank God the cost of oil is down!

Stay safe and keep warm!

R2B
Sweet. I've been watching that cold air coming down from the arctic. I'm thinking 18-22"" of ice half way down Meredith bay. That would mean a solid 22-26" down at the docks. It's been so long since we had that much ice. Should make for big crowds and lots of trucks on the ice. Can't wait.
BoulderBronco is offline  
Old 01-10-2009, 11:57 AM   #62
ghfromaltonbay
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Clifton, NJ, Alton Bay
Posts: 818
Thanks: 243
Thanked 223 Times in 129 Posts
Default Ice-In declared

According to an article in today's Laconia Citizen, Ice-In has been declared by Emerson Aviation. Also in the article it mentions that this is about 2 weeks earlier than normal.

Can the Ice-out contest be far behind?


http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll...929/-1/CITNEWS
ghfromaltonbay is offline  
Old 01-10-2009, 03:40 PM   #63
SteveA
Deceased Member
 
SteveA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Gilford, NH
Posts: 2,311
Thanks: 1,070
Thanked 2,053 Times in 496 Posts
Default Today from Lincoln Park on Scenic Drive

Looks locked in. No people or ski tracks visable. There are a couple of Bob Houses about 30' off Ellacoya Beach near the boat ramp.

Name:  Winni Ice 1-10-09  from Lincoln Park Gilford2.jpg
Views: 985
Size:  24.3 KB

Name:  Winni Ice from Lincoln Park Gilford 1-10-09.jpg
Views: 1030
Size:  45.2 KB

Taken with a cell phone cam. Nice view of Mt. Washington.

You can Google Map the spot the pictures were taken from.

20 Scenic Drive, 03249
__________________
"Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in his shoes. That way, if he gets angry he'll be a mile away and barefoot!" unknown
SteveA is offline  
Old 01-10-2009, 03:57 PM   #64
jetskier
Senior Member
 
jetskier's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: North Reading, MA and South Down Shores
Posts: 850
Thanks: 57
Thanked 183 Times in 114 Posts
Post Paugus Bay

There are bob huts, ATVs and snowmobiles on Paugus Bay today.

Jetskier
jetskier is offline  
Old 01-10-2009, 03:59 PM   #65
Resident 2B
Senior Member
 
Resident 2B's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: North Shore, MA
Posts: 1,352
Thanks: 987
Thanked 310 Times in 161 Posts
Default Great News

Quote:
Originally Posted by ghfromaltonbay View Post
According to an article in today's Laconia Citizen, Ice-In has been declared by Emerson Aviation. Also in the article it mentions that this is about 2 weeks earlier than normal.

Can the Ice-out contest be far behind?


http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll...929/-1/CITNEWS
Great to hear the entire lake is ice covered. With the very cold weather ahead for the next ten days or so, this ice will build and the broads will be as safe as ice gets.

The only way to really see if the whole lake is covered is from the air. Thanks to Emerson Aviation for the news!

Be safe out there!

R2B

Last edited by Resident 2B; 01-15-2009 at 02:52 AM.
Resident 2B is offline  
The Following User Says Thank You to Resident 2B For This Useful Post:
Pineedles (03-31-2009)
Closed Thread

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:01 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.

This page was generated in 0.37968 seconds