Ice Out was declared on Lake Winnipesaukee today (April 12, 2026). Emerson Aviation in Gilford NH is the local source for ice conditions. Many people follow their Facebook page for weekly/daily updates on “Ice In” and “Ice Out”. Locals, especially boaters, fisherman, and water sport enthusiasts, watch the lake conditions closely and share reports on social media and The Winnipesaukee Forum (www.winnipesaukee.com/forums).
“Ice-Out" on Lake Winnipesaukee is the moment when the ice that has covered the Lake since late December or early January melts enough that the M/S Mount Washington (https://cruisenh.com/) cruise ship could navigate between its ports in Alton Bay, Center Harbor, Weirs Beach, Meredith and Wolfeboro.
Ice-Out is anxiously awaited by residents and visitors since it is the traditional start of the spring season and many Islanders regain water access to their cottages. The date has been observed and recorded for over 135 years. The setting of the exact date and time is non-scientific and is now determined by an observer in a small plane from Emerson Aviation (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069354115129) that flies over the lake several times a day. When the pilot makes the Ice-Out call it is considered official.
On Lake Winnisquam Ice Out was declared on April 6, 2026 by The Winnisquam Watershed Network (https://www.winnisquamwatershed.org/winnisquam-ice-out-results). Ice Out is declared on Lake Winnisquam when roughly 90% of the ice is observed to be gone.
Ice Out has yet to be declared on Squam Lake, though it is imminent, with open water spreading rapidly. The official declaration, determined by the Squam Lakes Association (https://squamlakes.org/) occurs when a boat can safely travel from the Ashland covered bridge to Sandwich Beach.
Ice Out does not seem to have occurred yet on Newfound Lake as reported by the Newfound Lake Region Association (https://www.facebook.com/NewfoundLake).
Finally, Ice Out was declared on April 11, 2026 for Lake Sunapee. This milestone is defined as the ability to navigate a boat between Newbury and Georges Mills without hitting ice. Report is often made by the Newbury NH Historical Society (https://www.facebook.com/NewburyNHHistoricalSociety).