As I've mentioned before, Merrymeeting tracks Winnipesaukee fairly closely on Ice-Out, water temps, and ice formation.
Merrymeeting skimmed over in many places just after Christmas. But then the winds came up and opened everything up again. Since then we've had a recurring cycle of some ice formation during the calm nights, followed by breakup during the day as the winds drive the ice pieces east.
The eastern shore is frozen about 100' out due to the constant accumulation of ice from other parts of the lake. But it is a very rough, thin, jumbled cover, and really being hammered by winds and waves this afternoon.
Unfortunately, the snow forecast for all the lakes tomorrow will create a snow cover over all these thin areas, creating the illusion of safety that will tempt some. I expect we'll hear a few through-the-ice news reports next week.
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