How fast will lakes make ice?

[eriksat1]

http://www.outdoorcanada.ca/How_Fast_Does_Your_Lake_Make_Ice
How fast will your lake make ice? Pretty good article.

[sodakdave]

Some good information there, but still leaves a couple questions. How quickly does a lake lose ice if you get above freezing during the day, and back below freezing at night?

We've been in the 20s with lows in the teens / single digits for the last 5 days, and according to the formula in the article, we should be at about 3" of ice. Add in today and that puts it at ~3.6"

However, tomorrow is going to be 40 with a low of 30. That puts the average temp above freezing. The rest of the week is highs in the mid to upper 30's and lows in the mid to upper 20s. Over the next 7 days, 4 of them will have average temps at or above 32F. That can't be great for the ice.

[hardwater diehard]

Some good information there, but still leaves a couple questions. How quickly does a lake lose ice if you get above freezing during the day, and back below freezing at night?

We've been in the 20s with lows in the teens / single digits for the last 5 days, and according to the formula in the article, we should be at about 3" of ice. Add in today and that puts it at ~3.6"

However, tomorrow is going to be 40 with a low of 30. That puts the average temp above freezing. The rest of the week is highs in the mid to upper 30's and lows in the mid to upper 20s. Over the next 7 days, 4 of them will have average temps at or above 32F. That can't be great for the ice.

good resource all things ice

http://lakeice.squarespace.com/thawed-ice/

[filetandrelease]

Good info but there are so many variables, ice pics and a spud along with other safety equipment
Its still hands on and common sense
And take a buddy

 

[sgtski]

Yes sir....first ice is fun....fishing can be great....but be careful...take a buddy...later mike

[sodakdave]

Yeah, it looks like I'm still about 2 weeks out from good ice here. Some smaller lakes might be ok next weekend.