Go Back   Winnipesaukee Forum > Winnipesaukee Forums > General Discussion
Home Forums Gallery Webcams Blogs YouTube Channel Classifieds Calendar Register FAQDonate Members List Today's Posts

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 01-25-2010, 12:32 PM   #1
sportsmaniac38
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 16
Thanks: 2
Thanked 22 Times in 1 Post
Default Rains effect on ice for Derby

With the fishing derby coming up this weekend I was wondering what type of effect the rain will have on the ice. Looking on the webcams looks like a lot of the snow is turning to slush on the ice. I know later on this week the temperature is suppose to drop but will that screw the ice up. This past weekend looked like everything was set up well on the ice. How will it be for snowmobiling on the ice now. I know you need the snow to keep the snowmobile cool so if the snowpack gets hard it will make it tough for the sleds to cool. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
sportsmaniac38 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-25-2010, 10:24 PM   #2
Resident 2B
Senior Member
 
Resident 2B's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: North Shore, MA
Posts: 1,357
Thanks: 994
Thanked 313 Times in 163 Posts
Default

I believe we need the slush on top of the ice to freeze solid and then we need it to get covered with some snow. If it snows before the slush freezes, the snow will likely insulate a layer of slush making getting around a big problem. We need cold, then some snow.

R2B
Resident 2B is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-25-2010, 10:37 PM   #3
upthesaukee
Senior Member
 
upthesaukee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Alton Bay
Posts: 5,599
Blog Entries: 2
Thanks: 2,459
Thanked 1,981 Times in 1,082 Posts
Default Not looking good

It is not looking good for that to happen. A few snow showers on Tuesday the 26th and then clear weather through and including the weekend. Of course, it's New England, and this can change. Oh, and don't shoot the messenger, please.
__________________
I Live Here... I am always UPTHESAUKEE !!!!
upthesaukee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-25-2010, 10:41 PM   #4
Resident 2B
Senior Member
 
Resident 2B's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: North Shore, MA
Posts: 1,357
Thanks: 994
Thanked 313 Times in 163 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by upthesaukee View Post
It is not looking good for that to happen. A few snow showers on Tuesday the 26th and then clear weather through and including the weekend. Of course, it's New England, and this can change. Oh, and don't shoot the messenger, please.
That is why I stayed with what we need, not what we are likely going the get.

If it would only get cold a day or two before forecasted, things might work out, but it looks like the cold gets here too late.

R2B
Resident 2B is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-25-2010, 11:35 PM   #5
trfour
Senior Member
 
trfour's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: The Lakes, Central NH. and Dallas/Fort Worth TX.
Posts: 3,694
Blog Entries: 3
Thanks: 3,069
Thanked 472 Times in 236 Posts
Default Central NH Can Be Prone...

To a January thaw. Those of us who care keep our fingers and tows crossed for it to be cold enough to get over that hump.
We are even more prone when the left coast gets hammered with winter storms, as is going on so far this season.

I think that the Fishing Derby will be a success this year as there is some good ice in the bays.

Mid February should turn things around for us snowmobiler's and bring us into late April with good trail conditions.

____________________

Terry
__________________
trfour

Always Remember, The Best Safety Device In The Boat, or on a PWC Snowmobile etc., Is YOU!

Safe sledding tips and much more; http://www.snowmobile.org/snowmobiling-safety.html
trfour is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links
Old 01-26-2010, 07:14 AM   #6
Lakegeezer
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Moultonboro, NH
Posts: 1,678
Blog Entries: 1
Thanks: 354
Thanked 639 Times in 290 Posts
Default

From the Moultonboro bay area, there is no problem with slush. The lake snow all turned into water and formed big puddles on the lake, which have mostly drained through cracks in the ice. This morning, even though the temp is 33, the lake is smooth, hard ice. No slush - no water. Snowmobiling will be rough without snow, but walking with boot spikes should be fine.
__________________
-lg
Lakegeezer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-26-2010, 08:17 AM   #7
fatlazyless
Senior Member
 
fatlazyless's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 8,755
Blog Entries: 1
Thanks: 300
Thanked 1,010 Times in 736 Posts
Default

For an historical perspective on NH's rainy weather, today's January 26 www.citizen.com has an interview with a UNH geography professor which speaks about the last five year's overly wet & rainy weather, and looks all the way back to 1890. It sure seems like somebody up-stairs has done turned on the 'rainy cycle' and has done let it ride.

On the lighter side, these lake-ice conditions make it a terrific time to get out a golf club driver and a basket of golf balls and go hit the distance out across the lake ice. Used to have a neighbor who liked to tee up from the top of his rock breakwater.......until he moved away to Wolfeboro.
__________________
... down and out, liv'n that Walmart side of the lake!

Last edited by fatlazyless; 01-26-2010 at 09:13 AM.
fatlazyless is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-26-2010, 09:03 AM   #8
ITD
Senior Member
 
ITD's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Moultonboro, NH
Posts: 2,928
Thanks: 476
Thanked 691 Times in 387 Posts
Default

I think we may be in an El nino pattern here, weather experts???
ITD is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-26-2010, 09:16 AM   #9
sportsmaniac38
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 16
Thanks: 2
Thanked 22 Times in 1 Post
Default

Thanks for the response. Any one know if there is any snow left on the ground up there. Down here in Mass it's spotty. You go by one house and it has no snow and the one next store the ground is completely covered still. I would imagine it is the same up there. Any ideas?
sportsmaniac38 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-26-2010, 09:38 AM   #10
jmen24
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,139
Thanks: 223
Thanked 319 Times in 181 Posts
Default

Less, don't hit the golf balls out on the ice. Talking from experience, it is not fun at all being caught off guard by a skipping golf ball traveling close to 100MPH. Although the distance would be unreal, dry air gives you more distance, but think of the guy sitting on a bucket jigging a hole, reaching for his Thermos when; ZAPP!
jmen24 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-26-2010, 09:54 AM   #11
ishoot308
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Gilford, NH / Welch Island
Posts: 6,254
Thanks: 2,392
Thanked 5,283 Times in 2,055 Posts
Default

The ice for the derby will be fine. With no snow in the forecast and low temps of 21 degrees Wednesday, 14 on Thursday and 7 on Friday, the lake should be frozen solid and like a skating rink for derby weekend.

Good luck to all participants!

Dan
ishoot308 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-26-2010, 10:06 AM   #12
Yosemite Sam
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Lakes Region
Posts: 395
Thanks: 81
Thanked 95 Times in 56 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by jmen24 View Post
Less, don't hit the golf balls out on the ice. Talking from experience, it is not fun at all being caught off guard by a skipping golf ball traveling close to 100MPH. Although the distance would be unreal, dry air gives you more distance, but think of the guy sitting on a bucket jigging a hole, reaching for his Thermos when; ZAPP!

HOUSE BILL 1500
AN ACT relative to hitting golf balls onto any Lake in NH
SPONSORS: jmen24
COMMITTEE: Resources, Recreation and Development
ANALYSIS
This bill establishes restrictions on the hitting golf balls on any Lake in NH

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Ten
AN ACT relative to hitting golf balls
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

1. Don't hit the golf balls out on the ice. Talking from experience, it is not fun at all being caught off guard by a skipping golf ball traveling close to 100MPH. Although the distance would be unreal, dry air gives you more distance, but think of the guy sitting on a bucket jigging a hole, reaching for his Thermos when; ZAPP!

2. Effective Date. This act shall take effect January 1, 2011.
Yosemite Sam is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-26-2010, 11:12 AM   #13
fatlazyless
Senior Member
 
fatlazyless's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 8,755
Blog Entries: 1
Thanks: 300
Thanked 1,010 Times in 736 Posts
Default

Want to go hit some winter golf? The Waterville Valley par-3 golf course is showing lots of green grass................fore!

Yesterday's big rain reduced the open trails at the downhill ski mountain from 46 to 38.

WV cross country went from 40-km of groomed & tracked trails to about 4-km of iffy, washed out, hard-icy skiing over on the corner closer to the mt.

Oh well.....the weather rules.....whatcha gonna do?
__________________
... down and out, liv'n that Walmart side of the lake!
fatlazyless is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-26-2010, 11:19 AM   #14
Merrymeeting
Senior Member
 
Merrymeeting's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Merrymeeting Lake, New Durham
Posts: 2,226
Thanks: 302
Thanked 800 Times in 368 Posts
Default

My neighbor does this, but he purchased floating golf balls and he goes for a swim after his workout.

Of course, this works much better in July and August when he does it.
Merrymeeting is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-26-2010, 11:22 AM   #15
Resident 2B
Senior Member
 
Resident 2B's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: North Shore, MA
Posts: 1,357
Thanks: 994
Thanked 313 Times in 163 Posts
Default

Back on subject, I just finished a ride down to Alton and then back up to Meredith. The ice looks clear of slush everywhere. It is also clear of snow.

This is good news as I expected to see a lot of slush.

We now need the weather to get cold, which it is forecasted to do. A two inch or more topping of snow whould be great for the sleds. That might come Thursday night.

All in all, ice conditions are much better than I expected to see.

R2B
Resident 2B is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-26-2010, 11:38 AM   #16
John A. Birdsall
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Norwich, CT
Posts: 599
Thanks: 27
Thanked 51 Times in 35 Posts
Default snow golf balls

take small snowballs, put them in the freezer, hit them on the lake. When they thaw (if they don't break when you hit them) they will bring the lake up. How many ice balls will it take to bring the lake up 1"?
John A. Birdsall is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-26-2010, 11:51 AM   #17
BoulderBronco
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 121
Thanks: 0
Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Resident 2B View Post
Back on subject, I just finished a ride down to Alton and then back up to Meredith. The ice looks clear of slush everywhere. It is also clear of snow.

This is good news as I expected to see a lot of slush.

We now need the weather to get cold, which it is forecasted to do. A two inch or more topping of snow whould be great for the sleds. That might come Thursday night.

All in all, ice conditions are much better than I expected to see.

R2B
Good to hear. Any idea what the thickness is in Meredith. The sled is not going to work to well on that ice, but maybe it's thick enough for the truck? I need 14" of clear solid ice to feel comfortable.
BoulderBronco is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-26-2010, 01:17 PM   #18
Resident 2B
Senior Member
 
Resident 2B's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: North Shore, MA
Posts: 1,357
Thanks: 994
Thanked 313 Times in 163 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by BoulderBronco View Post
Good to hear. Any idea what the thickness is in Meredith. The sled is not going to work to well on that ice, but maybe it's thick enough for the truck? I need 14" of clear solid ice to feel comfortable.
I do not know, but perhaps someone who has been out there will and give a report.

R2B
Resident 2B is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-26-2010, 02:39 PM   #19
DailyWolfeboro
Member
 
DailyWolfeboro's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Wolfeboro, NH
Posts: 46
Thanks: 0
Thanked 8 Times in 4 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Resident 2B View Post
Back on subject, I just finished a ride down to Alton and then back up to Meredith. The ice looks clear of slush everywhere. It is also clear of snow.

This is good news as I expected to see a lot of slush.

We now need the weather to get cold, which it is forecasted to do. A two inch or more topping of snow whould be great for the sleds. That might come Thursday night.

All in all, ice conditions are much better than I expected to see.

R2B
I went up Mount Major this morning. The lake looked a lot less slushy than I thought it was going to be. Cold temps at night all this week should help with the thickness. Lets hope Thursday brings the snow.

I was just at Dive Winnipesaukee in Wolfeboro. They are gearing up for the derby. Got a couple thousand smelt in today and have more coming.

As far as driving out on the ice, I saw trucks in Alton Bay, near the runway. I'd talk to the locals in whatever town you are going to be in before you drive out on the lake.
DailyWolfeboro is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-26-2010, 07:02 PM   #20
riverat
Senior Member
 
riverat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Alton, NH
Posts: 722
Thanks: 337
Thanked 280 Times in 123 Posts
Default

I was fishing at my shanty today on alton bay and the ice is solid and very little snow cover but be aware we lost 2-2.5" of ice with this past warm spell and rain. Edges are weaker and fishing holes have in some cases doubled in size.
Out to the bandstand is 12" was 14.5"
Out to Sandy Point is 10" was 12.5"

Meridith Ramp was rope off and not looking good as of this am, ice is probably around 8-10"
__________________
Waking up in the morning is the greatest, everything after that is a bonus
riverat is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-26-2010, 08:39 PM   #21
Rattlesnake Guy
Senior Member
 
Rattlesnake Guy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,254
Thanks: 423
Thanked 366 Times in 175 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by John A. Birdsall View Post
take small snowballs, put them in the freezer, hit them on the lake. When they thaw (if they don't break when you hit them) they will bring the lake up. How many ice balls will it take to bring the lake up 1"?

A regulation golf ball is 2.48271 cubic inches.
Therefor the answer to your question without compensation for ice density is 116,422,478,340. Oh, was that a rhetorical question...
Rattlesnake Guy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-28-2010, 01:11 PM   #22
Resident 2B
Senior Member
 
Resident 2B's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: North Shore, MA
Posts: 1,357
Thanks: 994
Thanked 313 Times in 163 Posts
Default

Right now there is some good news!

1) It is snowing, not that much yet, but it is starting to cover the ice.

2) We are below freezing and we will be below freezing, even below zero at times, for the next several days.

The wind will come up when the arctic front comes through in a few hours. That could blow the small amount of snow on he ice around. However, the front looks to have a squall line ahead of it, so we will likely see heavy snow when it comes through.

Good luck to all the fishermen and be safe out there!

R2B
Resident 2B is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-28-2010, 02:58 PM   #23
Webbsatwinni
Senior Member
 
Webbsatwinni's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Lebanon Ct and Rattlesnake Island Since 2007
Posts: 610
Thanks: 180
Thanked 137 Times in 72 Posts
Default

After the warm temps, are there any parts of the lake that have become unsafe that were locked in last week?
Webbsatwinni is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-28-2010, 03:06 PM   #24
Resident 2B
Senior Member
 
Resident 2B's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: North Shore, MA
Posts: 1,357
Thanks: 994
Thanked 313 Times in 163 Posts
Default

I have heard reports of areas losing 2 to 3 inches of ice thickness, but I have not measured that myself. Obviously, the warm weather has melted some ice. The question is how much ice has melted and how quickly we can the ice recover in the next day, or so.

You really need to drill holes and check the places you will be on. Do not count on everything being safe for now.

R2B
Resident 2B is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-28-2010, 05:31 PM   #25
WeirsBeachBoater
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 709
Blog Entries: 9
Thanks: 39
Thanked 148 Times in 65 Posts
Default Use Extreme Caution on the Ice this weekend.

I would hope everyone will use caution this weekend. I know right in Meredith Bay I lost an inch or two under my bobhouse. I hear the broads are not consistent in ice depths this year. Over by Steamboat running towards Long Island was reported as not safe last weekend and that was before our thaw. Please use common sense, and if you do go on the ice, be careful. Snowmobilers especially, If the wind blows this inch of fluffy snow off, there will be no good lubrication for your sliders. I can't tell you how many times when I worked in sled shops that I got a call "my sled is on the ice and won't move". I'm glad I have my ATV and I just put my tire chains on. Have fun see you out there! Any winni.com friends stop by, you can't miss my house on Meredith Bay right near Derby HQ.
Attached Images
 

Last edited by WeirsBeachBoater; 01-28-2010 at 05:35 PM. Reason: Resized Image it was too big.
WeirsBeachBoater is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-28-2010, 06:48 PM   #26
DailyWolfeboro
Member
 
DailyWolfeboro's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Wolfeboro, NH
Posts: 46
Thanks: 0
Thanked 8 Times in 4 Posts
Default

It's snowing right now in Wolfeboro. At least there will be snow out on Lake Winni to cool the snowmobiles. Weather is looking good/cold for the next few days too.
DailyWolfeboro is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-28-2010, 10:16 PM   #27
DRH
Senior Member
 
DRH's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Meredith, NH
Posts: 1,686
Thanks: 1,203
Thanked 675 Times in 178 Posts
Default Gusty Wind

Quote:
Originally Posted by DailyWolfeboro View Post
It's snowing right now in Wolfeboro. At least there will be snow out on Lake Winni to cool the snowmobiles. Weather is looking good/cold for the next few days too.
We're getting strong, gusty wind here tonight. It's already hit the upper 30s and the National Weather Service is predicting gusts of up to 50 mph tonight and 40 mph during the day tomorrow (Friday). We're seeing many spots of bare ice in the moonlight tonight. It's getting very cold, too ... temp. is down to 18 degs right now. I'll try to post a photo tomorrow showing what snow remains on the ice in the Minge Cove area.
__________________
DRH
DRH is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-29-2010, 08:03 AM   #28
fatlazyless
Senior Member
 
fatlazyless's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 8,755
Blog Entries: 1
Thanks: 300
Thanked 1,010 Times in 736 Posts
Default

Suggest you check out the Pine Island cam shot; wind, snow, blue water, mountains, morning sun, and a black crow braced on top of the flagpole......whatapicture!
__________________
... down and out, liv'n that Walmart side of the lake!
fatlazyless is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-29-2010, 11:02 AM   #29
DailyWolfeboro
Member
 
DailyWolfeboro's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Wolfeboro, NH
Posts: 46
Thanks: 0
Thanked 8 Times in 4 Posts
Default



Took this photo about an hour ago. The ice houses and vehicles are off of the edge of Clark Point in Wolfeboro Bay.

My full post and bigger photo is here.
DailyWolfeboro is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-29-2010, 11:21 AM   #30
DRH
Senior Member
 
DRH's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Meredith, NH
Posts: 1,686
Thanks: 1,203
Thanked 675 Times in 178 Posts
Exclamation Bitterly Cold & Windy Day

This panorama was taken at about 10:30 am this morning from just west of Minge Cove in West Alton looking from northeast to southeast across the frozen lake. The outside temperature was 9 degrees and the wind was gusting up to 50 mph at the time the photo was taken.




Click Here for a much larger version of the panorama.
__________________
DRH
DRH is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-29-2010, 11:49 AM   #31
Webbsatwinni
Senior Member
 
Webbsatwinni's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Lebanon Ct and Rattlesnake Island Since 2007
Posts: 610
Thanks: 180
Thanked 137 Times in 72 Posts
Default

Thanks DRH!
Webbsatwinni is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-29-2010, 12:21 PM   #32
Jonas Pilot
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Wolfeboro, New Hampshire is my home, 24-7-365
Posts: 1,686
Thanks: 1,047
Thanked 336 Times in 189 Posts
Default Cold and windy day!

Shot from Brewster Beach in Wolfeboro Jan. 29, 2010.

Jonas Pilot is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-29-2010, 01:09 PM   #33
Mink Islander
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 753
Thanks: 59
Thanked 271 Times in 129 Posts
Default Baby it's cold outside!

Better bring those ice creepers -- the wind overnight and today has blown most of the snow off the ice except on the downwind side of the islands. The gusts will blow you and your gear off the lake today! I have a new set of Kahtoola micro spikes crampons that work really really well. Pull on quick and easy and won't fall off. Way better than Yaktrax.
Mink Islander is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:56 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, vBulletin Solutions Inc.

This page was generated in 0.67324 seconds