Lake starting to freeze

[Mink Islander]

Actually, what happens is water becomes more dense as it cools (and therefore the colder water sinks) until about 39 degrees. Then it reverses. Below that temp, the colder water actually becomes LESS dense so it floats above the warmer water below. That's why ice forms on top of water that is above freezing. Coves and ponds freeze sooner because there's less water volume that has to cool to 39 degrees before the trasition to surface freezing can occur. So watch for the lake water to hit 39 degrees -- full lake freezing accelerates from there (air temps and wind levels depending).