Maine Ice Out Dates: A Guide to When Lakes and Rivers Thaw
Maine Ice Out Dates: A Guide to When Lakes and Rivers Thaw
Introduction
Maines ice out dates are a sign that spring is on its way. As the snow melts and the temperatures rise, the ice on Maines lakes and rivers begins to break up. The following guide provides information on the average ice out dates for Maines major lakes and rivers.
What is Ice Out?
Ice out is the date when the ice on a lake or river has melted enough to allow for safe boating and fishing. The ice out date can vary from year to year, depending on the weather conditions.
Factors that Affect Ice Out Dates
Several factors can affect ice out dates, including:
* Air temperature
* Water temperature
* Wind speed
* Snow cover
* Ice thickness
Average Ice Out Dates for Maine Lakes
The following table lists the average ice out dates for Maines major lakes:
| Lake | Average Ice Out Date |
|---|---|
| Moosehead Lake | April 20 |
| Sebago Lake | April 10 |
| Rangeley Lake | April 15 |
| Belgrade Lakes | April 5 |
| East Grand Lake | April 25 |
Average Ice Out Dates for Maine Rivers
The following table lists the average ice out dates for Maines major rivers:
| River | Average Ice Out Date |
|---|---|
| Kennebec River | April 1 |
| Penobscot River | April 10 |
| Androscoggin River | April 15 |
| Saco River | April 5 |
| St. Croix River | April 25 |
Variability in Ice Out Dates
It is important to note that ice out dates can vary from year to year. In some years, the ice may go out earlier than usual, while in other years, it may go out later than usual. The following table shows the range of ice out dates that have been recorded for Maines major lakes and rivers:
| Lake or River | Earliest Ice Out Date | Latest Ice Out Date |
|---|---|---|
| Moosehead Lake | March 20 | May 10 |
| Sebago Lake | March 15 | April 25 |
| Rangeley Lake | March 25 | May 5 |
| Belgrade Lakes | March 10 | April 20 |
| East Grand Lake | April 10 | May 15 |
| Kennebec River | March 1 | April 15 |
| Penobscot River | March 10 | April 25 |
| Androscoggin River | March 15 | April 30 |
| Saco River | March 5 | April 15 |
| St. Croix River | April 1 | May 10 |
Historical Ice Out Dates
The following table shows the historical ice out dates for Maines major lakes and rivers:
| Lake or River | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moosehead Lake | April 25 | April 20 | April 15 | April 10 | April 5 |
| Sebago Lake | April 15 | April 10 | April 5 | March 31 | March 25 |
| Rangeley Lake | April 20 | April 15 | April 10 | April 5 | March 31 |
| Belgrade Lakes | April 10 | April 5 | March 31 | March 25 | March 20 |
| East Grand Lake | April 25 | April 20 | April 15 | April 10 | April 5 |
| Kennebec River | April 5 | March 31 | March 25 | March 20 | March 15 |
| Penobscot River | April 10 | April 5 | March 31 | March 25 | March 20 |
| Androscoggin River | April 15 | April 10 | April 5 | March 31 | March 25 |
| Saco River | April 5 | March 31 | March 25 | March 20 | March 15 |
| St. Croix River | April 10 | April 5 | March 31 | March 25 | March 20 |
Safety Tips
It is important to remember that the ice on Maines lakes and rivers can be dangerous. Never go out on the ice alone, and always check the ice thickness before you go out. Ice that is less than 4 inches thick is not safe to walk on.
Conclusion
Maines ice out dates are a sign that spring is on its way. By understanding the factors that affect ice out dates, you can plan your outdoor activities accordingly. Remember, safety should always come first when you are on the ice.
Additional Information
For more information on ice out dates, please visit the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website.
