snowmobiling on the lake
 

New to snowmobiling and I'm looking to ride on the lake. I am in Alton and would like to ride over to Wolfeboro. Wondering how thick the ice is and is this safe to do. Thanks

Plenty safe for a machine but be aware of any pressure ridges out near the broads

Never Plenty Safe
 

Sorry correct answer is the lake is never plenty safe. There are always areas that are changing due to currents etc, For example I would never pass under bridges or between islands (hole in the wall comes to mind). Years ago when I asked the same question I was given a more prudent answer that advised a much more cautious approach. That advice saved me 1x as I was head towards Lee's Mill and having been warned about the area I was able to see the open water ahead.

I always wore picks and never assumed I was ever safe.

Great advice. Whenever I ride on the lake I always let someone know and never go without picks whether it’s by Snowmobile or ice fishing


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While there are areas of the lake that are notably never safe the aforementioned path does not include any areas of concern other than pressure ridges that may be present between point A and B.

I’m not a snowmobiler, but my wife and I snowshoed from minge cove Alton to Moose Island this Tuesday and saw huge pressure ridges running for about 200 yards from south of treasure island towards Alton bay. Some stuck stuck two or three feet up out of the ice.

They is still out there ...... yesterday, March 30, 2019 at about 6-pm, a buzz of seven snowmobiles buzzed past my spot, going fast, heading from Horse Island across, towards Gilford.

Just the smallest of small black water, natural openings have opened up at both ends of Horse Island. Ice is still winter white with some good grip on it, not turning gray yet ..... although it could change to gray very fast what with today's 50-temps and high humidity-drizzle.

Yesterday had a couple ice fishermen out below Cattle Landing with a portable bob-house tent set up..... out there ..... today, March 31, is the last day for fishing from, or through the ice, in New Hampshire. No more drilling a hole in the ice and going ice fishing ...... effective April 1 ..... even though there seems to be miles of quality ice still on the lake, so late in the season.