Official 2017 Ice Out Thread

[MAXUM]

Nope sure don't, but you do need to be careful doing this!!!!

Being the only idiot on Bear Island on a beautiful 85 degree day, PRICELESS!

Ice report, what I went through had no structure to it, just ice tubes and maybe 2-3 inches in length. Ice line as I was leaving was as follows, to the north between 3 mile and the beavers then to black cat. All clear to right about six mile blocking access to the LI bridge then from what I could see opens back up 3/4 the way down LI and over towards Welch. Between Pine and shore was clear to where it opens up between bear and shore. What ice is there (what I pushed through) just needs wind to clear it out. Ice has receded about 1/4 the way out from Bear and there are large breaks here and there of open water. About half way between sheps and cattle it opens up again all the way down past cattle and into the open area beyond the narrows there.

It won't be long however some areas do look like there is still even after all this warmth still bright white ice.

Meredith bay looks ready to go at least the first 1/3 of it very dark almost black, the ice does turn to a lighter grey looking down towards weirs.

Water temp on the fish finder was 38 degrees.

[WJT2]

Thanks for the update. Be a good day for a Steelcraft!

[Blue Thunder]

Originally Posted by MAXUM

Nope sure don't, but you do need to be careful doing this!!!!

Being the only idiot on Bear Island on a beautiful 85 degree day, PRICELESS!

Ice report, what I went through had no structure to it, just ice tubes and maybe 2-3 inches in length. Ice line as I was leaving was as follows, to the north between 3 mile and the beavers then to black cat. All clear to right about six mile blocking access to the LI bridge then from what I could see opens back up 3/4 the way down LI and over towards Welch. Between Pine and shore was clear to where it opens up between bear and shore. What ice is there (what I pushed through) just needs wind to clear it out. Ice has receded about 1/4 the way out from Bear and there are large breaks here and there of open water. About half way between sheps and cattle it opens up again all the way down past cattle and into the open area beyond the narrows there.

It won't be long however some areas do look like there is still even after all this warmth still bright white ice.

Meredith bay looks ready to go at least the first 1/3 of it very dark almost black, the ice does turn to a lighter grey looking down towards weirs.

Water temp on the fish finder was 38 degrees.

A little tidbit...the condition of the ice you describe is called "Candle Ice" as it looks like thousands of little candles vertically stacked together. In a slight breeze they rub together making a tinkling sound. It's cool to actually hear it happen.

BT

[MikeF-NH]

Originally Posted by MAXUM

Nope sure don't, but you do need to be careful doing this!!!!

Being the only idiot on Bear Island on a beautiful 85 degree day, PRICELESS!

Ice report, what I went through had no structure to it, just ice tubes and maybe 2-3 inches in length. Ice line as I was leaving was as follows, to the north between 3 mile and the beavers then to black cat. All clear to right about six mile blocking access to the LI bridge then from what I could see opens back up 3/4 the way down LI and over towards Welch. Between Pine and shore was clear to where it opens up between bear and shore. What ice is there (what I pushed through) just needs wind to clear it out. Ice has receded about 1/4 the way out from Bear and there are large breaks here and there of open water. About half way between sheps and cattle it opens up again all the way down past cattle and into the open area beyond the narrows there.

It won't be long however some areas do look like there is still even after all this warmth still bright white ice.

Meredith bay looks ready to go at least the first 1/3 of it very dark almost black, the ice does turn to a lighter grey looking down towards weirs.

Water temp on the fish finder was 38 degrees.

Based on the pictures and great report....it seems "marginally safe" to launch from Sheps as of yesterday (is that accurate)? I am hoping to launch my 1875 Lund on Friday morning. Please provide any updates if anyone else is in the area today or tomorrow.

Of course if ice blows in from the south....it could lock everything up quickly with drifting ice. I'm hoping winds from the north will blow ice out toward Cattle Landing.

[MAXUM]

Originally Posted by MikeF-NH

Based on the pictures and great report....it seems "marginally safe" to launch from Sheps as of yesterday (is that accurate)? I am hoping to launch my 1875 Lund on Friday morning. Please provide any updates if anyone else is in the area today or tomorrow.

Of course if ice blows in from the south....it could lock everything up quickly with drifting ice. I'm hoping winds from the north will blow ice out toward Cattle Landing.

Yes that's accurate....hard to predict exactly what you'll find I was lucky yesterday in that there wasn't much in the way of wind so coming back after being out on the island all day conditions didn't really change from an ice flow perspective a whole lot so the return trip was easy enough but I will admit I was prepared to be marooned for a few days if need be.

If I were you I'd say go for it even if there is some ice out there it's disappearing fast. If you find the need to push through any ice pick your path carefully and creep through it. I had no problem going as fast as my outboard idles in gear occasionally using my paddle to push a solid piece out of the way. I do agree wind from the SE could be a far bigger problem than from the NW.

Good luck and I hope you get out there.

[flyguy]

Originally Posted by MAXUM

If I were you I'd say go for it even if there is some ice out there it's disappearing fast.

Here ya go! (taken 4/11)

[MAXUM]

Originally Posted by flyguy

Here ya go! (taken 4/11)

Surprised you didn't catch me out there picking my way through all that in the boat. Probably would have had to add the caption, look at that knucklehead!

Looks a lot more ominous from the air.



Awesome shot!

[Island Girl]

Flyguy's aerials are important to seeing what parts of the lake are still iced in as well as the color of the ice. Please go to his site to donate money so he can go up more often. Airplane fuel is not cheap. flyguy, what does the fuel cost for each flight? This would help our generous viewers understand how much to donate.

I am always amazed how much the lake changes in a day and would love more frequent images.

IG

Originally Posted by flyguy

Here ya go! (taken 4/11)

[Pine Island Guy]

Originally Posted by MikeF-NH

Based on the pictures and great report....it seems "marginally safe" to launch from Sheps as of yesterday (is that accurate)? I am hoping to launch my 1875 Lund on Friday morning. Please provide any updates if anyone else is in the area today or tomorrow.

Of course if ice blows in from the south....it could lock everything up quickly with drifting ice. I'm hoping winds from the north will blow ice out toward Cattle Landing.

Wide open at Shep's today thanks to a strong wind blowing down the channel from the north. Could see ice further south, guessing about the end of Bear.

Nice to be out on the island! PIG

[Pine Island Guy]

Originally Posted by Pine Island Guy

Wide open at Shep's today thanks to a strong wind blowing down the channel from the north. Could see ice further south, guessing about the end of Bear.

As MAXUM pointed out a south wind could change things, and sure enough the ice has blown back in. However just saw a fishing boat plow through it easily, so assume it is "candle ice".

-PIG