Southern Champlain 12/8

[Catherine Painter]

Shelburne Pond 12/8, looked like another 3 inches grew Sunday night. We were hoping for statable wind trails, but no luck there, instead the wind was packing the snow so it was too thick to skate through.


McCuen Slang: Walked out a bit and poked. There were several wet streaks through ice not too far off shore. It felt risky and a couple of pokes went through too easily. No good for me.

LaPams Bay fishing access: Sweet black ice under few inches of snow. 5 hard pokes and I still couldn't get through. No visible wet snow or open water.

The bad news is there is a giant wide lead across the lake that is at least 10 ft wide and maybe twice that. On both sides was smooth white snow. 3 days prior I scouted endless 1-inch smooth ice from the NY side ( rte 22 from Fort Ticonderoga) as far as I could see in all directions, so by this sighting, 12/8, there was very likely a good 3 inches at least, under the snow. The lead seemed to run from NY side generally to Hands Cove.

1st photo: I’m the blue dot looking down on massive lead from around Kirby Point. If we get serious wind, there should be nice skating in trails on southern Champlain.

But wet weather coming Wednesday.

Here’s to safe and fun skating,
Cathy