How's the ice

[Lakegeezer]

The lake froze late this year, but had little to no snow on it and below normal temperatures for the last few weeks. Except for areas that never freeze, ice on the whole lake should be at least 5" thick, considered safe for a snowmobile. Ice is already over 15" in some areas.

Use extra caution when you are making fresh tracks, especially in the broads. If you are sledding with others, keep your distance so if one goes in, the others are still on the surface to help. And, watch out for the pressure ridges.

As I mentioned in another thread, the rear of my sled broke through the ice going over an ice ridge yesterday in Moultonborough Bay, between Loon Island and Buzzell's Cove. I've crossed many ridges in 20+ years of riding, always with a bit of apprehension, but never had a problem. This year, I left a large puddle in my wake and am glad my habit is to speed up before crossing ridges. I hope that anyone following my tracks hits the gas rather than the brakes when seeing the five foot puddle I left behind. I did not see any better place to cross the ridge (and plenty of worse places), but am confident others will try this weekend and some will succeed.

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by Lakegeezer

The lake froze late this year, but had little to no snow on it and below normal temperatures for the last few weeks. Except for areas that never freeze, ice on the whole lake should be at least 5" thick, considered safe for a snowmobile. Ice is already over 15" in some areas.

Use extra caution when you are making fresh tracks, especially in the broads. If you are sledding with others, keep your distance so if one goes in, the others are still on the surface to help. And, watch out for the pressure ridges.

As I mentioned in another thread, the rear of my sled broke through the ice going over an ice ridge yesterday in Moultonborough Bay, between Loon Island and Buzzell's Cove. I've crossed many ridges in 20+ years of riding, always with a bit of apprehension, but never had a problem. This year, I left a large puddle in my wake and am glad my habit is to speed up before crossing ridges. I hope that anyone following my tracks hits the gas rather than the brakes when seeing the five foot puddle I left behind. I did not see any better place to cross the ridge (and plenty of worse places), but am confident others will try this weekend and some will succeed.

Do you feel you broke right through completely or was there another layer of ice underneath??

Scary either way!!

[MAXUM]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

Do you feel you broke right through completely or was there another layer of ice underneath??

Scary either way!!

Common Dan would you really walk back and look?

LOL!

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by MAXUM

Common Dan would you really walk back and look?

LOL!

No, but many times there's a thick solid layer of ice under that water that can be felt. I was just curious if he thought he broke through completely or just thyat first layer or really wasn't sure. I certainly wouldn't doubt if he broke through completely as the ridges are the worst I have seen in many years!

[MAXUM]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

No, but many times there's a thick solid layer of ice under that water that can be felt. I was just curious if he thought he broke through completely or just thyat first layer or really wasn't sure. I certainly wouldn't doubt if he broke through completely as the ridges are the worst I have seen in many years!

LOL just busting your chops!

The pressure ridges this year are bad, I really hate getting anywhere near them.

[Lakegeezer]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

Do you feel you broke right through completely or was there another layer of ice underneath??

Scary either way!!

Good question. When I went back to look, I didn't get too close, but saw large ice chucks floating in the water and the water was still choppy like it was more than an inch or two deep. Hard to believe that a five foot stretch wasn't frozen deeply, so maybe you are right and it was just a layer. I'll report back after checking again. I'd like to think it wasn't as risky as it seemed.

[sluggo]

Rode the lake yesterday and covered a lot of it . conditions were great ! The normal places we would see ridges like at the post office on bear island or over by Mark island were clear but there was a nasty three to four foot ridge running a long way out at three mile island towards hull island. I didn't go over the broads or head out to Wolfeboro or Alton so I cant give any info on that area of the lake. I hit the trails last night in Moultonborough and covered a lot of ground. Again the trails were good . Over all I rode about 80 miles locally and had a good time. I heard Sandwich Notch was in good shape also so if I have time today I am going to do that run up through Holderness way and check out the ice on Squam. Also heard the trails to New Found lake were good. Have fun and be safe !!!

[Cobalt]

Any comments on the ice conditions sledding out of Braun Bay via the Broads over to Winter Harbor and Wolfeboro Town Docks, also up to Alton Bay?

Thanks in advance.

[NHWakesurfer]

Coming out of Braun bay yesterday it was good no problems good snow. However there is a big pressure ridge all the way across the mouth of the bay like from far echo over to long point then it wraps over to five mile isle and must end near Bear. There are spots to cross that we found
With no water kicking up. Once you get out to the open area watch the snow drifts mixed with bare ice. It was rough yesterday couldn't see a thing out there with the wind and snow blowing around. I did see sleds going out to the broads but we went as far as long isle and it was good to that point. Looks to be better today not as many drifts and the wind and blowing snow has calmed down.

Any other pressure. Ridges to report out there. I read about the moultonboro bay one and one near three mile isl

Have fun out there be safe

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by NHWakesurfer

Any other pressure. Ridges to report out there. I read about the moultonboro bay one and one near three mile

Here's a pic of a major ridge that basically crosses the lake. If you look just above the tree line in the pic you can see the ridge goes from Lake Shore Park all the way to the east tip of Welch. It then starts again on the northeast side of welch and extends across to Sandy island.

There are also numerous ridges on the west side of welch between Belknap point and Round island. All very active and dangerous!!

Be safe out there!

Dan