Official Ice Out 2011 Reports

[Island Girl]

Here is your Annual Ice-Out Thread. Please put your reports of lake conditions here where we can keep track of the 2011 ice out.

The Snake Eyes Ice-Out Page is up at http://rattlesnakecam.com/iceout.htm

Features of the ice out page are:

• Live images from the Lake Winnipseaukee webcams
• DRH's daily picture from West Alton
• Sanders Bay daily picture (link will be up as soon as their page is up)
• Link to other lakes webcams
• Lake temperature at the Weirs
• Links to frequently used information such as CLA's weather page, how to tie knots, Lakeport Dam information, McDude's restaurant page, etc.

Enjoy!
IG

[Island Girl]

Just to get you going.... it is snowing here in central MA!!!!

[Grant]

The DRH photo-a-day is always really cool. As is the Silver Sands daily photo (if they do it this year). Thanks for compiling this...definitely scratches an itch.

[Chaos]

I've been checking for the iceout page for the last few weeks. I look forward to this every year!

[Bear Island South]

Originally Posted by Island Girl

Just to get you going.... it is snowing here in central MA!!!!

I think Mother Nature is confused or she didn't like the fact I was doing yard work yesterday

[KBoater]

The Club Cam at WCYC is

http://www.wcyc-nh.com/ClubCam.html

[Bear Island South]

The color of the ice is finally changing, I noticed on most of the cams it is taking on a darker shade.

[Just Sold]

Originally Posted by Bear Island South

The color of the ice is finally changing, I noticed on most of the cams it is taking on a darker shade.

Soon to be covered by more white stuff!!!

Come on ICE OUT not Ice Covered.

But I did notice on some cams that the ice cracks are getting more pronounced so that indicates the ice is changing too.

[Pine Island Guy]

it's looking a lot like winter out there today... very discouraging for those of us that want to get out on the water (and to the island)

hopefully this weekend will improve things!! -PIG

[Blue Thunder]

I was checking today's satellite photo of the lakes region. As some of you know I make occasional comparisons of the "big" lake with Sebago Lake in Maine. They share roughly the same latitude. Today's picture shows a much "darker" lake surface on Sebago compared to other area lakes and ponds, including Winnipesaukee. Don't know what if anything that means but it was noticeable.

I could be wrong but is that a area of open water near the Broads?

BT

[Resident 2B]

The open water near the broads is "The Witches". The sun warms the rocks and they melt the ice. The next step is the wind starts to rip it open even more.

The water is warming up as the sun is very strong now. I still think it will be around April 25th or about three weeks away.

R2B

[diz]

Blue Thunder, could you post the link to the satellite photo you mention? Thanks!

[Rattlesnake Guy]

Yes, I would love this link for the satellite view. Spectacular.

[Blue Thunder]

Originally Posted by Rattlesnake Guy

Yes, I would love this link for the satellite view. Spectacular.

http://ge.ssec.wisc.edu/modis-today/

Click on the section of the map that contains New England then click the 250m icon. Use your mouse to scroll and get the lake into the center of the picture. The photo is updated every day around noontime and obviously (I hope) it has to be a clear day to get the best results.

BT

[Bear Island South]

More snow today..are you kidding me
at least we are getting rain here in Mass, it doesn't look like the warmer temps the DC area is getting will make it up this way.
This is very depressing

[Bear247]

Originally Posted by Bear Island South

More snow today..are you kidding me
at least we are getting rain here in Mass, it doesn't look like the warmer temps the DC area is getting will make it up this way.
This is very depressing

Very depressing to say the least. Might have no choice but to wait till May to open up.

[Just Sold]

Anyone want to report on the ice condition over on Lilly Pond in Gilford?

It is always a benchmark on predicting Ice Out on Winni. Lilly Pond is something like 10 days ahead of Winnipesaukee for Ice Out.

[PaulT]

Weather.com 's forecast has Moultonborough in the 50s over the next 10 days & mid 60s next monday!

[chipj29]

My usual indicator is Stevens Pond in Manchester. Lake Winni ice out typically occurs 3 weeks after there is no ice on that pond. Last year was an exception due to the warm weather, it was less than 2 weeks. I suspect this year will be the usual 3 weeks, therefore since there is only a little ice on the pond this morning, ice out will be April 28.

[meredith weekender]

Originally Posted by chipj29

My usual indicator is Stevens Pond in Manchester. Lake Winni ice out typically occurs 3 weeks after there is no ice on that pond. Last year was an exception due to the warm weather, it was less than 2 weeks. I suspect this year will be the usual 3 weeks, therefore since there is only a little ice on the pond this morning, ice out will be April 28.

The ice on Stevens Pond disappeared this afternoon. On the other side, the snow at the lake is still holding on as well. Went to Meredith today and still had well over a foot of snow in the yard. Very disappointing.

[chipj29]

Originally Posted by meredith weekender

The ice on Stevens Pond disappeared this afternoon. On the other side, the snow at the lake is still holding on as well. Went to Meredith today and still had well over a foot of snow in the yard. Very disappointing.

I think they sunny and warm days coming up will make things start to happen up that way real quick.

[Bear Island South]

Originally Posted by chipj29

I think they sunny and warm days coming up will make things start to happen up that way real quick.

the next 5 days is prime melting weather

[Grady223]

I agree, should have some significant progress in the next 4 days. Let's see where we are on Tuesday!

[ishoot308]

Remember there is still about 15" of ice out there! We still have a long ways to go!

[Rattlesnake Gal]

Originally Posted by Just Sold

Anyone want to report on the ice condition over on Lilly Pond in Gilford?

It is always a benchmark on predicting Ice Out on Winni. Lilly Pond is something like 10 days ahead of Winnipesaukee for Ice Out.

Yeah, what he said!



This Gunstock Summit Hotel picture from flyguy shows Lily Pond in the background. The picture was taken April 1st. Could Lily be free of ice longer than usual before Lake Winnipesaukee?

[jads32]

Originally Posted by Rattlesnake Gal

Yeah, what he said!



This Gunstock Summit Hotel picture from flyguy shows Lily Pond in the background. The picture was taken April 1st. Could Lily be free of ice longer than usual before Lake Winnipesaukee?

when did they build a hotel on top of Gunstock?

[Grant]

Originally Posted by jads32

when did they build a hotel on top of Gunstock?

That's exactly what I was wondering. And how do you get up there (obviously some good roads now, seeing as they trucked up all those building supplies).

[SteveA]

The picture was taken on 4/1? April Fools?

Maybe someone Photo Shopped the Hotel and the open water (Just Kidding... )

[Slickcraft]

The lake ice is still almost white today, very little darker color yet.

The Lilly Pond ice is a darker grey offering some hope.

The next days may bring forth darker ice.

We saw a pair of loons near just south of the Alton/Gilford town line. Apparently they have faith that the ice will in fact melt in time.

[winniboy]

its a photoshop...looks pretty good..but you can tell

[Merrymeeting]

We opened up today! Earliest we've ever done it but I'm glad we did. It was a beautiful day.

However, I am surprised at how locked in Merrymeeting still is. Very little melting along the shoreline, the ice is still solid and thick. It's going to be awhile.

[meredith weekender]

Meredith Bay is still pretty tight except for the shoreline on the west side of the bay. In hopes that we can fool mother nature, we decided to launch the kids 14' aluminum boat today. Our goal is to keep her in the water for 8 months.

[lawn psycho]

Any updated reports on areas opening up? With the temps this weekend and a very warm Monday we should start seeing some serious thinning.

[RailroadJoe]

Open water almost to the bandstand at Alton Bay this afternoon.

[Blue Thunder]

Originally Posted by Just Sold

Anyone want to report on the ice condition over on Lilly Pond in Gilford?

It is always a benchmark on predicting Ice Out on Winni. Lilly Pond is something like 10 days ahead of Winnipesaukee for Ice Out.

Today's pic "should" be pretty good. Those of you that know the lay of the land should be able to pick out Lily Pond and see it's condition.

BT

[SteveA]

Originally Posted by Just Sold

Anyone want to report on the ice condition over on Lilly Pond in Gilford?

It is always a benchmark on predicting Ice Out on Winni. Lilly Pond is something like 10 days ahead of Winnipesaukee for Ice Out.

As of this morning, Lilly Pond is still iced in. the marsh area near Rt. 11 is open.

[sum-r breeze]

Does anyone know if yesterday's windy conditions and awesome sunshine helped along the ice out mission ? We were out to dinner on Sunday afternoon with no coats on and very comfortable.

The Breeze
Wave 'cuz I'll be wavin' back

[Rattlesnake Guy]

Thank You Blue Thunder!
Your link is now on my short list to check out each day.
Thanks again.

[LadyoftheLake]

I am hoping that Fly Guy will be posting a new video soon. I would really like to see Meredith and Center Harbor. We are expecting some rain and possibly mixed precipitation on Tuesday April 19.

Thank you Fly Guy.

[19MileBaylover]

Hey Blue Thunder, ditto on the thanks; neat site.

[snowflake]

I am really enjoying the Ice out cam and reports. If I can't be there physically I can be there in spirit. Will August vacation in Wolfeboro ever come??? Thanks to all who report, send pictures and keep an eye on webcams!

[JMR]

Friday 3pm Rattlesnake Island, quiet side, below the Aligator Point corner.

[Gatto Nero]

Breakwater doing its thing this morning.

[Flylady]

It is so exciting to see the sparkling blue water again. Makes the wait until May (when I make my first trip of the year to the lake) even seem longer!

[Webbsatwinni]

Originally Posted by JMR

Friday 3pm Rattlesnake Island

We are so jealous!

[hampfarms]

Friends of mine are on Mink Island. They came out of Shep Browns, boy am I jealous! Couple of more days and i'll be there, YEA....

[Flyfisha]

Just got back from Rattlesnake--Came out of Minge Cove and did not see any ice in sight. Winds came up pretty brisk so opened up camp and headed back to shore-- Boy did it feel good to be out there!!! Took the scenic route home by way of the Weirs--The only ice I spotted was in the Weirs--they seem to be socked in pretty well!! Well back to work until Friday and then the entire week at the island!!!!!

[KTO]

Just to let people know, there is still ice on the lake in places...Center Harbor still had a good amount of ice today, although it changed significantly in 24 hours, so it definitely will not be long in that area. Yesterday around 6pm, the Mount was iced in a bit, but today had some water around it. It looked as though many areas north of the Beaver Islands and Black Cat Island still had some good amount of ice, but that was changing quickly as the day went on.

[Dhuberty24]

First photo is looking at the broads from harrillas, second is looking at 19 mile bay from the hole in the wall and third is comming out of the hole in the wall. Couldn't make it to the camp.
Meredith still has ice, Center harbor still has ice, the barbers pole was clogged up with ice. the wind was blowing so hard that it wont be to long. Maybe next weekend?

[JMR]

Went to Rattlesnake today, both sides. no ice in sight on either side. Photos attached. First is from east side looking towards Wolfeboro, etc. Second is looking towards Sleeper

[JMR]

Sorry forgot to upload. First looking east from Rattlesnake. Second looking west from other side of Rattlesnake

[P-3 Guy]

I want to try to get to Three Mile Island from Y-Landing sometime later this week. Can someone from Pine or Bear give me an ice report for the area between Pine and Y-Landing, and heading over to the southeast corner of Three Mile? Thanks.

[19MileBaylover]

Thanks for the great pics from the hole in the wall. We're anxiously awaiting the ice gone at 19 mile bay and this is a great visual. Thanks for taking the time.

[MikeF-NH]

thanks for the great report from Harillas and Hole in the Wall. I like to use these areas early in the season but there are no cams in that area so it's an "information black out" area. Please keep the reports from this area coming - I'm planning on being up there on Friday.

[Bear Island South]

I think we all need a report from Flyguy?
What ports are still iced in and which ones are open?

[meredith weekender]

Originally Posted by Bear Island South

I think we all need a report from Flyguy?
What ports are still iced in and which ones are open?

Definitely agree with Bear Island South. After the last nights wind and rain we need an aerial.

[Slickcraft]

No ice in sight from Belkap Point looking toward Welch, Round and Timber. Also no ice in view from Scenic Road near Ellacoya looking toward the broads.

The Slickcraft is in the water and should be started this afternoon. Maybe a trip out to Welch Island tomorrow.

[lymanblue]

This was on Emerson Aviation Face Book page about an hour ago:
Emerson Aviation
Just got down from the ice-out patrol...We have ICE OUT!!!!! Took a few pictures, but my camera just went flying without me with a student pilot...have to wait to post them. Official time will be announced later.
56 minutes ago

[SIKSUKR]

OK,56 minutes minus what time on the facebook post?= Ice out.

[island of barndoor]

Any news on the status of ice in Roberts Cove?

[MikeF-NH]

...also looking for any reports from 19 Mile Bay out to Hole in the Wall.

[Bear247]

Originally Posted by Bear Island South

I think we all need a report from Flyguy?
What ports are still iced in and which ones are open?

Someone is looking to get ice out called tomorrow.

[Rattlesnake Gal]

There is no ice to be found on any of the webcams. Could Center Harbor be the hold up?

[meredith weekender]

Originally Posted by Bear247

Someone is looking to get ice out called tomorrow.

Tomorrow?????
I want it DECLARED today!!!!!

[Flippin NH]

Ther was still some ice 2 hours ago in Meredith between the Weirs and Meredith Bay and also some in Center Harbor. If not late today then I think it will be tomorrow.

[escaped from NJ]

We're planning on trying to get to Little Bear from Melvin Village on Friday. I sure would appreciate any info on conditions in this area if ice out isn't declared by then. The pictures looking out of hole in the wall towards Pier 19 make it look like it isn't open.

[Dhuberty24]

Originally Posted by escaped from NJ

We're planning on trying to get to Little Bear from Melvin Village on Friday. I sure would appreciate any info on conditions in this area if ice out isn't declared by then. The pictures looking out of hole in the wall towards Pier 19 make it look like it isn't open.

Depending on what side of little bear you are on you could get there. It is open from the grave yard down to harillas. The side facing 19 mile bay was closed off. I am willing to bet that all the ice will be gone by friday.

[NHKathy]

Just saw a post on FaceBook from Emerson Aviation ...

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Emers...31847876851023

[Rattlesnake Gal]

still has some ice.





Center Harbor pictures taken around 4:00 pm





Meredith Bay pictures were taken around 5:00 pm.

[Rattlesnake Guy]

RG and I took a ride clockwise from the tip of Alton Bay to Center Harbor. We did not see any ice until we got to Meredeth and Center Harbor. In both cases the North East side was holding on.

[NHgirl]

Meredith still has a little sheet of ice and also Center Harbor. All rest are clear!!

[Flippin NH]

Nothing could be seen in Meredith this morning at 6:50 or so when I went past the bay.

[CrownRay]

Hmmm...Looks like Emerson will have to file an IFR flight plan to get up to declare today!

Does it HAVE to be done from the air? Can a boat declare it??

[LDR4]

According to a posting on Emerson Aviation's facebook page the ice is out and they will be announcing ther officila time shortly

[Grant]

Originally Posted by Bear Island South

I think we all need a report from Flyguy?
What ports are still iced in and which ones are open?

Yeah -- would love someone to post pics from 20 Mile Bay to Melvin Bay.

[Whimsey]

According to Emerson Aviation's Facebook page!!!

[Pine Island Guy]

Originally Posted by TMI Guy

I want to try to get to Three Mile Island from Y-Landing sometime later this week. Can someone from Pine or Bear give me an ice report for the area between Pine and Y-Landing, and heading over to the southeast corner of Three Mile? Thanks.

You won't have any troubles getting to Three Mile from Y-Landing. Yesterday morning the webcam showed the ice had shifted with the storm to be socked in the eastern edge of Pine Island, however pal Misty Blue and I got the Alumacraft rigged and by the time we got out to Light Buoy #4, it was pretty much cleared and we could get to the dock fine.

It was a spectacular day out there and we enjoyed the sun for a bit before heading back. Didn't see any other boats on the water (or ice). And this morning the PI webcams show no ice at all... poof!!

Spring has sprung, life is GREAT!! PIG

[P-3 Guy]

Originally Posted by Pine Island Guy

You won't have any troubles getting to Three Mile from Y-Landing. Yesterday morning the webcam showed the ice had shifted with the storm to be socked in the eastern edge of Pine Island, however pal Misty Blue and I got the Alumacraft rigged and by the time we got out to Light Buoy #4, it was pretty much cleared and we could get to the dock fine.

It was a spectacular day out there and we enjoyed the sun for a bit before heading back. Didn't see any other boats on the water (or ice). And this morning the PI webcams show no ice at all... poof!!

Spring has sprung, life is GREAT!! PIG

Excellent! Thanks very much for the report.

[Alton Bay]

Could you get from Wolfeboro Bay to Barndoor today?

[Rattlesnake Gal]

Originally Posted by Alton Bay

Could you get from Wolfeboro Bay to Barndoor today?

From this vantage point, it looks like you would have an ice-free ride.

[Island Girl]

So... do you think ice-put will be declared today? If anyone can see if the bays are free of ice, please let us know.

Time for boating!!!

IG

[hazelnut]

Originally Posted by Dhuberty24

Couldn't make it to the camp.

... Chicken!

J/K Nice pics see you on the island soon enough!

[Dhuberty24]

Originally Posted by hazelnut

... Chicken!

J/K Nice pics see you on the island soon enough!

I am going up this friday, do you want me to go warm up your camp?

[Webbsatwinni]

I took the list and pulled the 4/19 guesses (because mine is in there!) If it is tomorrow, time will be important.

19-Apr-11
4/19/2011 9:00
4/19/2011 9:42
4/19/2011 15:45
4/19/2011 11:30AM
April 19 @ 10:28 a.m.
April 19 12.25 PM
April 19 2011 14:24 59
April 19 at 1:30PM
April 19 at 2 p.m.
April 19, 11:00 AM
April 19, 2:04 pm
April 19, 2011 @ 2:25pm
April 19, 9:02AM
April 19. 1:37pm
April 19th 11:15 am
April 19th 11:30am
April 19th 12:30PM
April 19th 2:00 p.m.
April 19th 3:13 PM
April 19th, 11:54 am.
April 19th, 2:30 pm

[SLI]

So.... doesn't it all boil down to when the flight occurs? That's alot of guesses for tomorrow!

[hilltopper]

Originally Posted by Webbsatwinni

I took the list and pulled the 4/19 guesses (because mine is in there!) If it is tomorrow, time will be important.

4/19/2011 9:00

Sound like this guess will be the winner!

[CanisLupusArctos]

Emerson Aviation announced ice out this morning, as a few previous posts show. They did say that there's some ice outside of the MOUNT's path. The definition of iceout is when the MOUNT can make all her ports without running into any. That means if you have a boat in the water, and you stick to the MOUNT's path, you won't find ice. No guarantees for places outside the MOUNT's path!

The water temp actually dropped in the last couple days. It had been 40 at the surface a couple days ago. Now we have 37 at the surface and 35 at 10 feet down.

If you end up in the water for any reason, your muscles will become almost useless to you within a minute or so. The first few seconds in the water will be as painful and shocking as if you fell through a hole in the ice. After about 2 minutes your movements will be very sluggish and drunk-like. If you remain in the water you will probably be unconscious before rescuers arrive.

WEAR the life jackets. Carry survival suits on board if you have them. But at the very least, WEAR the life jackets.

[Grant]

Can't wait to dive in less than two weeks.

[nightrider]

What happens if a large ice floe is wind driven back into one of the Mount's ports after ice out is declared???? Is ice back in????