Jefferson Ridpath: April 2014 Archives

I think we may be getting close to ice-out -- possibly this weekend. Things are loosening up and there's a lot of rain and wind in the forecast for the next week.

I had an email from Holly and Roy Stewart on Sunday: "About 3" of slush over 3" solid but quickly candling ice." They sent this photo, from the beach of the P-Store bay...

Canoe Lake, looking north west from the P-Store beach on Sunday, April 27th, 2014. Photo by Roy & Holly Stewart. (Click the image for a larger version.)

And Gord over at Algonquin Outfitters posted a quick update yesterday saying "Lake of Two Rivers: big split down the middle, black ice, likely will open within the next couple of days. Smoke Lake: looking very black but only open around the edges."

I think we'll miss a record-late ice-out (May 8th) by less than a week.

Just lovely! Over 20°C yesterday, and then a blizzard and well below zero tonight - and that's in Toronto!

I don't see the ice going out before May, and it's possible we'll be flirting with the record-late date of May 8th.

Now, where did I put that shovel and scraper...

I just wanted to drop in and say that although I am following things up north, and receiving everyone's date guesses, I am not going to be able to post much this year.

I've been hit with a perfect storm of work, travel, a wedding (not mine :-), some more travel... and did I mention travel? Something just had to give...

I'll try to post if I learn anything; and keep the emails coming - I'll review them once the ice goes out and let you know who got it right.

Happy ice-free trails everyone!