4 Lakes In New Hampshire That Completely Freeze Over in the Winter

You already know the largest lakes in New Hampshire, but it is almost winter season, and this is the time when lakes tend to freeze over. Ultimately, there are over 1,000 lakes in New Hampshire.

These four lakes in New Hampshire completely freeze over in the winter, and we will discuss when they freeze and thaw out.

The New Hampshire Lakes report indicates that it is generally safe to be on a frozen lake from mid-January to February. Regardless, you should still exercise precaution. We will talk about some of these lakes that freeze over completely.

4. Massabesic Lake

When going on Massabesic Lake, there are dangers when it is in frozen mode, and it is important to analyze the risks.

Massabesic Lake is a beautiful place to explore throughout the year. However, it freezes for 2-3 months every year. Using data from the 2020-2021 winter season from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, Massabesic Lake froze from January 3, 2021, to March 24, 2021, lasting a full 80 days.

The 2022-2023 Report looked slightly different, as the lake froze over on December 28, 2022, and thawed out on March 29, 2023. Therefore, it illustrated a varying situation where the lake had an earlier freezing moment.

3. Jericho Lake

The ice has to thicken to the point to make it safe enough to skate.

Jericho Lake is situated inside the Jericho Mountain State Park. Ultimately, this is one of the many lakes in New Hampshire that freeze during the winter. Similar to other lakes in the state, Jericho Lake starts to freeze up around late December and thaws in February or March.

Pond hockey is something that people often do at this lake during the winter. Subsequently, when the lake freezes over completely and is thick enough, people venture out onto the frozen lake to play some hockey.

2. Newfound Lake

The ice thickens in the winter and allows residents to partake in some pond activities, such as skating or hockey.

Newfound Lake is one of the more popular lakes in New Hampshire that freeze over. Curiously, the lake took a while to freeze during the 2020-2021 winter season, as it did not completely freeze over until January 31, 2021, and thaw out on April 8, 2021, showcasing the disparity in the lakes.

The 2022-2023 report revealed no specific date for the day it froze over officially. However, it indicated that the lake thawed on April 12, 2021.

1. Lake Winnipesaukee

It turns into a Winter Wonderland as the snow freezes the lakes around the village around Lake Winnipesaukee.

Lake Winnipesaukee is the biggest lake in the state of New Hampshire. Thus, it provides the most excitement when it freezes over during the wintertime. The 2020-2021 report showcased that Lake Winnipesaukee froze over on January 31, 2021, and thawed out on April 8, 2021.

The 2022-2023 Report showed that it took a little longer to freeze, as the lake froze on February 5, 2023, and thawed out on April 7, 2023. Overall, the lake was frozen for approximately two months on both occasions, showcasing some consistency in the yearly patterns.

Once the lake freezes over, the fun begins. This lake hosts its own Pond Hockey Classic, where people come out to play pond hockey to support various causes. Ultimately, the frozen lakes offer people a chance to have some fun while also helping their community.

Safety on a Frozen Lake

It is essential to stay safe on a frozen lake. While it is usually standard for people to hover around the frozen lake, there are safety protocols to take. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department highlights that you should never drive any vehicles over the ice. Likewise, you should safely analyze any ice before stepping onto it because you are not always certain how thick it is.

People often enjoy numerous activities on frozen lakes, such as ice hockey, ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing.

Everchanging weather conditions can impact how safe an ice’s surface really is. Therefore, it is critical to know when there has been a warming pattern and avoid ice surfaces near inlets or outlets. Cracked ice is not safe, and you should not be near it. Always ask for advice before you trek out on a trail.

Summary of the 4 Lakes In New Hampshire That Completely Freeze Over in the Winter