It’s spring: ‘Ice-out’ declared on Lake Winnipesaukee

GILFORD, N.H. (AP) - In a New Hampshire tradition, “ice-out” has been declared on Lake Winnipesaukee.

That’s when the M/S Mount Washington tourist boat can safely travel between its ports on the state’s largest lake without encountering ice.

Emerson Aviation made the call at 5:40 p.m. Thursday during a flight.

Last year, “ice-out” happened on April 17. It happened on March 18 in 2016, the earliest recorded “ice-out” for the lake, and the first one declared in the winter season.

Ice-out generally occurs the third week of April.

The latest ice-out was in 1888, on May 12.