December 9, 2018: Ice In

After the failed attempt at ice-in on November 22nd, Lake Wicwas froze over again on December 6th, and this time I think it will stick.  On December 3rd there was a significant portion of the lake open.

December 3rd

By the 4th the wind had blow it out even more.

December 4th

But on the 5th the wind let up and by the next day it was frozen over, and though it looked like it was snow-covered it was just the thinnest dusting from an overnight flurry.

December 6th

By the next day those flakes had blown around and the ice was evident.  And out in the middle where it had just frozen, it looks like perfect, smooth black ice.

This could make for some great skating

I did get to skate on December 6th in Marion cove which has been frozen for three weeks and is already 8" thick.

Although the lake is frozen, the edges are still very thin with some open areas including those that the animals - such as beavers - have made to escape one last time before they are locked in for the winter.

A hole in the ice at one of the beaver's favorite trail heads

Here's the evidence they left  to prove they were out after the most recent snow.

I found evidence of a less common animal on a hike to Welch and Dickey mountain in Thornton, up at an elevation of 2700'.  Their track is distinct;  only a member of the Leporidae family makes these track patterns:

Snowshoe hare tracks in fresh snow

These are a rare sight for me though I do see them occasionally in the Meredith Community Forest and the Hamlin Conservation Area.  It's hard to believe they can eke out a living all winter in the barren habitat high in the White Mountains.  They must tough it out just so they can live in such a beautiful place.

The Kinsman, Cannon, and Lafayette Ranges (L to R) from Dickey Mountain

Back at the lake the recent the thaw-freeze cycle has left some interesting ice formations.

No skating on this sinking puddle!

With cold and dry weather in the forecast these will be visible for quite some time.  And, if it stays cold and the snow holds off long enough, there will be some great skating out there now that the lake is frozen.