Ice Report

[Merrymeeting]

Figured I'd start the first thread with this title for the 04-05 Winter, both for the formation over the next few weeks, and the melting come Spring.

Looks like it will be a bit longer. Currently 56 degrees with very high winds predicted tonight. I expect we'll see a lot of the ice that has formed along the edges break up and disappear over the next day or so.

[Misty Blue]

Dear merrymeeting, great idea!

We have an accepted definition for "ice out".

How come we don't have one for "ice in"?

Might I suggest ice in occurs when all of the ramps are frozen in and it is impossible to launch a boat?

Just a thought.

Misty

[trfour]

The latest Lake water temp is 36 degrees.. Ice in?... My guess would be late January 31-2005.... This guess would include the entire Lake.

I am looking foward to watching Snake Eyes, to see the ice form!

[Island Girl]

.... is when I can get to my camp by snowmobile; which means the broads is thick enough for me to feel safe.

Snake Eyes will surely help this year. Keep watching!

[cowislander]

Thinking of dropping the boat in this week for a quick trip to the island.....anybody know if the ramp at Harillas is clear?

[trfour]

Originally Posted by Island Girl

.... is when I can get to my camp by snowmobile; which means the broads is thick enough for me to feel safe.

Snake Eyes will surely help this year. Keep watching!

And when I see the bob houses and pickup trucks out there, then and only then, will I ride my sled out onto the Lake! "I have always trusted the fishermen and when they are out there, It is safe, Trust Them!" I have enjoyed so many snowmobile rides over and across this Great Lake, to all points of destination, mostly the Northern Mountains, Ossipees and such.
I thank them all for all of the adventures that they give to everyone here in Winter!

[Janet]

Looks like some icing forming off the shoreline on the Wolfecam.

[Grant]

Wentwowrth is frozen (has been for nearly a week), and now ice is creeping across Wolfeboro Bay, and is visible on the Bear Island Cam as well. Nearly every web cam shows evidence -- and with temps this morning at a balmy 9 degrees, it won't be long now...barring any warm fronts.

[Chris Exley]

In talking to some friends on Mirror lake they said (as of last week) that the lake was frozen an inch thick all over.

[Rattlesnake Gal]

Last Sunday, the 19th, Alton Bay was ice to Sandy Point, which now has wind blown snow on top. Today smooth, black ice extends to Echo Point.
Winter Harbor looks like there is ice all over. People were skating at Carry Beach.
Robert’s Cove is frozen and along Scenic Drive in Gilford, the ice is slushy near the shore.
Looking from the dock in Wolfeboro, there is some ice forming to the left of them, extending out a short way.


Robert's Cove

Scenic Drive

[gtxrider]

It appears the from the WOLFECAM that Wolfeboro Bay is iced in.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

[Misty Blue]

It's around noon on Jan 2nd and the wind has been blowing from the south all morning.

The Ice in Braun Bay is broken up and from long point there is clear blue water for as far as I can see. Sorry Island Folks. It will be a while till you can make it to your places.

As a side note this week has been a lot of fun. Many of our Summer neighbors have come up for the holidays and the extra activity has been exciting. Sort of a mix of our local F-150s, subarus and visitor Beemers! Fun.

Misty Blue

[DRH]

The ice fishermen have been active on Alton Bay this weekend in the vicinity of the bandstand and the Mt. Washington dock. I didn't see any snowmobiles or other vehicles on the ice there, but they do have a bob house or two set up. (Sorry folks, I didn't have my camera with me when I went by!)

[Zee]

Went by 19 Mile Bay late this morning. I was shocked to see bob houses and at least two cars out on the ice. We also heard snowmobiles out on the ice New Year's eve. From where we were we could hear that they were screaming across the lake in either 19 or 20 mile bay. Considering the fact that the next day there was open water visable in the distance where there was ice before would make me think twice about being out there yet.

[upthesaukee]

DRH -- I too saw the action on the bay...and had my camera the second time I went by the end of the bay. Stopped over by the Alton town beach to snap a pic or two and yelled out to two guys drilling new holes just out from Harmony park...they said it was about 5 inches thick there. Can't imagine it being much thicker over by the bandstand and Mt Washington dock. I sure wasn't ready to walk out to see for my self!!!!

[Just Sold]

Even with the temps in the mid 40's today Peggy's Cove on the South side of Echo Pt. is almost completely frozen over. See photo post "Peggy's Cove" The is rest of the bay towards the Broads is open except for coves etc.

Still Thin Ice!

[Vision2000]

Trust me folks, I am as anxious to get out onto the lake as anyone. I even have a new Polaris Snowmobile (for christmas) that I can't wait to use. BUT, I have two web cams at my dock near Brickyard Cove. There is little Ice if any! that could support a loon let alone a person! If we do not get some REALLY COLD, below 0 degree temps. very soon, it will be very unlikely that we will see any Fishing Derby this season. Normally, by now we are all frozen in... We are not, and nor is the rest of the open water around BarnDoor Island. BECAREFUL![/

[Rattlesnake Gal]

Originally Posted by Vision2000

I have two web cams at my dock near Brickyard Cove.

Oh, you tease! Can you share them with us? We just love webcams.

[Grant]

The silver lining in the lack of ice: Perhaps fewer cars and trucks will fall through the ice this winter.

And maybe we can avoid another stolen car being torched on the Broads. That was so...so...Philadelphia....

[Island Girl]

Check out Snake Eyes, BearCam. WeirsCam and the others.... there is ice forming out there!

I am winging my way back to MA today... into a lovely snowstorm.. I will just keep thoughts of the lake as I fly across the country.

Cheers all..

[DRH]

Have a safe trip home, IG. It's snowing so hard right now (1:25 PM) we can't even see Sleepers and Treasure Islands! It's only supposed to total 2 - 4" though.

[upthesaukee]

Ditto IG, have a safe flight. Hope your visit out to the NW was great.

[trfour]

Ditto IG. And welcoming you back safely.
We are keeping an eye on Snake Eyes, "A superb addition to the Lakes Web Cams!"

God speed!

[HUH]

Half dozen or so bobhouses on nineteen mile bay.. no thanks

[Island Girl]

There are many bodies of water in the Seattle area, but none as pretty as Winnipesaukee. It would be fun however to take a larger boat and cruise aroung the Puget sound and the Islands there. If you think that the TV weather forecasters go a little loopy when a big snow storm in coming to New England... you should watch the Seattle ones. They were all jumping up and down about the huge storm coming that might actually dump up to 4" on Seattle. Quite funny. Then the snow only came to the mountain towns east of Seattle. We saw no snow. I only get excited when there will be over 12".

Now that I am safely home... my personal countdown to ice-in begins. I am really getting syched to get the sled to NH and buzz around the lake. Thanks trfour for watching Snake Eyes while I was gone!...

It is now 14 degrees at the lake and calm and the lake looks like it will freeze over tonight. The 2pm picture from Snake Eyes showed quite a bit of ice.

It is good to be home.

[trfour]

Originally Posted by Island Girl

There are many bodies of water in the Seattle area, but none as pretty as Winnipesaukee. It would be fun however to take a larger boat and cruise aroung the Puget sound and the Islands there. If you think that the TV weather forecasters go a little loopy when a big snow storm in coming to New England... you should watch the Seattle ones. They were all jumping up and down about the huge storm coming that might actually dump up to 4" on Seattle. Quite funny. Then the snow only came to the mountain towns east of Seattle. We saw no snow. I only get excited when there will be over 12".

Now that I am safely home... my personal countdown to ice-in begins. I am really getting syched to get the sled to NH and buzz around the lake. Thanks trfour for watching Snake Eyes while I was gone!...

It is now 14 degrees at the lake and calm and the lake looks like it will freeze over tonight. The 2pm picture from Snake Eyes showed quite a bit of ice.

It is good to be home.

With your snowmobile, Until you check with me,.......... Okay?
trfour

[Island Girl]

Believe me, I do not go out unitl it is very thick and others have gone before me.

One of the major reasons for Snake Eyes was to see the winter conditions. It is such a thrill to see the ice out there, unsafe as it is now.

How thick is the ice in Alton Bay?

[Island Girl]

Originally Posted by Merrymeeting

Figured I'd start the first thread with this title for the 04-05 Winter, both for the formation over the next few weeks, and the melting come Spring.

Looks like it will be a bit longer. Currently 56 degrees with very high winds predicted tonight. I expect we'll see a lot of the ice that has formed along the edges break up and disappear over the next day or so.

We could just keep repeating this post.

It all just blew away this morning. Take a look. I am so depresssed... although one could look on the bright side... early ice out!

Hopefully the next few days will see a return to ice formation in the broads.

[Grant]

Wow -- what a difference a day makes!

[Island-Ho]

The extended forcast for next week is for a good cold spell. That should firm things up now that most of the lake is covered with some ice.

[Misty Blue]

I just came back form a hike on the Lake. At 128 pounds I managed to soak my right leg to the knee!

Sorry islanders. STAY OFF THE ICE!!!

Heavy rain today that has just turned to snow. The Lake is flowing and anything that is neer a flow spot (between islands, etc.) is undermined,

The measurments that I got were 2-3 inches in the bays and two or less in the open waters. 'Middle of January, who would have figured?

Any way, spend the time getting your snow machines in top shape and we'll look forward to seeing you soon, on the THICK ice!

Misty

[trfour]

After this January thaw, its going to take lots of good old New England cold winter temps to build the ice safe enough to snowmobile from shore to shore here on the Lake! It could take four more weeks!... After that, we are looki'n at (((( SPRING ))))!

[Island Girl]

Here is what the ice looked like at Glendale today. This file requires Windows Media Player and takes a while to download, be patient.

http://www.rattlesnakecam.com/movies...le-1-15-05.wmv

[Just Sold]

Thanks IG. That was a great little movie.

[trfour]

Ditto, Island Girl! (((( Excellent )))) !

[Rattlesnake Gal]

Great video IG, thanks!
This afternoon the ice at Ames Farm is out to the islands. It is very thin and glass like.
There were some people skating on Center Harbor and Alton Bay. Still looks too thin for this chicken!

Center Harbor 1/16/05

[Grant]

With the temp just now breaking the 0 mark, the open spots would definitely freeze over today if the wind would just die down!

I saw on accuweather.com that the mercury is forecast to hit -11 tonight in the region -- so if the winds calm down after dark, that should do the trick!

Y

[DRH]

Originally Posted by Grant

With the temp just now breaking the 0 mark, the open spots would definitely freeze over today if the wind would just die down!

I saw on accuweather.com that the mercury is forecast to hit -11 tonight in the region -- so if the winds calm down after dark, that should do the trick!

Grant's right, but unfortunately the wind isn't supposed to die down very much over the next several days. The wind blew hard all last night and is blowing now at 5 - 15 mph, and even with a temp. of -3 degs at 7:30 AM this morning (it's all the way up to +2 degs. now at 1:45 PM), the wind has seriously eaten away at the ice.

Here's a picture I just took from near Minge Cove looking across the lake toward Parker Island and Jockey Cove in Wolfeboro. All that dark blue stuff is ... open water.

[Island Girl]

The forecast I am reading shows about 11 hours beginning at midnight tonight with no wind and below 0 temperatures.

We can only hope!

[DRH]

Yes, let's hope the forecast you're seeing is the right one!

[Island Girl]

http://wwwa.accuweather.com/adcbin/p...nt=22&metric=0

[Bear Islander]

0 Wind and -11 temp, if that doesn't do it I'll put my boat back in the water.

[trfour]

If todays, and our forecast temps continue, maybe we can have a great Ice fishing derby her again, winter 2005 as well.... If this happens....

Cooking instructions;
#1 Thaw before cooking.

#2 Please cook, out of doors, so as not to make a mess in the kitchen.

Okay?
trfour

[Pepper]

For about the past hour and half there seems to be nearly zero wind. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it stays windless now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Just Sold]

Pepper you just want it to have no wind and no clouds for the "Aurora B" late at night! Hope you get what you are looking for. and dress warm!

[Island Girl]

The view from Snake Eyes and Front Lawn cams show all ice. It is hard to tell about the view from the Broadview cam.. I am hoping that is ice. It is going to get windy again soon, for days.

Was there an aurora last night? I forgot to wake up to look.

[DRH]

Originally Posted by Island Girl

The view from Snake Eyes and Front Lawn cams show all ice. It is hard to tell about the view from the Broadview cam.. I am hoping that is ice. It is going to get windy again soon, for days.

Was there an aurora last night? I forgot to wake up to look.

The entire open water area visible in the picture I posted yesterday is now frozen over.

We checked for the aurora last night at about midnight, but the moon was very bright and we didn't see any northern lights.

[Just Sold]

Snake Eyes view: What a change from yesterday with white caps. I could only see a small patch of blue water today so it looks hopefull IG will get her wish to be able to get to the island soon.

[Grant]

Houston, we have ice-in...

[Merrymeeting]

So, is it time to declare Ice-In? Based on the view from Snake Eyes, things seem to be pretty well locked in.

[Misty Blue]

'Drove from Moultonberry to Alton and saw no open water.This morning I took the small snowmobile out on Braun Bay and headed into the Lake.

The Bay seems very hard. Snow mobile hard, not truck hard.

When I hit the broads I saw nothing but black ice. I'm talking Zamboini quality black ice. If I had my skis on I may have kept going but with a machine with a 150 foot stopping distance and no steering (ice), even a nut like me knows when to call it quits. The trails stink any way.

Heading home I hit this "plate glass" ice, did more donuts than "Dunkin's" and crept back to the barn.

In a quote from "Hill Street Blues" "Let's be careful out there".

Misty

[trfour]

Originally Posted by Misty Blue

'Drove from Moultonberry to Alton and saw no open water.This morning I took the small snowmobile out on Braun Bay and headed into the Lake.

The Bay seems very hard. Snow mobile hard, not truck hard.

When I hit the broads I saw nothing but black ice. I'm talking Zamboini quality black ice. If I had my skis on I may have kept going but with a machine with a 150 foot stopping distance and no steering (ice), even a nut like me knows when to call it quits. The trails stink any way.

Heading home I hit this "plate glass" ice, did more donuts than "Dunkin's" and crept back to the barn.

In a quote from "Hill Street Blues" "Let's be careful out there".

Misty

You got a lot of Onions Kid!!!!


In winter of 2002, I left Paugus Bay on my sled to ride over the Lake and meet with a buddy, ice fishing in the basin, "Winter Harbor Way". At that time the broads ice had just formed. I checked the Lake water temp here at www. winnipesaukee.com and it was at 32 degrees. I knew from the ambeant and Lake water temps that if I did not lallygag over the broads section of the Lake that I would be fine. I have carbide traction and steerage for any ice cnditions for snowmobiling. At the Basin when my buddy and I met up, he said to me, "Man.... the Lake was open water four days ago".....
Well, I said, I didn't stop on my way over, and I ain't going to stop on my way back!

"Don't try this at home", Folks!!!!

[Pine Island Guy]

appreciate the ice report and if it wasn't for the snow prediction, we'd be on the island tomorrow!! too bad to miss that beautiful black ice, would have been great fun... but will be easier on the sleds with the snow...

[goosejr]

There have been bobhouses on Winter Harbor since last weekend, someone was zooming around out there too! I dunno, think I'd be a little nervous out there still. Any "official" reports?

[Mink Islander]

Hiked out to Mink Island on Friday with Bailey, our Portuguese Water Dog and spent the weekend. Brr! minus 7 on Saturday morning. Cut a few holes for some ice fishing. 10+ inches of black ice well out towards Camp and Jolly. 4-6 inches of fluff fell on Saturday night. Only word of caution is that the usual expansion crack is working near cattle landing, so be careful cutting too close/too slow on the Bear Island side over by the first marker. Was pretty wet there yesterday.

Looks like everything's setting up nicely for the fishing derby!

[texas chopper]

Had 9" of ice outside meredith bay 100 yds off shore and 8" at 50 yds. Haven"t seen any trucks yet but a few bobhouses and sleds. Be safe

[BroadHopper]

Just got back from Breckingridge CO. Is the lake completely frozen yet? I'm going up this weekend to try out the sleds.

[Island Girl]

Use with caution, your ice may vary. Black ice in March is not the same as black ice in January.

http://www.almanac.com/edpicks/safeicethickness.html

http://www.mvp-wc.usace.army.mil/ice/ice_load.html

http://www.trailsandtours.com/carehazards.html

http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/dfwice.htm

http://www.inhnews.com/year04/dec/de...thickness.html

[mcdude]

Ice in is officially declared by David Emerson. Click for article

[ApS]

Now why can't we buy signs like these?

[Island Girl]

I have been in the area since Friday night, just waiting for snow so we can take the snowmobile out on the lake. Island Sib and I did go out a bit yesterday and the lake was very very frozen, no slush anywhere. It was extremely rutty with small patches of thin snow. There were very few people out there with those conditions. It was very cold and windy, however not bad out on the sled.

Today is a different story; of course we go home today. We woke up to snow and the noise of an enormous plow (downtown Wolfeboro). That driver is going to make sure there is not one snowflake on the ground. He just keeps going back and forth.

We will get the snowmobile out on the lake for a bit today. If you are going out for the first time, it may look smooth, but the uneven deep ruts are still underneath the light snow cover. Hopefully we will get 8 inches of snow and all will be well!

Signing off and going sledding!

IG

[upthesaukee]

Hope the sledding was good and that you got a lot of good riding in. Nice seeing you and Island Sib along with Mr. & Mrs. DRH at the Winter Fest.

See Ya....

[Merrymeeting]

Funny how the perspective changes with time. It seems hard to believe that it was only about a month ago that much of the lake was still open water and everyone was wondering if it would ever freeze. Now were only 6 days away from the beginning of the ice-out watch (looking to be a long one).

[Merrymeeting]

This weather pattern certainly has me wishing I picked a later date for my ice-out guess. Hard to believe that we are in March and there are no 40+ degree days in sight.

If they can be believed, the long range forecasts show us staying in the low 30's / 20's for quite some time. No melting temps in sight.

I like it for the skiing but in another few weeks I think I'll have had enough.

[Grady223]

Any reports on the thickness of the ice? That would help judge ice out. I agree it is going to be late this year - as it has been the last few years.

[gtxrider]

Any new snow on the lake? The Weather Channel says Concord may get up to 14". I checked SNAKE EYES and it looks ominous.

I cannot believe it was in the 60's her on Monday.

My plans are to be at the lake in mid June will the ice be gone by then?

[Island Girl]

Here on the shores of W. Alton it is snowing heavily. We can no longer see Rattlesnake I. and Sleeper's, Cub and Treasure Islands are just shadows. BOS (Babes on Sleds) will be out tomorrow for what might be my final run of the season. If I took a picture it would be just white. The occupants of this house are probably the only people in the north east who are jumping for joy.

The prediction is an inch an hour until 5-6 pm! Let it snow!

(ice out in 6 weeks)

[ghfromaltonbay]

Island Girl,

I know the occupants of the house are probably doing a snow dance as you said, but please tell them to stop soon, otherwise we will be shoveling our way into the cottage to open up for Memorial Day week.

[gtxrider]

Originally Posted by Island Girl

Here on the shores of W. Alton it is snowing heavily. We can no longer see Rattlesnake I. and Sleeper's, Cub and Treasure Islands are just shadows. BOS (Babes on Sleds) will be out tomorrow for what might be my final run of the season. If I took a picture it would be just white. The occupants of this house are probably the only people in the north east who are jumping for joy.

The prediction is an inch an hour until 5-6 pm! Let it snow!

(ice out in 6 weeks)

Well I guess I will have to trade the SEA DOO for a SKI DOO.

I thought "BOS" was the abbreviation for Boston. There is always something new to learn. I think you need to out to the island there are snow flakes on Snake Eyes.

[Lady Di]

in the snow, at the Snake Eyes Cam. Can it be? Beautiful day there.

[gtxrider]

Are my eyes playing tricks or does it say HI in the snow in front of Snake Eyes?

[DRH]

Originally Posted by gtxrider

Are my eyes playing tricks or does it say HI in the snow in front of Snake Eyes?

Your vision is 20/20, gtxrider!

[Rattlesnake Gal]

What a riot! Don, was it you and Mrs. DRH?
I wonder if IG or anyone caught them doing it? How long has it been there? Wasn't IG up over the weekend?

[DRH]

Originally Posted by Rattlesnake Gal

What a riot! Don, was it you and Mrs. DRH?
I wonder if IG or anyone caught them doing it? How long has it been there? Wasn't IG up over the weekend?

What makes you think it was Mrs. DRH and me, RG??

Here's a hint: We were there when the message was left, but we didn't leave it!

[Island Girl]

..... from all the shuffling around in the snow.

[gtxrider]

While getting my daily supply of lake scenes HI in the snow caught my eye but I was not sure. I thought it was aliens who did it like with crop circles. We all know of the numerous UFO sightings in NH.
It should have been snow angels.