Ice-out Watch 2005
 

I have created an ice-out watch page on rattlesnakecam.com. You can see ice out progress from one page. I only included cams that best depict the Lake Winnipesaukee progress. If you want another cam included, please submit a comment from any Snake Eyes page

Here is the link:
http://www.rattlesnakecam.com/iceout.htm

Enjoy

Fabulous!
 

Fabulous idea, IG!!! You've chosen a great group of cams to view the progression of Ice Out. The larger views are much easier to see all at once, too!

Thanks a million!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I Agree!
 

Nice job, IG. With your new web page it will be easy to monitor changes in the ice conditions at various locations during the next several weeks, as it darkens and begins to break up. Wonder where we'll see it start to recede first!

My guess would be all the cams like Wolfeboro, Weirs, Anchor, and the others where there is already some open water will show noticeable increases in that open water. Then the Bear cam and Pine island cam with movement around those islands. Alas, sweet princess, the beloved snake eyes will see the end, but then again, perhaps the "Great Smile" will be saving the best for last!!!

Ice Out Cams
 

Nice job IG, will watch daily until.....

Silver Sands Cam??
 

Last year, I was watching the cams, hoping for an early ice out. There was a cam at Siver Sands but I don't see it listed anywhere this year. I went to the marina's web page and the Lake Links (cams), and nothing listed. Anyway, they got me good last year as they posted a prior year's picture on April 1ST showing no ice. I was hoopin' and hoolerin' down here in CT when I realized that I'd been had. One of the best jokes on me ever! Anyone know what happened to that cam?? :laugh:

Silver Sands
 

I think someone takes a picture every day and posts it on a webpage. I think an earlier poster asked and they will begin posting as soon as there is something to see, like ice changes.

I will have a link to that page from the IceOut Watch page when it is up.

Great idea, Island Girl! Thanks for all your hard work! Those of us who can't get to the lake on a regular basis really appreciate what you do.

Great job with the ICE-OUT watch!! :D

And it's already starting...
 

Here's a look down at the edge of Alton's "Back Bay" on the south side of rte 11 next to the Advent Campground. Notice the ice breaking away from shore here in this quiet cove. In a few places it was 18-24 inches from the shore. Also could notice the lake level down two feet or so...of course we have a flood watch for Monday into Tuesday due to the rain coming in on 3-28 & 3-29.

It's Happening Near Ames Farm Inn, Too
 

On our drive to Waldo Peppers for lunch last Friday, we noticed the ice receding from the sandy shoreline in places near Ames Farm, too.

We're supposed to get a lot of rain tomorrow, and that should help melt the ice as well.

And at Langley Cove, too!
 

Each day I notice the open water in Langley Cove getting more and more visible. It started as a little fissure, and has now grown to quite a wide open area. :D

Ice Out 2005
 

nhboat.com has started their "Ice Out 2005" watch. You can view it by the following link: http://www.nhboat.com/dailyupdate05.htm. They are predicting a late ice out, more like 2001, because of the snow cover on the lake. Time will tell... ;)

Just came back from running some errands and noticed that in Paugus Bay, the ice has receded to around Lili's. Cracks are starting to become visible, and all the snow cover is gone. The ice is starting to get that dark to greyish color.

Still a couple of bob houses by Saunders Bay.

Silver Sands Ice Out Pictures
 

Silver Sands is posting pictures as of 3/26.

Big change
 

Boy, did yesterday's rain change the ice!

It went from a white-to-grey color to black standing water covering about ¼ of the surface.

'Course, even that change will change.
:rolleye2:

Great idea
 

Thanks Island Girl!!! Know I don't have to search for all the cams. What a great idea.

Math and the lake level
 

Did I do the math right... the lake rose over 4" in the last couple of days?

http://water.usgs.gov/nh/nwis/uv?dd_...te_no=01080000

Yes, you did the math right. According to the graph, the lake rose .33 of a foot between 3/27 and 3/30, which is 4".

Satellite Images of Ice Cover
 

This link shows a current image (within a day) of New England. THe Lake shows as white (the ice coverage). It will be interesting to watch as spring goes forward.

Be patient, the image takes a minute or two to load.

http://rapidfire.sci.gsfc.nasa.gov/s...terra.250m.jpg

4 inch rise
 

IG, don't forget the ground is frozen, so all the rain plus the ice/snowmelt has been basically running right into the lake, not only from the streams, rivers, brooks, etc. , but just plain running off the land around the lake and right into the lake.

this kind of weather must absolutely drive the Lakeport Dam operators nuts, trying to anticipate how much of a rise or fall the weather is going to create. I think they do a marvelous job and my hat's off to them. Now if they could just get this ice to melt just a little faster, we could open up the gates a little more, and let Manchester worry about it!!!!!!:D

Very interesting, indeed...
 

Notice that rainfall is at or below 1995 - 2004 average rainfall... :rolleye2:

You'll also notice that outflow has decreased noticeably. :eek:

New addition to Ice-Out Page from Snake Eyes
 

In case you did not notice, there have been several links added to the ice-out page over the last week.

In addition to that a new image can be viewed at the bottom of the page. This is a shot from a secret location in West Alton. This picture will be updated somewhat like upthesaukee's Baywatch and the Silver Sands pictures.

This outstanding photographer promises to take a new picture daily maybe! (time and weather permitting)

Go take a look

http://www.rattlesnakecam.com/iceout.htm

I like the West Alton Digi-cam. It is interesting to see the ice movement from shore already. Thanks for the baywatch link and I will also try to keep pictures coming. Shortly, I will have to change my perspective to the side of the bay as the ice moves out towards the bandstand and further (kinda like a mobile cam! :rolleye1: )

Again, thanks for your efforts and keep up the good work.

He's definitely not an "outstanding photographer", but thanks anyway!! :laugh:

One additional note ... from IG's Ice-Out page you can click on the West Alton Digi-Cam picture and view the sequence of daily photos.

Ice-Off?
 

Some folks are waiting for "Ice-Out".

Others are waiting for "Ice-Off":

Meredith Bay
 

Here's a couple from Meredith Bay late this morning. The first is from the town docks, the second one is from the park. The ice is dark grey to black and there are a lot of big cracks starting to show. The last one is from Lili's dock in Paugus Bay. I'll try to keep up with the progress. If anyone has any suggestions for other vantage points, let me know.

Speaking of a frozen margarita...
 

Wow, that's an awesome shot, makes me thirsty for spring!

Where & when on Winni (or the Lakes region) was this shot taken? :confused:

Bon apetit! :liplick:

Calling the Ice Out experts!!
 

OK, all you ice out experts, can we still really be weeks away from ice out with all that dark ice?? It looks like the heavy rain has accelerated the process.

BT :D :D

Thanks for the ice update!
 

Thanks for the photos PBR! It's wonderful to see the ice melting away. It's definitely helping to build excitement of ice-out.
With all the webcams and now different vantage shots, we are getting spoiled.
Hopefully there will be lots of warm sunny days in our future.

As the resident ice expert, I can tell you that my Ice-Out guess is April 5th. :rolleye2:

In any case, three snowmobiles went by here yesterday, and two ATVs. (One snowmobiler quickly returned, maybe for his helmet).

Are you kidding me? That many sailboats in one place on Winnipesaukee? I'll give you still another photographic clue:

APS, you might want to start throwing rocks, boiling the water, or churning the water, because I doubt you'll get your guess...however, if you want to wait oh say 12 days, my ice out guess is April 16. . . (Crosses fingers)

CAN'T WAIT!!! :D

:) :) Island Girl-- You are SPECIAL. Thank You for the ice out update and the wonderful pics. I live in Florida and can't wait to get to the lake!!-- Our first trip this year will be in three weeks. Maybe we can toast the " ice out"-- although it looks like it will be early this year. Thanks again- and God Bless!!

Smith Cove and Lincoln Park Today
 

As of today here is how it looked at Smith Cove and from Lincoln Park in Gilford. After our vist here it was off for the Famous Lobster Roll and a visit with Pepper!

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...ove_4-5-05.JPG
Note: Below the bright white strip with blue in the middle - the blue is open water!
http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...ord_4-5-05.JPG
And the boats are being de-winterized
http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...ady_4-5-05.JPG

won't be long now...can not wait for the first launch of the boat.

Great photos Just Sold. Big smiles here seeing the ice melting away.

Ok, The pictures are looking promising.....the itch to get the boat in the water is getting more intense....Now where is the wind to really break things up.......

As an aside IG thanks for putting the iceout web page together....I don't get to the lake near enough this time of year.....and it nice to get a daily update from various points on the lake..........

First Boater?
 

My boat went in yesterday -- a sure sign of Spring -- and a beautiful sunny day to boot.

If only I'd thought ahead, I'd have put the kayak in. It would fit under the only dock that's iced in here -- and blocking me from a ¼ to ½-mile ice-free stretch of shoreline to explore.

Am I THE FIRST of www.winnipesaukee.com 's registered users to become a Winnipesaukee boater in 2005? (I have pictures).

APS

Glad to hear it! You're certainly ahead of me.

Silver Duck

Stiil In The Cradle!
 

My boat is snug in its cradle awaiting the removal of the larger boats stored on the floor behind mine. They are working very fast to get those larger boats out so I hope to be ready when Ice Out occurs. I have the work order already in to de-winterize her.

I took this picture at the Gilford Docks today looking North. Ice is very black but not close to being out yet. The MP has not launched any of their boats either. All of the MP docks are clear of ice.
http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...cks_4_7_05.JPG