Ice-In & Ice-Out Tracking
Please help Lake Stewards of Maine (LSM) track ice-in and ice-out dates for your lake.
- Submit your observations using our: Ice Coverage Submission Form
- For definitions of ice-in and ice-out, see below.
- For information on partial ice cover, visit: Winter Ice Variability
- View current conditions on the: Ice Coverage Map
- Explore trends in our: Statewide Ice Cover Summary
- Our partners at the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (Maine Geological Survey) also provide: Snowpack Data. In 2026, peak snow water content occurred around March 4.
- Interested in additional climate-related monitoring opportunities? Learn more about: the high-elevation lake monitoring project
How do I determine ice-in and ice-out?
Author W.carter
LSM tracks when lakes freeze (ice-in) and when they become ice-free (ice-out).
While ice-out has historically been recorded, tracking ice duration is increasingly important for understanding changing climate conditions.
Ice-out is declared when a lake becomes navigable or mostly ice-free. Methods vary by lake:
- Complete ice disappearance
- Main basin becomes ice-free
- Approx. 80% of ice cover is gone
Important: Always follow the historical method used for your lake when possible.
If no record exists, we recommend declaring ice-out when the lake is mostly navigable.
Ice-in occurs when a lake becomes fully or nearly fully ice-covered.
Because lakes may freeze and thaw multiple times, we track:
- First ice-in event
- Final, sustained ice cover
Note: Skim ice should not be considered ice-in.
Recommended Methods for Tracking Ice-Out
Consistency is critical. If your lake already has a method, continue using it.
If not, consider the following approaches:
1. Use Multiple Observers
Create a small group responsible for observations. This ensures continuity and reduces the chance of missed events.
2. Establish a Photo Station
A photo station provides a fixed viewpoint to document changes over time. This helps create consistent, comparable records year to year.
Photo stations can be simple (e.g., a marked post) or more permanent structures. The key is a stable, repeatable view that will not be disturbed.
Additional resources:
These images illustrate landscape change over time using a fixed observation point.
3. Choose a Method That Fits Your Lake
Lake characteristics (size, basins, shading, hydrology) influence ice behavior. Choose a method that works for your lake and apply it consistently.
Examples:
- Taylor Pond: group consensus among observers
- Nickerson Lake: weighted block and clock system (annual contest)
Your observations are extremely valuable—thank you for contributing.
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