Word came this morning that "Ice Out" has officially been declared on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire, confirmed by airplane survey courtesy of Dave Emerson of Emerson Aviation, after flying over the lake. At first, it seemed today, April 24 would go down as the official date - some 4 days after the climatological normal of April 20. But late word comes that Emerson Aviation estimates the time of ice out probably was 8 PM Wednesday night, so the official date looks as though it will be recorded as April 23, instead. Exactly what is the definition of "ice out?" It's all about the cruise ship Mount Washington and whether it can directly reach all of its stops on the lake, including Meredith, Center Harbor, Wolfeboro, Alton Bay and Weirs Beach. Of course, the water temperature in most spots near the shoreline is only 40 degrees, so don't break out the swimsuit just yet! On a serious note, safety officials in New Hampshire warn folks that accidents can and do happen after ice out - people heading out in boats and capsizing in water that's sure to result in hypothermia before rescue personnel can arrive on-scene. (Photo courtesy of winnipesaukeecam.com, Alton Bay, NH).
-Matt
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