Winnipesaukee Forum - View Single Post - Ice Report 1-9-1010

NoBozo · 01-13-2010, 08:56 PM

Can't say how it is when you GO IN with a Sled. I CAN say how it is when you go in with an Iceboat.

There is a little thing I haven't seen on this Forum that I feel inclined to mention. It's a condition we used to call SHELL ICE. Probably occurs in Elderly (Older) Ice.. the Ice Plates want to Expand...there is no place for the ice to go except UP..OR DOWN. SO it will POP UP.. and you have a "Pressure Ridge". If it POPS Down..it will dive below the lake water level and water will "well up" over the ice and form a small pond...which will freeze at night into light ice crystals which will support NOTHING.

If you drive or sail into this the next day you will probably not go swimming but you WILL get WET. With a wooden Iceboat the Shell Ice will act like razor blades and Chew Up your boat.

In either case you will "Likely" not be in danger of going swimming..BUT you would rather not have the experience.

NB

PS: Comments from an Old Coot who has been there..and would like to pass on my experiences.

01-13-2010, 08:56 PM	#25
NoBozo Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Portsmouth. RI Posts: 2,231 Thanks: 400 Thanked 460 Times in 308 Posts	Can't say how it is when you GO IN with a Sled. I CAN say how it is when you go in with an Iceboat. There is a little thing I haven't seen on this Forum that I feel inclined to mention. It's a condition we used to call SHELL ICE. Probably occurs in Elderly (Older) Ice.. the Ice Plates want to Expand...there is no place for the ice to go except UP..OR DOWN. SO it will POP UP.. and you have a "Pressure Ridge". If it POPS Down..it will dive below the lake water level and water will "well up" over the ice and form a small pond...which will freeze at night into light ice crystals which will support NOTHING. If you drive or sail into this the next day you will probably not go swimming but you WILL get WET. With a wooden Iceboat the Shell Ice will act like razor blades and Chew Up your boat. In either case you will "Likely" not be in danger of going swimming..BUT you would rather not have the experience. NB PS: Comments from an Old Coot who has been there..and would like to pass on my experiences.