MADISON, Wis. — It was hard to call, but on January 1, Lake Mendota officially froze for the 2016-2017 winter season. The largest and deepest of Madison’s lakes joins Lake Wingra, which officially frozen on December 9, and Lake Monona, which reported “ice-on” on December 16.
The Wisconsin State Climatology Office requires ice to hold for a period of 24 hours before a lake can officially be declared frozen over. After ice took shape on January 1, staff waited to see whether it would hold out through the rain and warm temperatures that followed. When the fog cleared on January 3, the ice still stood and cold temperatures returned, allowing staff to make the call. Ice had been forming near the shore since mid-December, waiting for a combination of cold air and a few calm days to cover the lake.
Making comparisons
The latest freeze on record for Lake Mendota is January 30. That late freeze happened in 1932. Last winter, the lake officially froze on January 11. The median freeze date is December 20, making this year a “late” but fairly typical freeze.
We have a winner!
Clean Lakes Alliance once again held its annual Mendota Freeze Contest, asking people to take a guess as to when the lake would officially freeze. Michelle Bright of Madison submitted the first correct guess on December 2. She will receive a $1,000 Lands’ End gift card as a grand prize.
Michelle shared that this year’s win has a special meaning for her, in remembrance of a longtime and much loved Isthmus staff member:
Runner up Debbie Oswald, who made a correct guess on December 4, will receive an overnight stay at the Wilderness Resort in the Wisconsin Dells.
Stay Safe!
Though the lakes look solid, don’t be misled: ice may still be thin. The Wisconsin DNR recommends waiting for three inches of ice before venturing out, and always walking with a friend. If you plan on ice fishing with friends and gear, at least four inches of ice is best.
