With the mild winter in 2024, “Ice in” was only declared on Lake Winnipesaukee for one day in February. This winter is a different story with ice-in declared relatively early on January 13, 2025. Emerson Aviation in Gilford NH is the local source for ice conditions. Many people follow their Facebook page for weekly/daily updates on “Ice In” and “Ice Out”. Locals, especially snowmobilers and ice fishermen, watch the lake conditions closely and share reports on social media and The Winnipesaukee Forum.
Ice-Out" on Lake Winnipesaukee is the moment when the ice that has covered the Lake since late December or early January melts enough that the M/S Mount Washington (cruisenh.com) cruise ship could navigate between its ports in Alton Bay, Center Harbor, Weirs Beach, Meredith and Wolfeboro.
Ice-Out is anxiously awaited by residents and visitors since it is the traditional start of the spring season and many Islanders regain water access to their cottages. The date has been observed and recorded for over 135 years. The setting of the exact date and time is non-scientific and is now determined by an observer in a small plane from Emerson Aviation that flies over the lake several times a day. When the pilot makes the Ice-Out call it is considered official.