ice out

As a child, ice-out was one of my favorite annual events.

The so-called “ice-out” data also helps scientists track the effects of climate change in the state, the department said.

“Tracking ice-out dates over time can also be important because in some lakes, earlier ice-out may lead to more phosphorus release from sediments during the summer, which can help fuel algae blooms and growth of aquatic nuisance vegetation.”

“We try to sample lakes within seven to 10 days of ice-out, because that’s the best time to collect information about the average conditions in the lake at the start of the growing season,” DEC environmental scientist Leslie Matthews said in a written statement.

Ice-Out is declared when the 230-foot MS Mount Washington, a cruise boat, can make it to every one of its ports: Center Harbor, Wolfeboro, Alton, Weirs Beach and Meredith.