Ice-Out 2012

[Merrymeeting]

Originally Posted by Bear Island South

I do believe we will see open water on the lake in March, however we will be waiting on Center Harbor and Alton Bay to let loose which may not be until late March.

I agree. It took me a few years to learn as my eagerness to see ice-out would have me rush ice-out in anticipation.

But, as an example, several areas of the Merrymeeting River that had opened up in the past week have closed or skimmed over again. The low temps at night at this time of year tend to offset the loss during the day. The net result is a LONG period of not much happening toward ice-out. Especially this year as the "average" temperatures between now and mid-April will tend toward the status quo.

Having said that, it is interesting to see holes opening up in areas visible on the Ossipee webcam. Ossipee, in the area viewed by the webcam, usually freezes before Winnipesaukee, and opens later. But the melting/errosion from the higher temps below the ice seems to be having an effect.