Pond Hockey Classic
 

I know it's three weeks away, but at current pace of ice formation is the plan to move it to Waukewan like they did a few years ago?

I heard rumor on this, 3rd party, but I am hoping they hold out as long as possible

Yes, that is correct. Plan B has been approved to use Waukewan if need be.

Heres a pic of Meredith Bay from this morning 01/14/2016. This is just south of the Meredith Marina and no sign of ice.

This is Paugus Bay this morning, looking south towards Lakeport...Still too windy.

The temperature is not expected to be above freezing for the next 8 days. It I'll freeze quick and be plenty thick for Pond Hockey.

Tomorrow morning the wind starts howling for a few days. Going to make it harder to form ice. Seems we are always missing one element. Yesterday was calm and cloudy but too warm.
Another big factor in ice forming is cloud cover at night. Ice forms quicker with clear skies. We will have that all week, but with it comes wind. :(

I really feel for the planners of this great event, as well as the local business owners that benefit from it. I hope conditions improve.

If they have backup plans to do it on Waukewan I doubt the local businesses will suffer that much--focus on the positive, this is shaping up to be an epic boating season (for those of us who even bothered to put them away). I think we paid our dues with last winter's deep freeze. Typical ebb and flow of New England winter temps.

I saw a pontoon boat in paugus bay today on the water
.

MEREDITH - There is now a backup location for the annual Pond Hockey Classic tournament, after a mild start to winter has delayed the ice over on Lake Winnipesaukee.

As of Monday, open water could be seen on most of Meredith Bay, where the tournament is held each year. The alternative location is about .5 mile away on much smaller Lake Waukewan, organizers said.

"We're waiting to make a decision until the end of the week," said Pond Hockey Classic Commissioner Scott Crowder.

The tournament is scheduled for Feb. 5th-7th and welcomes thousands to the area.

Tournament organizers aren't the only ones worrying about the lack of ice, it's also been tough on local businesses.

"Definitely getting a much slower start to the fishing season this year, the ice is just starting to form on the smaller ponds," said Alan Nute of A.J.'s Bait & Tackle.

Waukewan has an estimated 4-5 solid inches, which could grow thicker with this week's cooler temperatures.

The annual Meredith Rotary Club Fishing Derby will be held February 13th-14th. The weigh-in station is also in Meredith. According to the group's Facebook page, no changes are expected.


http://www.nh1.com/news/lack-of-ice-...ockey-classic/

Pond hockey update
 

Pond Hockey tournament to be held on Waukewan

http://www.laconiadailysun.com/newsx...ld-on-waukewan