Lake Ice

Aside from all the pleasures of skating, snowmobiling, para-skating, cold plunging, and all other manner of ice recreation, a long ice cover is vital to the health and stability of lakes. 

Why are ice and the duration of ice cover important?  

A long rest under an icy blanket benefits Spofford by controlling the temperature of the Lake over an extended period of time. 

According to Weeder Digest   “The health of your lake in July is often determined by what happens in January. .. Ice cover is actually a vital "blanket" that regulates the health of your lake for the entire year.  It isn't just a platform for ice fishing; it is a sophisticated climate regulator. 

“If that ice doesn't form correctly—or if it thaws too early—it can throw the entire ecosystem out of balance. Think of ice cover as a protective seal. It prevents the wind from churning up the water and helps manage how much light reaches the plants below. Without a consistent winter freeze, your lake loses its rhythm, which can lead to warmer water in the summer and potentially more issues with algae and water clarity” and cyanobacteria.

“When we see shorter winters or "ice-on" periods that don't last as long as they used to, it creates a ripple effect. The cold water acts as a reset button for the biological processes of the lake. Without that reset, the lake can "overwork" itself, leading to oxygen depletion and stress on the fish populations you enjoy.

"The loss of ice cover impacts the phenology of aquatic life.  Many fish species in temperate zones rely on specific thermal cues for spacing and egg development."

Any other benefits from a longer period of winter ice? 

Another benefit that all the melted ice adds highly oxygenated water to the Lake.  Spofford suffers from poorly oxygenated water in a number of areas, and particularly at the deep spot. 

And ice cover decreases the growth of plants.  According to the Society for the Protection of NH Forests, …”ice acts as an insulator, reflecting sunlight so water at the bottom stays dark and cold.  

“As lakes warm, we can expect more aquatic plants growing for longer periods of time.  A longer growing season means more algae.  And warmer water favor more invasive plants, like milfoil as well as cyanobacteria…”  For the complete article, click here.

Page created  April 8, 2026