New England Ice Yacht Association NEIYA Region Ice Yacht Sailing and Ice Reports -

Expired ice report information for the 1999 Season.

This page includes previous posts to the ice spotter board from this season... just in case you want to look some old information up. Remember, don't sail alone, and check the ice before you sail. Think ice!

Are you interested in Previous Year's reports? You can find them at '97 expired ice reports and '98 expired ice reports.

General info:

The NEIYA Hotline number has been activated. For a list of all the hotline numbers click here

12/01/98

Conditions Reported for: Navasink River , Red Bank, NJ

This report was submitted by: Jeff Morton (commodore NSIB&YC), (jmorton732@aol.com) Sail number: ,
Phone: 732-842-7353

The Condition Report for Navasink River , Red Bank is as follows:

Despite the spring like weather , there is ice , again, in our glasses !! All iceboater are invited to The North Shrewsbury Ice Boat & Yacht Clubs' christmas party ! December 12 , 7 p.m.
Please let me know !
How about you guys in Conn. ? L.I. ? etc. ?

The directions to the launch site are as follows:

12/23/98

Conditions Reported for: Budd Lake, NJ

This report was submitted by: Eric Duch, (educh@yahoo.com) Sail number: Freeskater,
Phone: 973-786-7396

The Condition Report for Budd Lake is as follows:

Ice has begun to form with the ushering in of Winter last night. This morning was 12 deg F at my window. Small lakes have small covering while the larger bodies were not able to freeze over due to the strong winds. Expect more ice and an update within the week.

The directions to the launch site are as follows:

12/24/98

Conditions Reported for: Moosehead and Brassua, ME

This report was submitted by: Leigh Turner, (leigh@gwi.net) Sail number: 567,
Phone: 207 695 9010 days; 207 695 3691 evenings

The Condition Report for Moosehead and Brassua is as follows:

New ice on some of the lower sections of Moosehead although large areas of pack ice. Brassua Lake to the north (approximately twice the size of of Wentworth in NH) has come in with black ice. Temperatures here have been below zero for the last two nights so will be safe by Christmas day.

The directions to the launch site are as follows:

Interstate 95 north to Exit 39 (150 mile marker). Then north on the Moosehead Trail being Rtes 7 to 23 to 15. Greenville is one hour north of the interstate exit. Launching in back of the Boom Chain restaurant. To Brassua, keep on Rte 15 for an additional 20 miles. The lake is on the right just past the village of Rockwood. Call first for updated information.

12/25/98

Conditions Reported for: Lake Scugog, Ont

This report was submitted by: Joe Albert, (joeyalbert@aol.com) Sail number: ,
Phone: 905-883-9842

The Condition Report for Lake Scugog is as follows:

2 1/2" ice getting thicker. Course surface, no major cracks
or chunks. 1/2 to 1" of hard snow over 70%. Occassional snow
drift of 3-5".

Overall good B+

The directions to the launch site are as follows:

Ontario/Canada. from Toronto, take 401 east to highway 48 north to
7A to Port Perry (1hr. drive). Or take Bloomington Road east to
7A to Port Perry. Park and rig in Park in town on Western shore.

12/26/98

Conditions Reported for: Wentworth, NH

This report was submitted by: Allen Stevens/ Beth Fox, (beth@worldpath.net) Sail number: 050,
Phone: 603-569-1056

The Condition Report for Wentworth is as follows:

3 plus inches and making ice for Sunday, December 27th; winds 10 mph-- Allen says, baby-bottom-smooth

The directions to the launch site are as follows:

Route 109 South, Wentworth State Park, Wolfeboro, NH

12/26/98

Conditions Reported for: Budd Lake, NJ

This report was submitted by: Eric Duch, (educh@yahoo.com) Sail number: Freeskater,
Phone: 973-786-7396

The Condition Report for Budd Lake is as follows:

As of Dec. 26 Budd is covered in barely 2" of black ice, no one dares to go on it as of yet. Lake Musconetcong just up the road has upwards of 3" on the north end of the lake and the first ice fisherman out today. Wasn't comfortable for today but maybe tomorrow.

The directions to the launch site are as follows:

Launching sites on Musconetcong are directly on the road, access is not to easy and have not done it yet, after doing it I will post.

12/26/98

Conditions Reported for: Great Pond, Belgrade Lakes, Me

This report was submitted by: Pete Ashley, () Sail number: DN 4442,
Phone:

The Condition Report for Great Pond, Belgrade Lakes is as follows:

Chickawauki Club sailing Sunday, 27 th December
Call Maine HOT ICE LINE and hear the details
(line number posted on NEIYA site)

The directions to the launch site are as follows:

12/27/98

Conditions Reported for: Bantam, CT

This report was submitted by: Jay Rusgrove, (advancedreceiver@snet.net) Sail number: DN3898,
Phone: (860)567-4725 weekends

The Condition Report for Bantam is as follows:

12/27/98 - 2-3 inches with some open water. Maybe next weekend with
some luck!

The directions to the launch site are as follows:

North Shore Rd. off Rt. 202 and Rt. 209.

12/27/98

Conditions Reported for: Little Lakes & Canadarago Lake, NY

This report was submitted by: Kevin Brown, (KJB42@AOL.com) Sail number: ,
Phone: 315-866-4241

The Condition Report for Little Lakes & Canadarago Lake is as follows:

Little Lakes, Just east of Richfield Springs on Rt. 20, Is great. 6" black on 90%
of lake. Small lake but great for first tuning runs and lots of fun after a dismal season and long wait. Canadarago may be close to the same by next weekend. Will post conditions as they progress HAPPY NEW YEAR

The directions to the launch site are as follows:

Interstate 90 to exit 30
Rt 28 South 13 miles to state launch

12/27/98

Conditions Reported for: Wentworth, NH

This report was submitted by: Allen Stevens/Beth Fox, (beth@worldpath.net) Sail number: 050,
Phone: 603-569-1056

The Condition Report for Wentworth is as follows:

Sunday evening up-date on Lake Wentworth Ice.
4+ inches of black ice and making; light winds. 30 boats
sailed today. Should be good the rest of the week;
watch for pressure ridges.

The directions to the launch site are as follows:

Take Route 11 E into Wolfeboro, NH. Turn right at the lights (Route 28)
go 2 miles east to Route 109E; take Route 109E to Wentworth State Park Beach,
about 3 miles on the right.

12/28/98

Conditions Reported for: Lake Pocotopaug, CT

This report was submitted by: Bob Kilpatrick, BellyUp Yacht Club, (rgk@hosco.com) Sail number: G-Mongoose,
Phone: 860-267-8173 or Dave Burnham 860-267-8590

The Condition Report for Lake Pocotopaug is as follows:

Measured 2 inches flat clear black yesterday everywhere checked, watching fish swim around under ice, smoother than Matt's fiddle (I hear) -- entire lake is sealed up, just watching the weather, praying for rain then cold rather than reverse. Possible for weekend if we get a miracle, watch for report...

The directions to the launch site are as follows:

To follow if sailable...

12/31/98

Conditions Reported for: Lake Pocotopaug, East Hampton, CT

This report was submitted by: Bob Kilpatrick, BellyUp Yacht Club, (rgk@hosco.com) Sail number: G- Mongoose,
Phone: 860-267-8173 or Dave Burnham 267-8590

The Condition Report for Lake Pocotopaug, East Hampton is as follows:

4 inches measured this AM, and still making ice. We will be sailing at least the south half on Friday 1/1/99. Exercise extreme caution north of the islands, not yet checked, there was substantial open area there yesterday, from the NW shore extending SSE, "V" shaped, probably now sealed over and THIN. Get local info before sailing.

The directions to the launch site are as follows:

Behind American Distilling off Rte 66, turn in West Point Road, then behind factory, do not block hydrant. Also from Sears Park, west side of lake, off North Main St.

12/31/98

Conditions Reported for: Budd Lake & Lake Musconetcong, NJ

This report was submitted by: Eric Duch, (educh@yahoo.com) Sail number: Freeskater,
Phone: 973-786-7396

The Condition Report for Budd Lake & Lake Musconetcong is as follows:

We have good ice on Budd Lake and Musconetcong. Yesterday, I scoped out the situation and found a 500' foot hole on Budd in front of the traffic light on 46 that had white caps. On Musconetcong there was a similiar but smaller hole to the north side of the Island in the lake. Please check ice conditions before venturing out. Musconetcong should be the thicker of the two with upwards of 4 inches possible and with tomorrows forecast it should be a great day.

The directions to the launch site are as follows:

Musconetcong is directly in between Budd and Hopatcong

12/31/98

Conditions Reported for: Budd Lake & Lake Musconetcong, NJ

This report was submitted by: Eric Duch, (educh@yahoo.com) Sail number: Freeskater,
Phone: 973-786-7396

The Condition Report for Budd Lake & Lake Musconetcong is as follows:

We have good ice on Budd Lake and Musconetcong. Yesterday, I scoped out the situation and found a 500' foot hole on Budd in front of the traffic light on 46 that had white caps. On Musconetcong there was a similiar but smaller hole to the north side of the Island in the lake. Please check ice conditions before venturing out. Musconetcong should be the thicker of the two with upwards of 4 inches possible and with tomorrows forecast it should be a great day.

The directions to the launch site are as follows:

Musconetcong is directly in between Budd and Hopatcong

01/02/99

Conditions Reported for: West Monponsett Lake, Halifax, Ma., ma

This report was submitted by: Sgt. James R. Keene, (HALPD@GIS.NET) Sail number: ,
Phone: 781-293-5761

The Condition Report for West Monponsett Lake, Halifax, Ma. is as follows:

January 2, 1999
About 90% of lake is frozen over with smooth black ice between 2"-3".
Winds have been a steady 6-10 out of the west all day. It is anticipated
that by Wednesday the lake should present excellent and fast conditions
with 3" to 5" of good hard ice provided there is no or minimal snow.

The directions to the launch site are as follows:

On Rt.58 at State Boat Ramp between East and West Lakes.

01/02/99

Conditions Reported for: Chapman's Pond Westerly/Bradford Rhode Island, RI

This report was submitted by: M.Dibble, (Mdibble@snet.net) Sail number: ,
Phone:

The Condition Report for Chapman's Pond Westerly/Bradford Rhode Island is as follows:

3-5" Ice, small area of open water directly accross from boat launch.
Zamboni-like conditions. Surly yet non-violent icefishermen.

The directions to the launch site are as follows:

RI Rt 78 Exit 5, towards Bradford. RT at Dot Salt shed.

01/04/99

Conditions Reported for: Webster Lake, MA

This report was submitted by: Roger Livingston, (rnlivingston@tccsecure.com) Sail number: 4568,
Phone: 508 852-3363

The Condition Report for Webster Lake is as follows:

Sailed the North Pond of Webster Lake Sunday, January 3. Clear black ice 4" to 5" thick. The central part of the lake still has large areas of open water and I don't consider it sailable at this time.

The directions to the launch site are as follows:

Exit 1 off 395 south. Take right at end of ramp. About a half mile down the road look for a sign on right to Memorial Beach (just before fire station).

01/04/99

Conditions Reported for: Budd Lake, NJ

This report was submitted by: Eric Duch, (educh@yahoo.com) Sail number: Freeskater,
Phone: 973-786-7396

The Condition Report for Budd Lake is as follows:

Drove by the lake this morning, most of the ice has remained after yesterday rain event and has resurfaced nicely. The hole in front of the Sandbridge Rd. traffic has enlarged somewhat due to the rain and wind. I expect the ice to be sailible by tomorrow but as always use extreme caution before venturing out. Also expect some weak spots where streams enter the lake. No report for Musconetcong as I was late for work but it is likely to a better bet for safe sailing.

The directions to the launch site are as follows:

01/05/99

Conditions Reported for: Chickawaukee,Damariscotta, Alford Lakes, ME

This report was submitted by: Lloyd roberts, (robertsl@midcoast.com) Sail number: 3314,
Phone: 207 596 6914 Maine Hot line

The Condition Report for Chickawaukee,Damariscotta, Alford Lakes is as follows:

All three lakes sailable as of Jan 5.

Linc Davis regatta Jan 9 or 10th. Check Maine Hot Ice line 207 596 6914 for site and directions. racing will start at 11:00 AM. Entry fee $5.

The directions to the launch site are as follows:

Damariscotta; State Park Rte 32, Jefferson ME

Alford: 1.5Mi N on Rte 235 of Rte 17 follow signs to launching ramp.

Chickawaukee: 1 Mi N on 17 from Rockland, public beach and launch ramp.

01/05/99

Conditions Reported for: Bantam, CT

This report was submitted by: Jay Rusgrove, (advancedreceiver@snet.net) Sail number: DN3898,
Phone: (860)567-4725 weekends

The Condition Report for Bantam is as follows:

1/5/99 Good sailing both Friday and Saturday 1/1 and 1/2 with 3+
inches. Ice in good condition after Sundays rain. Several people
sailed today. More to show up and sail tomorrow. Current conditions
4+ inches.

The directions to the launch site are as follows:

North Shore Rd. off Rt. 209 and Rt.202.

01/06/99

Conditions Reported for: Georges Pond, Franklin, Me

This report was submitted by: Sepp Huber, (huber@acadia.net) Sail number: OK3,
Phone: 207 565 2188

The Condition Report for Georges Pond, Franklin is as follows:

Minimum 6" but mostly rough as heck with several sections of pack ice. Some sailable places. Snowing right now, but also blowing hard so keep yer fingers crossed

The directions to the launch site are as follows:

From Ellsworth, Me : Rt 1 North to Rt182 to Franklin. 1/2 mile past Franklin Trading Post take a left on Georges Pond Rd. Go until you are within 30 feet of the lake. You're at the public landing!

01/07/99

Conditions Reported for: Budd Lake, NJ

This report was submitted by: Eric Duch, (educh@yahoo.com) Sail number: Freeskate,
Phone: 973-786-7396

The Condition Report for Budd Lake is as follows:

Correction Budd is not completely closed in. The problem appears to be the 200-300 Canadian Geese who won't leave. Unfortunately someone went in yesterday. Remember, always check the conditions and sail with a Buddy.

The directions to the launch site are as follows:

01/07/99

Conditions Reported for: Bantam Lake, CT

This report was submitted by: Jordan Glaser, (JBGRYG@aol.com) Sail number: Nite 533,
Phone:

The Condition Report for Bantam Lake is as follows:

Sailed today with 2 DNs & a J14
Mucho wind; mucho obstacles [2 pressure ridges & 2 recently frozen (thin) areas];
But, mucho fun!!!!!

The directions to the launch site are as follows:

84 to Waterbury to 8 North to 254 to 118 (Lichfield) to 202

01/08/99

Conditions Reported for: Webster Lake, MA

This report was submitted by: Roger Livingston, (rnlivingston@tccsecure.com) Sail number: 4568,
Phone: 508 852-3363

The Condition Report for Webster Lake is as follows:

5-6" of smooth black ice with occasional patches of snow on North Pond of Webster Lake. The main part of Webster Lake looks good also, but there are some spots with new ice which could be dangerous. look for an update as soon as this nasty weather passes.

The directions to the launch site are as follows:

Route 395 south to exit 1. Take right and end of exit. About a half mile on the right you will see a sign to Memorial Beach (just before fire station).
Follow road into the beach area.

01/11/99

Conditions Reported for: Bantan, CT

This report was submitted by: Jay Rusgrove, () Sail number: DN3898,
Phone: (860)567-4725 weekends

The Condition Report for Bantan is as follows:

1/11/98 - 4+ inches of smooth ice. Several pressure ridges with associated
small areas of open water. Beware - scooter activity on lake. Yesterday
a DN was following a scooter - the scooter negotiated a successful water
crossing - the DN....

The directions to the launch site are as follows:

North Shore Rd. off of Rt.202 and Rt.209.

01/13/99

Conditions Reported for: Budd Lake, NJ

This report was submitted by: Eric Duch, (educh@yahoo.com) Sail number: Freeskater,
Phone:

The Condition Report for Budd Lake is as follows:

Good morning. Well, we missed getting any snow yesterday but this morning Mother Nature sent out the Zamboni to wet down the lake. We are expecting up to 6 inches of snow thru tomorrow, which will delay any ice reports to likely Friday morning again. As far the ice boat beach launch is concerned it is wide open from there to Rt. 46. Would anybody like to assist in the removal of a few geese, let me know.

The directions to the launch site are as follows:

Only Freeskaters should be able to launch at this time from the bar at the end of the lake

01/15/99

Conditions Reported for: Bantam, CT

This report was submitted by: Jay Rusgrove, (advancedreceiver@snet.net) Sail number: DN3898,
Phone: (860)567-4725 weekends

The Condition Report for Bantam is as follows:

1/15/99 - Thursday/Friday storm dumped several inches of snow, sleet and rain on the lake. Current conditions (9pm) are 1-3/4 inches of slush on top of 6+ inches of ice. Temperature is 25 degrees with a low of 20 degrees expected. This may not produce usable ice tomorrow. Expected lows tomorrow night are 25 degrees which may produce usable ice on Sunday. We'll have to wait and see.

The directions to the launch site are as follows:

North Shore Rd. off Rt. 202 and 209.

01/16/99

Conditions Reported for: Rogers Lake, CT

This report was submitted by: Matt McCauley, (dn4762@neiya.org) Sail number: 4762,
Phone:

The Condition Report for Rogers Lake is as follows:

the south end of the lake is sailable with 3-4" of pretty smooth ice... some snow humps iced over. not any higher than 1/2

there's a nasty drain hole on the west side of the south island. the east side's ok.

its frozen all around the middle islands and has been since before xmas.

the north end of the lake has one big open area.. in the usual place... aboiut 200yds x 100 yds.. it was knitted over before the rain and snow

the remainder of the norht end looks good but hasn't been thoughly checked.

we'll be doing that this afternoon

Sail safe

The directions to the launch site are as follows:

Haines park off RT1 in Old lyme.. check 'set in sites page' for better directions

01/16/99

Conditions Reported for: Bantam, CT

This report was submitted by: Jay Rusgrove, (advancedreceiver@snet.net) Sail number: DN3898,
Phone: (860)567-4725 weekends

The Condition Report for Bantam is as follows:

1/16/99 - Thursday and Fridays storm and subsequent freeze last night has left the surface with patches of smooth and rough ice. Several boaters sailed today and reported that rough ice is better than no ice. The existing pressure ridges, and associated open water, appear to be filled in.

The directions to the launch site are as follows:

North Shore Rd. off Rt.202 and Rt.209.

01/19/99

Conditions Reported for: Bantam Lake, CT

This report was submitted by: Jordan Glaser, (JBGRYG@aol.com) Sail number: Nite 533,
Phone:

The Condition Report for Bantam Lake is as follows:

Three boats sailed until the end of the day. Heavy winds blew remaining rain water off the lake's surface and propelled the boats thru the evolving slush. In addition to prior obstacles, there was one very small hole in the center. Tonight will be colder. Get an early start.

The directions to the launch site are as follows:

As above

01/20/99

Conditions Reported for: Lake champlain, vt

This report was submitted by: Huber Hans, (iceman2@total.net) Sail number: KC 3288,
Phone: 514-695-1919

The Condition Report for Lake champlain is as follows:

The directions to the launch site are as follows:

01/20/99

Conditions Reported for: Lake champlain, vt

This report was submitted by: Huber Hans, (iceman2@total.net) Sail number: KC 3288,
Phone: 514-695-1919

The Condition Report for Lake champlain is as follows:

The directions to the launch site are as follows:

01/23/99

Conditions Reported for: Bantam, CT

This report was submitted by: Jay Rusgrove, (advancedreceiver@snet.net) Sail number: DN3898,
Phone: (860)567-4725 weekends

The Condition Report for Bantam is as follows:

1\23\99 - Half inch of water on top of 10 inches of ice. More rain expected tomorrow. Freezing temperatures would likely create good ice. If there was more wind and less fog it probably would have been sailable today.

The directions to the launch site are as follows:

North Shore Rd. off Rt. 202 and Rt. 209.

01/24/99

Conditions Reported for: Lake St Louis , Pointe Claire area, Quebec

This report was submitted by: André Baby KC 4360, (Baby0@ibm.net) Sail number: ,
Phone: 514-426-4066

The Condition Report for Lake St Louis , Pointe Claire area is as follows:

Lake is totally frozen over with six inch of snow ice over 12 to 18 inches of black ice .
Surface needs hardening and will probably be sailable on tuesday 26th as cold teps are forecast for all of next week.A group is forming to sail on tuesday or wenesday, depending on rapidity of freezup.. .

The directions to the launch site are as follows:

Probable launch is Valois bay, or centenial park,site of the 95'Worlds.Check later for details.

01/24/99

Conditions Reported for: Bantam, CT

This report was submitted by: Jay Rusgrove, (advancedreceiver@snet.net) Sail number: DN3898,
Phone: (860)567-4725 weekends

The Condition Report for Bantam is as follows:

1/24/99 - As of 5:00 pm rain appears to have ended. Only small amounts of water on top of 8 - 10 inches of ice. Small number of weep holes, especially near launch area. Should be sailable tomorrow.

The directions to the launch site are as follows:

North Shore Rd. off Rt. 202 and Rt. 209.

01/26/99

Conditions Reported for: Lake St Louis ,Pte Claire area, Quebec

This report was submitted by: Andre Baby, (Baby0@ ibm.net) Sail number: KC 4360,
Phone:

The Condition Report for Lake St Louis ,Pte Claire area is as follows:

Six of us sailed all day today on huge ice plate. Surface is rough due to sun action on snow ice suface.Early light wind tunrned into a nice 8-10 mph breeze . Light snowfall should not affect surface. Will check later in the week.

The directions to the launch site are as follows:

Highway 20 to sources rd .South to lakeeshore blvd. right and go 3/4 mile to Venture club and park on lakeside. 100ft access to ice.

01/26/99

Conditions Reported for: canadarago lake, ny

This report was submitted by: dan guido, () Sail number: ,
Phone: 315 866 6153

The Condition Report for canadarago lake is as follows:

sailed today new ice 8inches we have 3.5 x 1.5 miles

The directions to the launch site are as follows:

90 to exit 30 rt 28 south 10 miles to state boat launch

01/26/99

Conditions Reported for: Bantam, CT

This report was submitted by: Jay Rusgrove, (advancedreceiver@snet.net) Sail number: DN3898,
Phone: (860)567-4725 weekends

The Condition Report for Bantam is as follows:

1/26/99 - Half inch of snow on top of 8 - 10 inches of smooth ice.

The directions to the launch site are as follows:

North Shore Rd. off Rt. 202 and Rt. 209.

01/28/99

Conditions Reported for: Damariscotta Lake, Me.

This report was submitted by: David Wilkins, (ottnwilk@lincoln.midcoast.com) Sail number: DN 5065,
Phone: 207-529-5002 wk 207-529-5636 hm

The Condition Report for Damariscotta Lake is as follows:

Great plate of ice.9. Safe, 6"+ as of yesterday (Wed)and growing. Well marked pressure ridges
(pine boughs) Still no snow here in the midcoast as of 1:30 pm Thursday.Possible dusting by morning.

The directions to the launch site are as follows:

Rt. 1 north to Nobleboro. After Pemaquid Lake on right and then top of hill fire station also on right,
take left on East Pond Road. This runs north along east side of the lake until it "T" intersects Rt.32.
Take left here at stop sign. Launch is 1/4 mile on left at state park.

01/29/99

Conditions Reported for: George's Pond, Maine

This report was submitted by: Sepp Huber, (huber@acadia.net) Sail number: OK3,
Phone: 207 565 2188

The Condition Report for George's Pond is as follows:

Minimum 8" of really smooth, hard fast ice with only a few easily avoided rough spots (shell ice, remains of old pack ice, fishing holes) All we need is wind.

The directions to the launch site are as follows:

From Ellsworth, Me : Rt 1 North to Rt182 to Franklin. 1/2 mile past Franklin Trading Post take a left on Georges Pond Rd. Go until you are within 30 feet of the lake. You're at the public landing!