How is the ice at Lake Quannapowitt?

SkateSailor · Joined: 26 Jan 2008 Posts: 22

Does anyone have their eyes on Lake Quannapowitt today?

Does it look like the melting today will freeze overnight to make good ice for Thursday? At the moment the forecast calls for overnight lows around 20.

lexflyer · Joined: 20 Sep 2001 Posts: 21

I walked on the ice this evening. It looks nice, probably lost a little with the rain, but there was plenty to start with. It should refreeze nicely overnight. The conditions have probably been good most of the week, since the snow was clearing off fast with all the winds on Sunday and Monday.

SkateSailor · Joined: 26 Jan 2008 Posts: 22

The ice was good today. Winds were light. At least the sailing was easy if not fast. The fire department cut a hole on the north side for ice rescue school. It is well marked with orange cones and the remains of an ice sculpture made from the cut pieces. The south and west portions of the lake continue to be pebbly though improved.

OliverTwist · Joined: 25 Nov 2004 Posts: 211

Looks like good wind and mild weather for Saturday. If the ice is still solid I'll go to Lake Q but I'm considering Fogland also.

ikopeikin · Joined: 27 Sep 2006 Posts: 88 Location: Massachusettes

I'm considering Fogland. so far .. looks good and the temp ~40F

OliverTwist · Joined: 25 Nov 2004 Posts: 211

Fogland may be the place to be tomorrow but now I'm tied up in the morning and won't have time to get there. It either ice sailing at Lake Q or windsurfing at P-Bay.

Skatesailor, how has this weather affected the ice? Will it be safe? Even if it's safe will it be covered with puddles?

SkateSailor · Joined: 26 Jan 2008 Posts: 22

Hi Oliver, I am twenty miles away from the lake. I won't be there today - the winds are too strong for me. Lows in the twenties tonight should restore the surface I hope for Sunday morning. Winds may be light on Sunday. If I bring out my big sail I can do quite well in light winds even as the boats and boards are becalmed.

lexflyer · Joined: 20 Sep 2001 Posts: 21

The ice today (Saturday) is still strong, seems close to a foot thick to me by casual inspection through a pressure crack on the SE side. But it's full of puddles with up to an inch of water, so probably not really suitable for anything with blades. Something like a snowfer would do fine, but it would really wet. Should refreeze overnight.

lexflyer · Joined: 20 Sep 2001 Posts: 21

Ice was soft today, the thaw is taking it's toll, looks to extend through the week.

OliverTwist · Joined: 25 Nov 2004 Posts: 211

Thanks for the update. We should have some really good ice when it freezes again. It's early Feb so it's bound to get cold soon. If it's warm all week I'll look to sail in the water next weekend.