FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

April 19, 2011

 

Contact:           Amy L. Landers, Executive Director

                        Lakes Region Tourism Association

                        (603) 286-8008

 

 

ICE OUT ON LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE

 

Click for larger image. Photo courtesy of Emerson Aviation.

"ICE OUT" on Lake Winnipesaukee occurred at 8:20 am on April 19, 2011.  The official "ICE OUT" was declared today by Staci Schoenrock of Emerson Aviation in Gilford. Observers have maintained a close watch of the disintegrating ice over the past several days.  David Emerson and  Staci Schoenrock have been making regular flights to have monitor the last strongholds in Center Harbor and Meredith Bay.   Stacey made the flight this morning and reported  the official  "ICE OUT"  at 8:20 as the final ice cleared from Center Harbor Bay.   

 

"Spring is here!  Actually a very normal ice out time.  Third week in April did go kind of fast," said David Emerson of Emerson Aviation.

 

"ICE OUT" becomes official when the route of the MS Mount Washington is clear and navigable.  That is, the ship must be able to cruise among its five ports: Alton Bay, Center Harbor, Meredith, Weirs Beach, and Wolfeboro.  Records of "Ice Out" date back into the 1800's.  The earliest "Ice Out" reported was just last year, on March 24, 2010 and the latest on May 12, 1888.  On average Ice Out appears in mid- April.  The event serves as one of the annual omens of warmer weather, creating much speculation locally.  More importantly, the occurrence signals the advent of another tourist season.

 

"While this marks the beginning of enjoyment of the lake, boaters should remember that the water is likely still quite cold and precautions should be taken accordingly," cautioned Staci Schoenrock, Flight Instructor for Emerson Aviation. 

 

The Lakes Region Tourism Association is a non-profit organization established in 1936 to promote the region in-state, out-of-state and internationally to attract more visitors to the area.  The Association publishes the "Where to Guide" and the Official Lakes Region Map & Guide" and maintains an award-winning web site, www.lakesregion.org.  To request a free vacation package, call 1-800-60-LAKES.