Official 2013-14 Ice-In Thread

[Merrymeeting]

Originally Posted by nightrider

The area between Welch and Diamond contains the deepest point of the lake. It would make sense that this area would take the longest to turn over and cool before freezing.

Same for much smaller Merrymeeting. 140+' depth area is the last to freeze (about a week ago)

[Sandy Island fan]

I realize that I may take some flack for this, but....
there appears to be enough ice on the rest of the lake for ice fishing. There's ice for the planes to land. Seems like a little open water in the Broads isn't hurting anyone, but may leave a place for the wind to grab an edge when it's time to move towards ice out.
IMO, it's a great balance between those that wanted ice, and those - like me - that are waiting for ice out.

[pcmc]

Originally Posted by Sandy Island fan

I realize that I may take some flack for this, but....
there appears to be enough ice on the rest of the lake for ice fishing. There's ice for the planes to land.

I took a ride to the lake on Friday to check on the cottage. When driving through Meredith, I couldn't believe how close some bob houses are to the open water near the town docks. I suppose if its safe its safe.


IMO, it's a great balance between those that wanted ice, and those - like me - that are waiting for ice out.

Hahaha fair enough.

EDIT: I want to point out A PART of my reply is posted WITHIN the QUOTED area of this post. "I took a ride to the lake......" I tried to reply to two separate parts of SIF's post.

[Sandy Island fan]

Thanks for clarifying, pcmc. Just in case our facilities director thought I had snatched the camp snow mobile to take a run out....

[ishoot308]

Here's a couple more pics just taken of the open water area Southeast of Welch Island.

While the area is shrinking it is still quite massive at approximately 1/2 mile in length x 1/4 mile wide.

In the second pic you can see some hardcore fisherman and their bob houses in the lower left.

I have spent the weekend on Welch island fishing and I am amazed that on the West and North side of the island I saw at least a dozen full size trucks driving all over the ice...the other side, open water!!

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Dan

[Hamiltony]

Has anyone been out on the ice between Cattle Landing and Bear Island? I'm planning to come up in a few weeks, and I'm hoping someone has been out to make sure the ice is safe. Also, what is the snow cover like on the island (debating renting snowshoes).

Thanks!

[MAXUM]

Originally Posted by Hamiltony

Has anyone been out on the ice between Cattle Landing and Bear Island? I'm planning to come up in a few weeks, and I'm hoping someone has been out to make sure the ice is safe. Also, what is the snow cover like on the island (debating renting snowshoes).

Thanks!

Yes I was out there last weekend, rode by cattle landing on my snow machine. Ice is plenty safe with about 2-3 inches of snow on the ice. Granted I didn't stop at cattle landing to see what the area around the dock looks like, but there are plenty of places to get on the ice around there.

The snow on the ground is mostly hard packed with a dusting or so of fresh powder on top. Easy enough to walk on without snowshoes.

Just be aware that parts of Bear Island are without power. I called the coop and they are aware of it but they told me they are waiting until they feel the ice is safe enough before sending any crews out.

[MDoug]

Originally Posted by MAXUM

Yes I was out there last weekend, rode by cattle landing on my snow machine. Ice is plenty safe with about 2-3 inches of snow on the ice. Granted I didn't stop at cattle landing to see what the area around the dock looks like, but there are plenty of places to get on the ice around there.

The snow on the ground is mostly hard packed with a dusting or so of fresh powder on top. Easy enough to walk on without snowshoes.

Just be aware that parts of Bear Island are without power. I called the coop and they are aware of it but they told me they are waiting until they feel the ice is safe enough before sending any crews out.

How about power to west Bear, behind Shepard Island? We have an ice eater installed.

[MAXUM]

Originally Posted by MDoug

How about power to west Bear, behind Shepard Island? We have an ice eater installed.

I have no idea. If you're that concerned about it, PM me I'll be up there the weekend after next I can take a ride by and have a look and give you a call. In talking to the Coop, it sounds like they will be sending crews out soon, but they insist on having 12" or more ice before they will go. At least they know it's out, till I called they had no idea. If you look at the outage map they are now reporting one outage in Meredith, that's no doubt from my phone call. I doubt I will get out there this weekend.

I can tell you the light at the post office was on Saturday night and the Bear Cam is still updating so power appears to be good there, but I'm not that far from there and mine is out. Not sure how the power 'grid' is configured obviously it's segmented.

[codeman671]

Originally Posted by MAXUM

I have no idea. If you're that concerned about it, PM me I'll be up there the weekend after next I can take a ride by and have a look and give you a call. In talking to the Coop, it sounds like they will be sending crews out soon, but they insist on having 12" or more ice before they will go. At least they know it's out, till I called they had no idea. If you look at the outage map they are now reporting one outage in Meredith, that's no doubt from my phone call. I doubt I will get out there this weekend.

I can tell you the light at the post office was on Saturday night and the Bear Cam is still updating so power appears to be good there, but I'm not that far from there and mine is out. Not sure how the power 'grid' is configured obviously it's segmented.

I can tell you that the end of line that feeds Mark and Mink is working fine.

[NYCtoLSP]

Just got word from the crew whose houses are out there near the open spot (they are my buddies from Lake Shore Park) that the ice is 20" thick out there. Can't wait to get on the lake this weekend for the annual girls' ice fishing trip.

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by NYCtoLSP

Just got word from the crew whose houses are out there near the open spot (they are my buddies from Lake Shore Park) that the ice is 20" thick out there. Can't wait to get on the lake this weekend for the annual girls' ice fishing trip.

I can tell you with all certainty that ice there is NOT 20" thick...not even close! I drilled many holes around the entire area of welch island last week and on the western side where it has been frozen for many weeks there is only 12" (maybe more now with the cold nights we have had). Where those bob houses are near the open water 6 - 9 inches at best! While this is plenty safe, it is not 20" safe...

Dan

[Mink Islander]

12" last weekend all around Mink Island. A couple inches of slush ice from all the rain; the rest solid black ice. Agree it's probably grown an inch or two this week from the cold and little snow cover. Great conditions for ice fishing right now!

20" is hard to believe -- but these are fishmen we're talking about so exaggeration goes with the territory .... LOL.

[Lakegeezer]

Reading satellite pictures can be as tough as reading medical X-rays, but today's shot, in very clear skys, indicates thinner ice in the broads and surrounding edges. Up in the northeast watershed of the lake, we had trusted reports of 18" of ice a few days ago, so some spots of 20" seems likely.

[FLAG!]

Are there any ice reports from the Wolfeboro area? I'm wondering how much ice there is OUTSIDE of Wolfeboro bay, particularly on the broads side of little barn door island. Typically if there's 10 inches there the rest of the Wolfeboro area is pretty secure.

[Blue Thunder]

Originally Posted by Lakegeezer

Reading satellite pictures can be as tough as reading medical X-rays, but today's shot, in very clear skys, indicates thinner ice in the broads and surrounding edges. Up in the northeast watershed of the lake, we had trusted reports of 18" of ice a few days ago, so some spots of 20" seems likely.

The view doesn't mean it's thinner at all. Clear black ice is the strongest ice there is. With all of the wind of late, the snow is blown off the areas that appear darker.....fear not.
BT

[ishoot308]

I am not in Gilford until tomorrow night and was hoping someone may have a visual report on the open water condition between Ellacoya and Welch...is there still open water???

Thanks!!

Dan

[DRH]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

I am not in Gilford until tomorrow night and was hoping someone may have a visual report on the open water condition between Ellacoya and Welch...is there still open water???

Thanks!!

Dan

Dan - as of yesterday afternoon the large area of open water was still there. I couldn't tell if it had shrunk or not during this cold weather spell we're having but if it has, it hasn't been by much. The open water area extends from Welch Island over toward Diamond Island.

[CAVU]

I have heard reports there are certain areas of the lake that weak ice in the winter due to large springs. I believe this is a spring fed lake. In fact I've been told that main outflow of the lake isn't Lakeport at all, its actually through the bottom of the lake. Apparently the bottom, through the bedrock, is very porous. While some openings feed the lake others drain it. A little fact I did not know until recently. I always thought it was Lakeport. My point to all of this, is that perhaps a few quakes in recent years opened a new large spring. I find a Geothermal vent to be unlikely. Everything I have read on it, suggests those are mainly confined to deep ocean floors or hot spring type lakes. I also think it were it were a Geothermal vent the open water would grow and be much larger. If I'm correct the open spot is slowly shrinking. I think a Geothermal vent would behave like the Aquatherms in the other thread. I think a large spring is more plausible. I would love to go down and take a peek. Anyway, just my two cents worth.

[TJNed]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

I am not in Gilford until tomorrow night and was hoping someone may have a visual report on the open water condition between Ellacoya and Welch...is there still open water???

Thanks!!

Dan

Ishoot308 - When you get to Gilford can you let me know how the conditions are in Paugus Bay? We usually get on there and ride to Meredith. I don't know if I should take the snow machine or the four wheeler. In past years we had a hard time getting around the bridge to GI. It seems the property owner blocked off the only way up and around the bridge so we have to go the long way around Governors Island.

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by TJNed

Ishoot308 - When you get to Gilford can you let me know how the conditions are in Paugus Bay? We usually get on there and ride to Meredith. I don't know if I should take the snow machine or the four wheeler. In past years we had a hard time getting around the bridge to GI. It seems the property owner blocked off the only way up and around the bridge so we have to go the long way around Governors Island.

As of last weekend....Sanders Bay is locked solid with plenty of ice for a couple weeks now. Measured 12" two weeks ago, probably close to 20" now (Please check for yourself however!).

Between Lockes and Governors 12"+ measured. Snowmobiles, trucks and ATVs all over the witches area.

West side of Welch all the way to Governors locked solid with a measured 12"+ of ice.

Welch island North to Braun bay locked solid with a measured 11"+ of ice. Trucks, snowmobiles, and atvs everywhere.

Great snow on the lake for the sleds!! Also nice for 4 wheelers!

Please note...I do not not and never will recommend driving a full size truck on the ice regardless of thickness. I only mention it because I saw them out there. Please do not believe anything I say and confirm ice thickness for yourself to be safe!

Thanks and have fun!!

Dan

[TJNed]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

As of last weekend....Paugus Bay is locked solid with plenty of ice. (Please check for yourself however!) Same goes for the North side of Governors. Snowmobiles, trucks and ATVs all over the witches area.

West side of Welch all the way to Governors locked solid with a measured 12"+ of ice.

Welch island North to Braun bay locked solid with a measured 11"+ of ice.

Great snow on the lake for the sleds!!

Please do not believe anything I say and confirm ice thickness for yourself to be safe!

Thanks!!

Dan

Thanks Dan! Not to worry we always check out the conditions before venturing out. Will be there for Derby Weekend.

[salty dog]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

As of last weekend....Sanders Bay is locked solid with plenty of ice for a couple weeks now. Measured 12" two weeks ago, probably close to 20" now (Please check for yourself however!).

Between Lockes and Governors 12"+ measured. Snowmobiles, trucks and ATVs all over the witches area.

West side of Welch all the way to Governors locked solid with a measured 12"+ of ice.

Welch island North to Braun bay locked solid with a measured 11"+ of ice. Trucks, snowmobiles, and atvs everywhere.

Great snow on the lake for the sleds!! Also nice for 4 wheelers!

Please note...I do not not and never will recommend driving a full size truck on the ice regardless of thickness. I only mention it because I saw them out there. Please do not believe anything I say and confirm ice thickness for yourself to be safe!

Thanks and have fun!!

Dan

Just curious. What is the recommenced ice thickness (if any) before a larger vehicle/4x4 should venture out on the lake? Never done that and don't know if I would but I think I'd be nervous driving out with my Expedition unless there were other heavy vehicles on the ice also.

Chris

[webmaster]

Originally Posted by salty dog

Just curious. What is the recommenced ice thickness (if any) before a larger vehicle/4x4 should venture out on the lake?

Here's a few charts I found online:

[rdant]

Originally Posted by webmaster

Here's a few charts I found online:

None of the charts show airplanes!

I put my little Cessna 172 between the BMW and the Truck.

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by salty dog

Just curious. What is the recommenced ice thickness (if any) before a larger vehicle/4x4 should venture out on the lake? Never done that and don't know if I would but I think I'd be nervous driving out with my Expedition unless there were other heavy vehicles on the ice also.

Chris

Well...here is what the Army Corp of Engineers says...

"The following table of safe loads is valid ONLY for ice that is clear and sound, with no flowing water underneath. it is not reliable for stationary loads."

1-3/4" One person on skies
2" One person on foot or skates
3" One snowmobile
3" A group of people walking single file
7" A single passenger automobile
8" A 2-1/2 ton truck
9" A 3-1/2 ton truck
10" A 7 to 8 ton truck

In my opinion anyone who would drive an 8 ton truck on 10" of ice is a moron!

[salty dog]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

Well...here is what the Army Corp of Engineers says...

"The following table of safe loads is valid ONLY for ice that is clear and sound, with no flowing water underneath. it is not reliable for stationary loads."

1-3/4" One person on skies
2" One person on foot or skates
3" One snowmobile
3" A group of people walking single file
7" A single passenger automobile
8" A 2-1/2 ton truck
9" A 3-1/2 ton truck
10" A 7 to 8 ton truck

In my opinion anyone who would drive an 8 ton truck on 10" of ice is a moron!

Thanks for the info. 8 tons, eh? Think I'll watch from shore!

[NYCtoLSP]

Originally Posted by NYCtoLSP

Just got word from the crew whose houses are out there near the open spot (they are my buddies from Lake Shore Park) that the ice is 20" thick out there. Can't wait to get on the lake this weekend for the annual girls' ice fishing trip.

Ok, after some further inquiry, the 20" was in fact a fisherman's tale. However, there was a true measurement of 14" as of Saturday.