Official 2013-14 Ice-In Thread

[Webbsatwinni]

The ice line is progressing. We drove by the lake yesterday afternoon on our way home from snowmobiling and there was still a large open area of water. By the cam it looks like last nights cold helped.

[Webbsatwinni]

Yesterday afternoon, you can see the water line in the distance.

[Island Girl]

It would be nice if someone took a nice ride and took some pics. Does anyone have any open water to report?

Also looking for reports of the lake groaning.

IG

[Just Sold]

Smith Cove today, looking across to Welch Island from Lincoln Park in Gilford and Alton Bay today. BTW they have started marking for the Airport Runway in Alton Bay

[BoulderBronco]

My brother was out in Meredith bay today with the snowmobiles and fishing gear. He drilled a number of holes throughout the middle of the bay (about half way between Weirs and the town docks) and had 6-7" of ice at each hole. Great snowmobiling conditions according to him. He didn't travel very far due to the safety factor. But I'm sure down by the docks there is a good deal more ice.

[MAXUM]

Took a walk out to my place this morning from sheps... yes this time the camera came with... I also put three holes in the ice one at about 20 foot off shore, then about 100 then about 500. All were showing 4-5" not enough for me to feel comfortable enough to take the sleds, so walking it was.....

[MAXUM]

Ah finally hit the western shore of BI, that steam is coming off a little open water around the dock, ice eater hard at work. It was a mere -5 but of all the pics I took today this one is the money shot. Guess these the iphone is good for something, taking pictures!


We had a tree - a mature one at that get snapped, I guess the winds there got pretty bad. Oh well next time I head out there will bring the chain saw.

There were quite a few that got uprooted too. Pretty amazing. Snow was pretty deep on the island. Close to 2 foot deep.

[MAXUM]

After that took the sleds out for a ride up the castle trail and out into ossipee and Madison. Trails were in pretty good shape, but the best of course is the view from atop Mt Shaw....

Was a real pretty day out today albeit was cold. Still rather be out there enjoying it than sitting inside all day!

[MAXUM]

Oh and one more thing, the parking lot at Sheps was NOT plowed, could be that it will be later but is not as of today

[MAXUM]

Well I got to thinking, ya know leave it to me to screw up taking pictures... everyone can probably use a little laugh at my expense, and I'm still not sure how I did this, but my fingers were really cold and I'm trying to take a picture and what do you know the darn thing takes a picture of me instead. I'm still not sure how I did it - guess one of these days I should read the directions on how to use that stupid thing! Never claimed to be the sharpest knife in the drawer

[mikea]

Originally Posted by MAXUM

Well I got to thinking, ya know leave it to me to screw up taking pictures... everyone can probably use a little laugh at my expense, and I'm still not sure how I did this, but my fingers were really cold and I'm trying to take a picture and what do you know the darn thing takes a picture of me instead. I'm still not sure how I did it - guess one of these days I should read the directions on how to use that stupid thing! Never claimed to be the sharpest knife in the drawer

Thanks for all the superb pictures (with possibly one exception ) and information... really appreciated as was remembering to take the image capture device!

[JB Long Island]

Also cut holes yesterday, honest 6in of ice off Wildwood beautiful sunset.
Maxum- I believe my son and I were the two guys at the top of Mt Shaw alongside you yesterday - small world.

[BKIceFish]

I'm BoulderBronco's brother and just registered here. Enjoy reading everyone's thoughts. I was able to easily get out onto Meredith Bay (about halfway from Eagle Island to the Town Docks kinda by Sachem Cove) with my snowmobile and Auger. Consistent 6-7" of ice everywhere I checked although admittedly I did not venture out far. And yes i checked many depths of ice on foot before bringing the sled out. Had a great day on the ice. As did Mrs BK and our little one (for about 10 minutes). Never too young to get on the ice!

[Blue Thunder]

Originally Posted by MAXUM

Well I got to thinking, ya know leave it to me to screw up taking pictures... everyone can probably use a little laugh at my expense, and I'm still not sure how I did this, but my fingers were really cold and I'm trying to take a picture and what do you know the darn thing takes a picture of me instead. I'm still not sure how I did it - guess one of these days I should read the directions on how to use that stupid thing! Never claimed to be the sharpest knife in the drawer

Well Maxum, that picture would be considered a "selfie" which is the rage on Twitter these days....you are more progressive than you give yourself credit for.

BT

[Slickcraft]

Well just down the road from the point looking over the motel. The often last to freeze section between the point and Welch has a small area that has the appearance of open water. More likely it froze over last night in the calm cold air but at over 1/2 mile away it is hard to tell.

I suppose that I should have walked out to check, it just didn't occur to me at the time.

[Blue Thunder]

Here is an excellent view of where the ice situation stands looking from space.
Winnipesaukee in the center and Sebago Lake to the right.
BT

[IceoutNH]

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

[NYCtoLSP]

Originally Posted by Blue Thunder

Here is an excellent view of where the ice situation stands looking from space.
Winnipesaukee in the center and Sebago Lake to the right.
BT

I know! I was looking at that image today too and thought that there must still be a lot of open water out there. Too bad none of the webcams are focused in those areas.

[MAXUM]

Originally Posted by JB Long Island

Also cut holes yesterday, honest 6in of ice off Wildwood beautiful sunset.
Maxum- I believe my son and I were the two guys at the top of Mt Shaw alongside you yesterday - small world.

Awesome! I hope you had a good day riding we certainly did. Perfect weekend to get out there and enjoy the great outdoors.

[CAVU]

Talked to a guy, I guess around Suissevale/States landing, the ice is 2 1/2 ft thick.. Depending on the conditions tomorrow I may take the hand auger out and see for myself..

[chipj29]

Originally Posted by CAVU

Talked to a guy, I guess around Suissevale/States landing, the ice is 2 1/2 ft thick.. Depending on the conditions tomorrow I may take the hand auger out and see for myself..

2 1/2 feet? 30"? I find that hard to believe.

[Blue Thunder]

Originally Posted by chipj29

2 1/2 feet? 30"? I find that hard to believe.

me too.....

[Merrymeeting]

Originally Posted by chipj29

2 1/2 feet? 30"? I find that hard to believe.

Has it ever been anything more than about 18"?

[steve c]

over 3 ft.............1988

[mikea]

Originally Posted by CAVU

Talked to a guy, I guess around Suissevale/States landing, the ice is 2 1/2 ft thick.. Depending on the conditions tomorrow I may take the hand auger out and see for myself..

Was this guy a 'fisherman' by any chance ...

[CAVU]

Originally Posted by mikea

Was this guy a 'fisherman' by any chance ...

hahaha, he is.. It was at States landing, they actually drilled close to the beach to gauge the depth and the hit the sand first. Frozen to the bottom. I want to go out and drill some holes and see for myself. I was going to go today but, its just miserable out. Dangerous driving too, I went past a car at states landing and shannon brook, the guy went off the road, nearly into the brook!! they we're towing him out and doing some heavy duty sanding.. I'll go tomorrow, I will report back and post pics for proof... FYI, it has frozen up this area since around thanksgiving, It may not be that far fetched..

[MAXUM]

All the more reason for folks to be careful out there, it may very well be 2.5 feet thick in one place yet areas in the broads are still open water. To many assume oh it's plenty good here and expect that to be the case across the board. Those are usually the ones that end up in the drink!

[CrownRay]

So, what's the early prognosis on the Pond Hockey event? Looks like it should be good to go this year on Meredith bay? Always a great weekend!

[FLAG!]

This weather is driving me crazy. I'm finally getting to head to Wolfeboro to do a little riding and maybe some ice fishing. Now we get 50+ degrees and rain (here in central mass). I know it's going to get cold again, but should I be worried about the trails losing what snow they had or is the base solid enough to survive a day of warmth and water?

Also, has anyone seen ice houses or snowmobiles on the lake in Wolfeboro?

[tis]

It doesn't look good. The lake looks like it is going to be mostly ice now and I bet the trails are thin although I don't know that. The rain did a number on the snow.

[HellRaZoR004]

The freeze tonight is going to be great for ice skating....not so much for liquid cooled sled

[hilltopper]

Originally Posted by FLAG!

This weather is driving me crazy. I'm finally getting to head to Wolfeboro to do a little riding and maybe some ice fishing. Now we get 50+ degrees and rain (here in central mass). I know it's going to get cold again, but should I be worried about the trails losing what snow they had or is the base solid enough to survive a day of warmth and water?

From what I can see the trails in Meredith held their base...still all white with no/very little brown to be seen. If you had a fan cooled sled with a studded track you could probably ride today. If not you will probably want to wait for a few inches of snow (which I don't see in the forecast anytime soon).

[ghfromaltonbay]

Glad to see the snow and ice are holding on the trails and the lake. Hard to believe, but today it's actually colder here in NJ. Right now it's 8 degrees in Clifton and the WeirsCam is showing 11. We were at 55 around 1 am on Monday and the temps plummeted to 28 by 9 pm that evening. This a.m. we hit a low of 6 before dawn. No wonder our newspaper had an article about "the experts" changing the term of "global warming" to "climate change".

[Merrymeeting]

Originally Posted by ghfromaltonbay

Glad to see the snow and ice are holding on the trails and the lake.

While the trails may still have some hardpack base, don't assume the lake does. It is actually amazing how much snow was lost yesterday, especially on the ice. Most lake areas are now in great shape for skating, but not so much for riding.

The lake is mostly solid ice right now.

[TJNed]

So... Has Ice in been declared yet?

[Lakegeezer]

Originally Posted by TJNed

So... Has Ice in been declared yet?

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

[ishoot308]

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

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

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

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

Dan

[Slickcraft]

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

[dippasan]

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

Thanks

[Slickcraft]

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

[Bear Island South]

Originally Posted by HellRaZoR004

The freeze tonight is going to be great for ice skating....not so much for liquid cooled sled

Looks like we will have to strap the skates on to get over to the island.

[CampChaos]

Hello, was wondering if anyone has been out of Sheps yet? I was thinking I might make a run for my Camp on the point of Deep Cove and was wondering if the landing in the back was frozen. Last year they were pulling a barge apart and the circulator off the docks kept it open for most of the season. Also have they turned down the circulator on the Cattle docks? Last year there was open water between the cattle and bear?

[CAVU]

Well I went out in search of the elusive 2 1/2ft of ice up by suissevale. First I hadn't use my ice auger in about 10yrs. Needless to say the blades were a bit dull. Second issue I had is I didn't go out far enough. I tend to forgot how much drop the lake in fall I got down to about 15in before I sand.. However, that hole took a good half hour to dig and I was pretty cold. So, I'm going to sharpen the blades and go out again tomorrow.. Attached are a couples, one with the measurement of 13in, the other just a random pic of auger.
In any event I would say its pretty safe up here.. It would great for ice skates.

[Merrymeeting]

I talked to some ice fishermen on Merrymeeting today. They were reporting about 9" close to where a stream enters. It's probably close to 12" in most areas.

No sign of snow anywhere on the ice. The surface is smooth enough that you could skate the length of the lake if desired.

[Webbsatwinni]

Any updates on the open water? Can't see it on any cams.

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by Webbsatwinni

Any updates on the open water? Can't see it on any cams.

I just spoke with my sister in law who is at my house in Gilford. She said there is still open water in the same place where Slickcraft shows in his picture...

Dan

[Slickcraft]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

I just spoke with my sister in law who is at my house in Gilford. She said there is still open water in the same place where Slickcraft shows in his picture...

Dan

If anything that wedge of open water is even wider today. It starts narrow at the south end of Welch and then widens considerably nearing the northeast side of Diamond. What is going on??

First is the very plausible theory by ishoot308 that it is the motel hot tub at blame.

2nd there is the mundane appeal to physics: the same NW wind that causes a pressure ridge just off shore from Welch has opened a lead in the ice, sort of fan shaped from the origin at south Welch. Yawn.

3rd and most likely: a new geothermal vent has opened! Now here in West Alton sits the center of an ancient volcano, Rattlesnake is part of the outer ring dike. And the center of the Ossipee range was also an ancient volcano. And things are heating up in Middle Earth with the possibility that Sauron is regaining strength at this very time. There have been past stories of strange goings on along the north side of Diamond. So we will have to keep careful watch on that open wedge of water.

[Hamiltony]

Originally Posted by CampChaos

Hello, was wondering if anyone has been out of Sheps yet? I was thinking I might make a run for my Camp on the point of Deep Cove and was wondering if the landing in the back was frozen. Last year they were pulling a barge apart and the circulator off the docks kept it open for most of the season. Also have they turned down the circulator on the Cattle docks? Last year there was open water between the cattle and bear?

Went out to Bear from cattle last year, if you head into the woods to the south of the Cattle ramp you should be able to get onto solid ice about a hundred feet that way. My brothers and I did last year, and there was no problem walking over to Bear once we got onto the ice. This was much later in the year (early March), but that's my best advice for getting around the circulator at cattle.

[FLAG!]

I was in Wolfeboro this past weekend and we were disapointed by the weather on Saturda. Lots of rain prevented us from doing what we really wanted to do. Sunday I took the kids ice fishing for about 2 hours on Crescent lake. Easily 12+ inches of ice, but that shouldn't come a s a surprise. I think that little lake froze over in November. The wind and the 2 inches of water on the ice prevented it from being very comfortable for the kids. We managed a couple perch and a pickerel. We'll hit it again this weekend. Hopefully there will be some snow on the ice. When I left sunday afternoon there was still 8 - 10 inches of snow on the ground. Is that going to survive the week?

[BroadHopper]

Winni becoming a geothermal hot spring? Year round boating!

[Merrymeeting]

Originally Posted by FLAG!

When I left sunday afternoon there was still 8 - 10 inches of snow on the ground. Is that going to survive the week?

Much of it gone already. The rain today and the temps for until the weekend will melt more. And no big storms in sight.

[PaugusBayFireFighter]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

Winni becoming a geothermal hot spring? Year round boating!

Not to mention... Snow Monkeys will be a lot of fun to swim with !!!

[snowflake]

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

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by snowflake

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

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

Going to be a while still...

Dan

[mcdude]

Originally Posted by FLAG!

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

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

[ishoot308]

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

Dan

[Webbsatwinni]

Broads at 1:15 pm today.

[chachee52]

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

[tis]

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

[FLAG!]

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

[dippasan]

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

Thanks

[FLAG!]

Originally Posted by dippasan

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

Thanks

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

[dippasan]

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

Thanks

[FLAG!]

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

[dowshill]

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

[Slickcraft]

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

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

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

[pcmc]

Originally Posted by Slickcraft

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

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

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

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

[secondcurve]

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

[NHWakesurfer]

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

[Slickcraft]

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

[SIKSUKR]

It must be the Geothermal Vortex.

[pcmc]

Originally Posted by dippasan

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

Thanks

Sorry to veer in the wrong direction again!

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

[Blue Thunder]

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

BT

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

[Slickcraft]

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

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

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

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

[upthesaukee]

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

[Slickcraft]

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

[pko57]

Does anyone know if the lake is frozen in the Barber Pole area? Specifically between Tuftonboro Neck and Little Birch Island/Cow Island, near Orchard Cove...We are visiting from Florida this weekend, staying up near Mt. Washington, and wondering if it's worth the trip down to the lake to try and hike over to our place on Cow Island..............if it's not frozen, we probably won't drive down. We have tried the last two years unsuccessfully, always in late January. Maybe we are coming too early? Thanks for any info!

[dippasan]

Originally Posted by pcmc

Sorry to veer in the wrong direction again!

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

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

[secondcurve]

Originally Posted by pko57

Does anyone know if the lake is frozen in the Barber Pole area? Specifically between Tuftonboro Neck and Little Birch Island/Cow Island, near Orchard Cove...We are visiting from Florida this weekend, staying up near Mt. Washington, and wondering if it's worth the trip down to the lake to try and hike over to our place on Cow Island..............if it's not frozen, we probably won't drive down. We have tried the last two years unsuccessfully, always in late January. Maybe we are coming too early? Thanks for any info!

I'd be shocked if that area weren't frozen solid but I haven't been there so I can't say for sure. Can someone please answer this question for our newest member?

[pcmc]

Originally Posted by dippasan

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

Thankyou, and I appreciate your additional suggestions.

[ishoot308]

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

Dan

[HellRaZoR004]

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

[Pine Island Guy]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

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

Dan

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

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

brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr it's cold -PIG

[Slickcraft]

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

[FLAG!]

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

[Island Girl]

Must be underwater serpents keeping the water moving.

It does seem strange.

IG

[Island Girl]

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

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

[Merrymeeting]

Originally Posted by FLAG!

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

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

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

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

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

[dowshill]

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

[SIKSUKR]

This is bizarre.

[webmaster]

Originally Posted by dowshill

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

If you want to discuss electric service please start another thread. This is the Ice-In thread.

[HellRaZoR004]

This was from 1hr ago:

[nightrider]

The area between Welch and Diamond contains the deepest point of the lake. It would make sense that this area would take the longest to turn over and cool before freezing.

[Merrymeeting]

Originally Posted by nightrider

The area between Welch and Diamond contains the deepest point of the lake. It would make sense that this area would take the longest to turn over and cool before freezing.

Same for much smaller Merrymeeting. 140+' depth area is the last to freeze (about a week ago)

[Sandy Island fan]

I realize that I may take some flack for this, but....
there appears to be enough ice on the rest of the lake for ice fishing. There's ice for the planes to land. Seems like a little open water in the Broads isn't hurting anyone, but may leave a place for the wind to grab an edge when it's time to move towards ice out.
IMO, it's a great balance between those that wanted ice, and those - like me - that are waiting for ice out.

[pcmc]

Originally Posted by Sandy Island fan

I realize that I may take some flack for this, but....
there appears to be enough ice on the rest of the lake for ice fishing. There's ice for the planes to land.

I took a ride to the lake on Friday to check on the cottage. When driving through Meredith, I couldn't believe how close some bob houses are to the open water near the town docks. I suppose if its safe its safe.


IMO, it's a great balance between those that wanted ice, and those - like me - that are waiting for ice out.

Hahaha fair enough.

EDIT: I want to point out A PART of my reply is posted WITHIN the QUOTED area of this post. "I took a ride to the lake......" I tried to reply to two separate parts of SIF's post.

[Sandy Island fan]

Thanks for clarifying, pcmc. Just in case our facilities director thought I had snatched the camp snow mobile to take a run out....

[ishoot308]

Here's a couple more pics just taken of the open water area Southeast of Welch Island.

While the area is shrinking it is still quite massive at approximately 1/2 mile in length x 1/4 mile wide.

In the second pic you can see some hardcore fisherman and their bob houses in the lower left.

I have spent the weekend on Welch island fishing and I am amazed that on the West and North side of the island I saw at least a dozen full size trucks driving all over the ice...the other side, open water!!

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Dan

[Hamiltony]

Has anyone been out on the ice between Cattle Landing and Bear Island? I'm planning to come up in a few weeks, and I'm hoping someone has been out to make sure the ice is safe. Also, what is the snow cover like on the island (debating renting snowshoes).

Thanks!

[MAXUM]

Originally Posted by Hamiltony

Has anyone been out on the ice between Cattle Landing and Bear Island? I'm planning to come up in a few weeks, and I'm hoping someone has been out to make sure the ice is safe. Also, what is the snow cover like on the island (debating renting snowshoes).

Thanks!

Yes I was out there last weekend, rode by cattle landing on my snow machine. Ice is plenty safe with about 2-3 inches of snow on the ice. Granted I didn't stop at cattle landing to see what the area around the dock looks like, but there are plenty of places to get on the ice around there.

The snow on the ground is mostly hard packed with a dusting or so of fresh powder on top. Easy enough to walk on without snowshoes.

Just be aware that parts of Bear Island are without power. I called the coop and they are aware of it but they told me they are waiting until they feel the ice is safe enough before sending any crews out.