Jefferson Ridpath: March 2010 Archives

I have finally posted the 113 date selections I have received so far over on the 2010 Predictions page. A few observations about this year's guesses:

• There is a clear consensus that it will be an earlier-than-average
  ice out this year.
• The most popular single date is Monday, April 19th.
• 54% of people think the ice will go out in the 5 days between
  April 17 - April 21. (This a larger % than last year, and a week earlier.)
• 80% of people think the ice will be out by April 22nd.

Time for bed... I'll try to get another post up later this week.

We were up on Canoe Lake for a couple of days last weekend. It was absolutely beautiful, sunny, and warm! But there was a lot more snow and ice than I expected, especially after the non-winter we had here in Toronto this year.

We cut a hole in the ice (see below) and it looks to me like there is about 20" total. There is a 2" layer on top with about 1" of water underneath, and then about 17" of solid, clear ice. In my experience these are pretty much average conditions.

I have already received a pile of dates and should get around to posting them this week. In the mean time, here are some photos from our weekend...

Heading for the cottage under a big blue sky on Canoe Lake - March 6th, 2010.  Photo by Jefferson Ridpath

We ran into some other Canoe Lakers in the parking lot and headed out together - March 6th, 2010.  Photo by Jefferson Ridpath

The star of the show! - March 6th, 2010.  Photo by Jefferson Ridpath

Yep -- it's that time! Unlike last year, it seems (in Toronto at least) like we haven't really had winter at all this year. It was cold, but I can count the number of times I had to shovel the driveway on one hand.

Once again, it was John Manson who was the first to email me (on January 20th no less!) with a date for this year. The 2010 ice-out season began with these words: "Anyone can predict once spring starts, real men give it a try when the ice is still forming!"

I'll be up on Canoe Lake again soon and will bring back a full report and photos. When those are posted, and I've cleaned things up around here, I'll send out an email to the list officially announcing the 2010 ice-out pool.

Stay tuned...

Making tracks on Canoe Lake on February 12th, 2010.  Photo by Debbie Ridpath Ohi