So what's all this talk about "ice-out" on Lake Winnipesaukee? Ice-out is the eagerly anticipated day when the ice that has covered the lake since late December or early January melts enough that the M/S Mount Washington cruise ship can navigate between the towns that grace the shores of the lake: Alton Bay, Center Harbor, Weirs Beach, Meredith and Wolfeboro.

Ice-out is anxiously awaited by residents because it not only signals the start of the spring season, but islanders regain water access to their cottages. The determination of the exact date and time is non-scientific and is chosen by an observer in a small plane from Emerson Aviation that flies over the lake several times a day. When the pilot makes the ice-out call, it is considered official.

The date of this event has been recorded for more than 130 years and we have compiled some of those dates here ... feel free to download and share! When do you think ice-out will happen this year?