HOW FAST YOUR LAKE WILL FREEZE? ...

[Jig4perch]

Guys,

thought you guys would appreciate this link to help calculate lake freeze rates based on average daily temperatures.   As you know this is NOT a substitute for on site visual and spud workl 


https://www.outdoorcanada.ca/how-fast-does-your-lake-make-ice/


'There are several highly scientific methods and mathematical formulas that you can use to predict the growth of ice on your favorite lake, and they’re all essentially based on one controlling factor called freezing degree days that takes into consideration the air temperature, wind speed and something called radiational cooling.

To determine freezing degree days and how fast your favourite lake will build up ice, start by taking the average temperature (in degrees Fahrenheit) over the past 24 hours.  So, let’s say that the daytime high yesterday was 30 F and the night time low was 20 F.  This means the average temperature was 25 F.  Now, subtract the average temperature (25 F) from the freezing point of water (32 F) and we get 7 freezing degree days.

If the day time high was 20 F, on the other hand, and the night time low was 0 F, the average temperature would have been 10 F, giving us 22 freezing degree days (32 F – 10 F = 22 FDDs).

See how simple it is?

Now, based on the studies that have been done, once a thin sheet of ice has formed on a lake, it will typically increase at the rate of one inch / 15 freezing degree days (FDDS)."

[hardwater diehard]

Lots of info to explore

http://lakeice.squarespace.com/

[THE JIGGER]

Guys,

thought you guys would appreciate this link to help calculate lake freeze rates based on average daily temperatures.   As you know this is NOT a substitute for on site visual and spud workl 


https://www.outdoorcanada.ca/how-fast-does-your-lake-make-ice/


'There are several highly scientific methods and mathematical formulas that you can use to predict the growth of ice on your favorite lake, and they’re all essentially based on one controlling factor called freezing degree days that takes into consideration the air temperature, wind speed and something called radiational cooling.

To determine freezing degree days and how fast your favourite lake will build up ice, start by taking the average temperature (in degrees Fahrenheit) over the past 24 hours.  So, let’s say that the daytime high yesterday was 30 F and the night time low was 20 F.  This means the average temperature was 25 F.  Now, subtract the average temperature (25 F) from the freezing point of water (32 F) and we get 7 freezing degree days.

If the day time high was 20 F, on the other hand, and the night time low was 0 F, the average temperature would have been 10 F, giving us 22 freezing degree days (32 F – 10 F = 22 FDDs).

See how simple it is?

Now, based on the studies that have been done, once a thin sheet of ice has formed on a lake, it will typically increase at the rate of one inch / 15 freezing degree days (FDDS)."

Assuming no snow cover.

[mikez]

All that math gives me a popsicle headache.
Nothing beats experience which is one reason why I have gotten into a rut of only fishing the same ponds year after year.
After 40 years I can "feel" when it's ready.
What that really means is I can "feel" when it's worth going down with the spud to check it.

[regulator]

Very cool! Thanks for posting.

[TheJigginJerk]

That equals around 1.5” a day for weather like today.

[Rebelss]

For a visual chart...(click on it)

[fishinator]

I live on the southern end of the ice belt so I pay close attention to the ice and weather. So far I have found the "freezing day calculator" is fairly accurate. 
  Of course you should always check for yourself but it gives you a good idea.

[lowaccord66]

Noaa forecasts this.  Hard to find but if you look you can find their forecasts. 

Heres a teaser:

[river_scum]

lot of factors involved.  every lake is different. stained waters soak up sun more.  the longer the days get the harder it is to make ice also.

[wardo888]

I use this almost every year for first ice. It always helps making the decision to drive an hour to my spot. Yes, snow cover and stained water and other conditions affect the ice. But it’s a great tool to use if you can’t check yourself and need an idea of how thick, or thin, the ice might  be before heading out.

[fishermantim]

if the daytime high is fewer degrees above 32 than the night time low is below 32, then ice will continue to be made.
So on a day with a high of 36 and a night low of 20, the day is 4 degrees above while the night is 12 degrees below.
Then consider the length of time/hours that the temps are above 32 (usually 7-10 during the day vs. 14-17 at night)

For me, the start is when the temps are in the 20's for highs for consecutive days. With little/no wind, you could get up to 1 inch per day during these days.

And of course, as mentioned earlier, it doesn't include the affects of snow cover, which lowers the numbers...

[Uppervalley Kid]

 Not fast enough

[FreshwaterPhil]

The smallest water bodies I fish go from open water to 3.5 inches with 3 nights at -10C (14F). Were talking about ponds and small canals with no current, and max depths of about 12 feet.

Some of the bigger / deep lakes I fish in Southern Quebec don't freeze safe until February, common to see people trolling for landlocked salmon and trout on Memphremagog in January.

[stripernut]

Never forget when I was a kid the lake we lived on went from open to safe ice overnight! 4+" of clear "black" ice... Almost everyone that lived on the lake came out on the ice, I spent a bunch of time looking for fish under the ice, it was so clear...

[Knot there yet]

Walked out on 3” Saturday in very cold temps. Let’s just say the guys out there Friday we’re very brave or lucky. Just check as you go. Always think it’s not safe till you know my $.02

[BurningDaylight]

Great article.

Now is there a similar one for the melting/unfreezing of a pond/lake?

[TRIPPLE B]

very neat information.

[Rangerboats391]

thanks for the info