Ice-Out 2008

Island Girl · 04-19-2008, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyguy

This morning I flew around looking for open water. Sorry to say how disappointed I was. Nothing on the north or northwest sides of the lake is open.

Here's a shot of Wolfeboro that looked encouraging! If you'd like to share my view of the lake this AM. go here.

Thanks Flyguy for your incredible picures of the lake today. It is always great to get the bird's eye view. Now for the on the ground view. The ice is gray, thin and porous. It is as thin as a couple of inches in some places and the thickest I saw was about 8 inches. Go here to see my pictures today of the ice around Rattlesnake Island. I challenge you to an ice-out duel, Flyguy.. I say April 26th.. Loser buys the Lobster Roll at the new WP when it opens!!

Enjoy
IG

http://rattlesnakecam.com/iceout-08/iceout-08.htm

flyguy · 04-19-2008, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Island Girl

I challenge you to an ice-out duel, Flyguy.. I say April 26th.. Loser buys the Lobster Roll at the new WP when it opens!!

Enjoy
IG

http://rattlesnakecam.com/iceout-08/iceout-08.htm

Aha! You see the trees, I see the forest. We're probably both wrong, but you're on. May 2nd will be the day!

Thanks for the great close-up shots on your web site. Were they taken from this?

Island Girl · 04-19-2008, 09:05 AM

Here is my friends' chariot.

hazelnut · 04-19-2008, 10:17 AM

Weirs Cam activity..... Early fisherman?

Pepper · 04-19-2008, 01:11 PM

As of about 12:45, a boat arrived at Pine Island Guy's camp. The operator has docked, and removed the the "Danger - Thin Ice" sign. Obviously there's clear transit from somewhere on the mainland, to Pine Island - either that or a miracle just happened.

Today is one of those days when you can literally watch the ice melting, and it's doing so very fast.

CanisLupusArctos · 04-19-2008, 02:27 PM

Yesterday the ice absorbed a lot of heat from the air. This was evident in the fact that Concord, Rochester and Lebanon all got into the 80s while Laconia was 75 and Black Cat Island was 70. That only occurred for a short time when the wind dropped off to calm. As soon as the lake breeze went from zero to 2 mph, the temp dropped off quickly to 60.

Most people would say "the ice was cooling the air" which in reality means "The ice has absorbed heat from the air, leaving the air with less heat." In physics there's no such thing as "cold," only "heat." When conditions cause our bodies to lose more heat than we're making, we call it cold.

But anyway... there was a 20-degree difference between the lake and the surrounding area yesterday. That shows the ice absorbed a LOT of heat yesterday. I could even see the "heat ripples" coming off the ice on the horizon.

The same thing is happening right now. Laconia is 73, while the WeatherCam is 58. The ice is eating heat like a mafia target who's drinking cyanide.

Pine Island Guy · 04-19-2008, 04:02 PM

we had to push through a little ice, but managed to squeak around and through the cracks to the island!!

we're here

PIG

Island Girl · 04-19-2008, 04:35 PM

The lake is on the move. The channel close to shore on the broadside of Rattlesnake Island is widening and there is a nice breeze helping things alone. If you look at DRH's pictures you can see the same is happening there...

It's starting to go!!!! I could win that Lobster Roll yet.

I am working at getting Snake Eyes back up...

IG

Island Girl · 04-19-2008, 05:11 PM

Go to http://www.rattlesnakecam.com/snakeeyesall.htm to see the last ten photos from Snake Eyes.. a new pic every five minutes now..Also check out all the webcams.at http://www.rattlesnakecam.com/iceout.htm.
They all show lots of movement.

The lake is on the move... it's happening.. woo hoo!!!!

Island Girl

Orion · 04-19-2008, 06:39 PM

Pine Island Guy, I hope you're not leaving the boat tied up like that overnight! The ice moving around there is a powerful force.

Congratulations on reaching your camp! I'm jealous.

Formula260SS · 04-21-2008, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Island Girl

The lake is on the move. The channel close to shore on the broadside of Rattlesnake Island is widening and there is a nice breeze helping things alone. If you look at DRH's pictures you can see the same is happening there...

It's starting to go!!!! I could win that Lobster Roll yet.

I am working at getting Snake Eyes back up...

IG

I'd say your "Lobsta" roll is in the bag IG, I'll see you all on the lake this weekend !!

Bear Island South · 04-20-2008, 09:18 AM

[QUOTE=Pine Island Guy;68063]we had to push through a little ice, but managed to squeak around and through the cracks to the island!!

we're here

Did you launch from Sheps or the Y landing, we are hoping to get to our place next weekend

Pepper · 04-20-2008, 10:16 AM

Bear Island South - by next weekend you will be able to launch from wherever you want, because THE ICE WILL BE OUT!

Bear Island South · 04-20-2008, 11:05 AM

[QUOTE=Pepper;68086]Bear Island South - by next weekend you will be able to launch from wherever you want, because THE ICE WILL BE OUT! :

I agree, I'm getting the boat ready today

CanisLupusArctos · 04-20-2008, 03:07 PM

In the last couple of hours at Black Cat we have seen the ice start to make its annual move. Winds are from the southeast and increasing. Heat ripples continue above the surface of the ice in the distance, indicating that it is still absorbing heat from the surrounding area (60s in most locations) while the island is much cooler.

The ice is breaking up rapidly and bergs moving SE to NW.

I just drove along Rts. 11 - 3 - 25 from Rochester to Center Harbor along the lake shore and found at every view the ice was rotten, breaking up, and lots of evidence of movement as far as I could see.

Prior to yesterday I wouldn't have believed it would go out this week but now I think iceout by Friday is likely. It has absorbed a LOT of heat in the last 3 days and now it appears likely that we'll be having temps in the 70s most of this week, possibly low 80s again in a few places on Wednesday. This fair weather pattern is also bringing a sundown wind starting early in the day (1-2 p.m. each day) which has been an unpredicted weakening force on the ice the last 3 days. I expect this pattern to continue for most of the week.

The sundown wind is being locally enhanced by the temperature differences between the ice-cooled air over the lake and the warmth of the surrounding area which has been and will continue to be abnormally warm for this time of year. Currently the winds at Concord, Laconia, and Plymouth are sustained 8-10 mph with gusts to 16 or so, while Black Cat WeatherCam is sustained at 16 gusting to 24.

Further speeding this year's iceout has been abnormally dry air (dewpoints in the 20s) which have coupled with the localized wind to literally dry up (scientific term - 'sublimate') the surface of the ice.

Those who have docks that have any exposure to east or SE, watch out... the ice is moving.

nj2nh · 04-20-2008, 06:29 PM

I have been checking the area webcams with some frequency in the last couple of days. I checked on the Winnipesaukee Cam on Alton Bay near Little Mark Island and it looked almost completely full of ice although the cam in the Bay showed no ice.

Here is the link to the cam: http://www.winnipesaukeecam.com/

Well, just now (6:30pm) I checked again. I was stunned to see NO ICE anywhere. Could the bay be completely ice free?

nj2nh

Island Girl · 04-20-2008, 07:54 PM

I had a lovely flight over the lake today.. although the pictures you will see over the next couple of hours show ice... that is is mostly ice crystals with water between... since then (around 1pm this afternoon, April 20,) a lot has changed and there are many more open areas than seen in this picture.

This shot is of the backside of Rattlesnake Island looking towards Diamond Island.

I just may win that Lobster Roll from flyguy!!!!

Pepper · 04-20-2008, 08:55 PM

IG - awesome shots from today! I have to agree that the ice is extremely weak at this point, and judging by all the movement today it won't take long for all of it to go!

There was A LOT of air traffic this afternoon - must be a few other folks were as anxious as you to have a look for themselves. It was truly a fabulous day for flying, so maybe some just had a good dose of spring fever.

I was on the ground, in reasonable proximity to the end of the runway, and was amazed at how many planes were up! Glad that one of them was you, and you had your camera with!

Island Girl · 04-20-2008, 08:56 PM

Flying around the lake was such an incredible treat... just the best! Here is Governor's Island this afternoon... more pictures in Photopost.

IG

DRH · 04-20-2008, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Island Girl

Flying around the lake was such an incredible treat... just the best! Here is Governor's Island this afternoon... more pictures in Photopost.
IG

I'll bet you had a great time flying over the lake today watching the ice go out! Hope to see more of your photos soon!

Webbsatwinni · 04-21-2008, 08:15 AM

Great pictures IG, now we can all live vicariously through you and watch the ice out from the sky.

Thank You!

codeman671 · 04-21-2008, 11:24 AM

The way some of the cameras look now, especially Varney Point, I would not be surprised if I could make it to Mark now!

Anyone been out poking around? Too bad I told them I did not need the boat until Friday.

flyguy · 04-22-2008, 10:22 AM

Have to admit, I was counting on those 50+ degree days in the forecast to slow down the melt. Since that didn't happen, I did the next best thing- I PUT MY SNOWBLOWER AWAY- That should bring just enough really cold, snowy weather to delay IceOut a few days!!!

Don't forget, it ain't over 'til the Mount can make it to ALL it's ports. I hope to go take another look in a day or so. (Maybe I'll fly with Dave Emerson - is that considered cheating, IG? )

(That's me trying be wildly optimistic while saving my change for that lobster roll!!)

BlackCatIslander · 04-22-2008, 12:06 PM

At 40 degrees, we have caught up with last year quickly. It looks that ice out should be official by the week end at the very latest. Then we can get the dock in and pick up the boat!

Island Girl · 04-22-2008, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyguy

Don't forget, it ain't over 'til the Mount can make it to ALL it's ports. I hope to go take another look in a day or so. (Maybe I'll fly with Dave Emerson - is that considered cheating, IG? )

(That's me trying be wildly optimistic while saving my change for that lobster roll!!)

Go on and fly with Dave... can I come?

codeman671 · 04-20-2008, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyguy

Thanks for the great close-up shots on your web site. Were they taken from this?

Damn I miss that boat this year...

Island Girl · 04-20-2008, 07:56 AM

Last night we ventured over to the other side of Rattlesnake Island... there is open water all across Sleeper's facing Rattlesnake. It was completely closed yesterday morning!

CanisLupusArctos · 04-20-2008, 08:12 AM

In the last 3 hours of daylight yesterday, a lead opened up between Black Cat Shoals and Hull Island. The resulting berg began drifting toward the shore of Black Cat Island on the southeasterly wind of the day. Watch this lead continue to open today. The ice at the end of yesterday was noticeably gray compared to the white color it had at the beginning of the day.

For the second day in a row, most locations away from the lake got warm, including Laconia at 73, Concord at 75, Fryeburg/North Conway at 71, and Lebanon at 81. Black Cat WeatherCam reached 65 for a few minutes before the lake breeze knocked it back to around 50. This 20+ degree temperature difference between the lake and the surrounding area represents a lot of heat absorbed by the ice once again.

Merrymeeting · 04-20-2008, 09:05 AM

Ah, the restorative powers of the lake work again!

We opened up our house this weekend and spent our first night at the lake in 08. It was an amazing 24+ hours to be at the lake.

I arrived mid-day Friday to beautiful, warm sunshine and the sounds of melting snow and ice everywhere. I was amazed to see how much snow is still left in the mountains and ridges around the lakes. I went hiking on the ridge in this photo.

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...697&ppuser=123

In some spots I was sinking in to snow up to mid-calf. But it is very soft wet snow that's going fast.

Later that evening while standing on the shoreline, the sound of water rushing down the hillsides into the lake dominated all other sounds. The good news is that the lakes are still relatively low so there is plenty of remaining capacity to take up the melting snow.

Friday night, the open areas of water on the lake re-froze, despite the fact that the temp reading at the house showed a low of 40 that night. As our resident weather experts often tell us, I'm sure that radiational cooling had a lot to do with this. By morning we were still pretty locked in. These photos taken at 7:15 AM

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...702&ppuser=123
http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...701&ppuser=123

We went to breakfast in Wolfeboro. As you can see in these photos, things warmed up quickly. As others have mentioned, you could literally watch the ice melt. I've also included a photo of the work to improve accessability at Dockside.

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...698&ppuser=123
http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...700&ppuser=123

Back at our place at noon, my son decided he would contribute to the advancement of ice out.

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...699&ppuser=123

It must have worked. By 2 PM, most of the ice near us was gone, and the remaining lake ice had gone very dark. A slight breeze picked up late in the afternoon and the remaining ice packs were moving around noticably. Most were fairly thin, some areas were still 6-8" thick. But these were typically shaded patches close to the shore. We were able to put our dock in!

I expect that most of the ice will be gone from Merrymeeting by Monday or Tuesday.

04-19-2008, 09:05 AM	#3
Island Girl Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Central MA Posts: 2,354 Thanks: 18 Thanked 564 Times in 180 Posts	Close but no cigar Here is my friends' chariot. __________________ Island Girl ....... Make Lemonade

04-19-2008, 10:17 AM	#4
hazelnut Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 1,348 Blog Entries: 3 Thanks: 508 Thanked 462 Times in 162 Posts	Weirs Cam activity..... Early fisherman? Attached Images

04-19-2008, 01:11 PM	#5
Pepper Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Laconia, NH Posts: 1,284 Thanks: 409 Thanked 155 Times in 40 Posts	Boat at Pine Island Dock! As of about 12:45, a boat arrived at Pine Island Guy's camp. The operator has docked, and removed the the "Danger - Thin Ice" sign. Obviously there's clear transit from somewhere on the mainland, to Pine Island - either that or a miracle just happened. Today is one of those days when you can literally watch the ice melting, and it's doing so very fast. __________________ Never waste time lamenting what was. Simply celebrate what is!

04-19-2008, 02:27 PM	#6
CanisLupusArctos Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Center Harbor Posts: 1,049 Thanks: 15 Thanked 472 Times in 107 Posts	absorption Yesterday the ice absorbed a lot of heat from the air. This was evident in the fact that Concord, Rochester and Lebanon all got into the 80s while Laconia was 75 and Black Cat Island was 70. That only occurred for a short time when the wind dropped off to calm. As soon as the lake breeze went from zero to 2 mph, the temp dropped off quickly to 60. Most people would say "the ice was cooling the air" which in reality means "The ice has absorbed heat from the air, leaving the air with less heat." In physics there's no such thing as "cold," only "heat." When conditions cause our bodies to lose more heat than we're making, we call it cold. But anyway... there was a 20-degree difference between the lake and the surrounding area yesterday. That shows the ice absorbed a LOT of heat yesterday. I could even see the "heat ripples" coming off the ice on the horizon. The same thing is happening right now. Laconia is 73, while the WeatherCam is 58. The ice is eating heat like a mafia target who's drinking cyanide.

04-19-2008, 04:02 PM	#7
Pine Island Guy Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: pine island of course! Posts: 406 Thanks: 246 Thanked 246 Times in 112 Posts	a beautiful day on the water! we had to push through a little ice, but managed to squeak around and through the cracks to the island!! we're here PIG

04-19-2008, 04:35 PM	#8
Island Girl Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Central MA Posts: 2,354 Thanks: 18 Thanked 564 Times in 180 Posts	On the Move The lake is on the move. The channel close to shore on the broadside of Rattlesnake Island is widening and there is a nice breeze helping things alone. If you look at DRH's pictures you can see the same is happening there... It's starting to go!!!! I could win that Lobster Roll yet. I am working at getting Snake Eyes back up... IG __________________ Island Girl ....... Make Lemonade

04-19-2008, 05:11 PM	#9
Island Girl Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Central MA Posts: 2,354 Thanks: 18 Thanked 564 Times in 180 Posts	Even More on the Move Go to http://www.rattlesnakecam.com/snakeeyesall.htm to see the last ten photos from Snake Eyes.. a new pic every five minutes now..Also check out all the webcams.at http://www.rattlesnakecam.com/iceout.htm. They all show lots of movement. The lake is on the move... it's happening.. woo hoo!!!! Island Girl __________________ Island Girl ....... Make Lemonade

04-19-2008, 06:39 PM	#10
Orion Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: MA Posts: 914 Thanks: 602 Thanked 193 Times in 91 Posts	Aren't you worried? Pine Island Guy, I hope you're not leaving the boat tied up like that overnight! The ice moving around there is a powerful force. Congratulations on reaching your camp! I'm jealous.

04-20-2008, 09:18 AM	#12
Bear Island South Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Southboro, MA Posts: 579 Thanks: 75 Thanked 384 Times in 170 Posts	[QUOTE=Pine Island Guy;68063]we had to push through a little ice, but managed to squeak around and through the cracks to the island!! we're here Did you launch from Sheps or the Y landing, we are hoping to get to our place next weekend

04-20-2008, 10:16 AM	#13
Pepper Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Laconia, NH Posts: 1,284 Thanks: 409 Thanked 155 Times in 40 Posts	Bear Island South - by next weekend you will be able to launch from wherever you want, because THE ICE WILL BE OUT! __________________ Never waste time lamenting what was. Simply celebrate what is!

04-20-2008, 11:05 AM	#14
Bear Island South Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Southboro, MA Posts: 579 Thanks: 75 Thanked 384 Times in 170 Posts	[QUOTE=Pepper;68086]Bear Island South - by next weekend you will be able to launch from wherever you want, because THE ICE WILL BE OUT! : I agree, I'm getting the boat ready today

04-20-2008, 03:07 PM	#15
CanisLupusArctos Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Center Harbor Posts: 1,049 Thanks: 15 Thanked 472 Times in 107 Posts	The Ice Is on the Move In the last couple of hours at Black Cat we have seen the ice start to make its annual move. Winds are from the southeast and increasing. Heat ripples continue above the surface of the ice in the distance, indicating that it is still absorbing heat from the surrounding area (60s in most locations) while the island is much cooler. The ice is breaking up rapidly and bergs moving SE to NW. I just drove along Rts. 11 - 3 - 25 from Rochester to Center Harbor along the lake shore and found at every view the ice was rotten, breaking up, and lots of evidence of movement as far as I could see. Prior to yesterday I wouldn't have believed it would go out this week but now I think iceout by Friday is likely. It has absorbed a LOT of heat in the last 3 days and now it appears likely that we'll be having temps in the 70s most of this week, possibly low 80s again in a few places on Wednesday. This fair weather pattern is also bringing a sundown wind starting early in the day (1-2 p.m. each day) which has been an unpredicted weakening force on the ice the last 3 days. I expect this pattern to continue for most of the week. The sundown wind is being locally enhanced by the temperature differences between the ice-cooled air over the lake and the warmth of the surrounding area which has been and will continue to be abnormally warm for this time of year. Currently the winds at Concord, Laconia, and Plymouth are sustained 8-10 mph with gusts to 16 or so, while Black Cat WeatherCam is sustained at 16 gusting to 24. Further speeding this year's iceout has been abnormally dry air (dewpoints in the 20s) which have coupled with the localized wind to literally dry up (scientific term - 'sublimate') the surface of the ice. Those who have docks that have any exposure to east or SE, watch out... the ice is moving.

04-20-2008, 06:29 PM	#16
nj2nh Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NJ Posts: 529 Thanks: 80 Thanked 47 Times in 27 Posts	I have been checking the area webcams with some frequency in the last couple of days. I checked on the Winnipesaukee Cam on Alton Bay near Little Mark Island and it looked almost completely full of ice although the cam in the Bay showed no ice. Here is the link to the cam: http://www.winnipesaukeecam.com/ Well, just now (6:30pm) I checked again. I was stunned to see NO ICE anywhere. Could the bay be completely ice free? nj2nh __________________

04-20-2008, 07:54 PM	#17
Island Girl Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Central MA Posts: 2,354 Thanks: 18 Thanked 564 Times in 180 Posts	I am going to love that Lobster Roll, Bill I had a lovely flight over the lake today.. although the pictures you will see over the next couple of hours show ice... that is is mostly ice crystals with water between... since then (around 1pm this afternoon, April 20,) a lot has changed and there are many more open areas than seen in this picture. This shot is of the backside of Rattlesnake Island looking towards Diamond Island. I just may win that Lobster Roll from flyguy!!!! __________________ Island Girl ....... Make Lemonade Last edited by Island Girl; 04-20-2008 at 11:32 PM.

04-20-2008, 08:55 PM	#18
Pepper Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Laconia, NH Posts: 1,284 Thanks: 409 Thanked 155 Times in 40 Posts	IG - awesome shots from today! I have to agree that the ice is extremely weak at this point, and judging by all the movement today it won't take long for all of it to go! There was A LOT of air traffic this afternoon - must be a few other folks were as anxious as you to have a look for themselves. It was truly a fabulous day for flying, so maybe some just had a good dose of spring fever. I was on the ground, in reasonable proximity to the end of the runway, and was amazed at how many planes were up! Glad that one of them was you, and you had your camera with! __________________ Never waste time lamenting what was. Simply celebrate what is!

04-20-2008, 08:56 PM	#19
Island Girl Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Central MA Posts: 2,354 Thanks: 18 Thanked 564 Times in 180 Posts	Governor's Island Melting Flying around the lake was such an incredible treat... just the best! Here is Governor's Island this afternoon... more pictures in Photopost. IG __________________ Island Girl ....... Make Lemonade

04-21-2008, 08:15 AM	#21
Webbsatwinni Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Lebanon Ct and Rattlesnake Island Since 2007 Posts: 610 Thanks: 180 Thanked 137 Times in 72 Posts	Great pictures IG, now we can all live vicariously through you and watch the ice out from the sky. Thank You!

04-21-2008, 11:24 AM	#22
codeman671 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 3,525 Thanks: 222 Thanked 824 Times in 495 Posts	The way some of the cameras look now, especially Varney Point, I would not be surprised if I could make it to Mark now! Anyone been out poking around? Too bad I told them I did not need the boat until Friday.

04-22-2008, 10:22 AM	#23
flyguy Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 383 Thanks: 9 Thanked 101 Times in 20 Posts	Well, maybe May's not looking that good... Have to admit, I was counting on those 50+ degree days in the forecast to slow down the melt. Since that didn't happen, I did the next best thing- I PUT MY SNOWBLOWER AWAY- That should bring just enough really cold, snowy weather to delay IceOut a few days!!! Don't forget, it ain't over 'til the Mount can make it to ALL it's ports. I hope to go take another look in a day or so. (Maybe I'll fly with Dave Emerson - is that considered cheating, IG? ) (That's me trying be wildly optimistic while saving my change for that lobster roll!!) __________________ Bill Hemmel LakesRegionAerials.com "We have a slightly different point of view"

04-22-2008, 12:06 PM	#24
BlackCatIslander Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 201 Thanks: 52 Thanked 17 Times in 11 Posts	Look at the Lake Temperature! At 40 degrees, we have caught up with last year quickly. It looks that ice out should be official by the week end at the very latest. Then we can get the dock in and pick up the boat!

04-20-2008, 07:56 AM	#27
Island Girl Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Central MA Posts: 2,354 Thanks: 18 Thanked 564 Times in 180 Posts	Sleeper's Island Open Water Last night we ventured over to the other side of Rattlesnake Island... there is open water all across Sleeper's facing Rattlesnake. It was completely closed yesterday morning! __________________ Island Girl ....... Make Lemonade Last edited by Island Girl; 04-20-2008 at 09:03 AM.

04-20-2008, 08:12 AM	#28
CanisLupusArctos Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Center Harbor Posts: 1,049 Thanks: 15 Thanked 472 Times in 107 Posts	on the move at Black Cat In the last 3 hours of daylight yesterday, a lead opened up between Black Cat Shoals and Hull Island. The resulting berg began drifting toward the shore of Black Cat Island on the southeasterly wind of the day. Watch this lead continue to open today. The ice at the end of yesterday was noticeably gray compared to the white color it had at the beginning of the day. For the second day in a row, most locations away from the lake got warm, including Laconia at 73, Concord at 75, Fryeburg/North Conway at 71, and Lebanon at 81. Black Cat WeatherCam reached 65 for a few minutes before the lake breeze knocked it back to around 50. This 20+ degree temperature difference between the lake and the surrounding area represents a lot of heat absorbed by the ice once again.

04-20-2008, 09:05 AM	#29
Merrymeeting Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Merrymeeting Lake, New Durham Posts: 2,226 Thanks: 303 Thanked 800 Times in 368 Posts	Ah, the restorative powers of the lake work again! We opened up our house this weekend and spent our first night at the lake in 08. It was an amazing 24+ hours to be at the lake. I arrived mid-day Friday to beautiful, warm sunshine and the sounds of melting snow and ice everywhere. I was amazed to see how much snow is still left in the mountains and ridges around the lakes. I went hiking on the ridge in this photo. http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...697&ppuser=123 In some spots I was sinking in to snow up to mid-calf. But it is very soft wet snow that's going fast. Later that evening while standing on the shoreline, the sound of water rushing down the hillsides into the lake dominated all other sounds. The good news is that the lakes are still relatively low so there is plenty of remaining capacity to take up the melting snow. Friday night, the open areas of water on the lake re-froze, despite the fact that the temp reading at the house showed a low of 40 that night. As our resident weather experts often tell us, I'm sure that radiational cooling had a lot to do with this. By morning we were still pretty locked in. These photos taken at 7:15 AM http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...702&ppuser=123 http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...701&ppuser=123 We went to breakfast in Wolfeboro. As you can see in these photos, things warmed up quickly. As others have mentioned, you could literally watch the ice melt. I've also included a photo of the work to improve accessability at Dockside. http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...698&ppuser=123 http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...700&ppuser=123 Back at our place at noon, my son decided he would contribute to the advancement of ice out. http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...699&ppuser=123 It must have worked. By 2 PM, most of the ice near us was gone, and the remaining lake ice had gone very dark. A slight breeze picked up late in the afternoon and the remaining ice packs were moving around noticably. Most were fairly thin, some areas were still 6-8" thick. But these were typically shaded patches close to the shore. We were able to put our dock in! I expect that most of the ice will be gone from Merrymeeting by Monday or Tuesday. Last edited by Merrymeeting; 04-20-2008 at 09:58 AM.