January 10, 2025
Why Does Lake Summerside’s Ice Act the Way It Does? Let’s Dive In!
Dear Residents,
Winter is here, and so is the excitement of skating, hockey, and other activities on our beautiful Lake. We have had questions about why ice thickness can vary or take so long, even when it’s freezing cold outside. Let’s break it down in a fun and informative way!
Why Doesn’t the Ice Just Keep Getting Thicker in the Cold?
While it may seem like ice should grow endlessly during freezing temperatures, nature has some fascinating tricks up its sleeve:
- Ice as a Cozy Blanket:
Once a layer of ice forms, it acts like an insulator, trapping heat in the water below. Add a fluffy layer of snow on top, and you’ve got a winter coat that slows ice growth, even on the chilliest days. - Earth’s Warm Hug:
Did you know that the Earth releases a tiny bit of heat through the lakebed? This geothermal heat warms the deeper water and can keep the ice thinner in deeper parts of the lake. - Sunshine Through the Ice:
If the ice is clear or the snow cover is light, sunlight can sneak through and warm the water underneath. This can even melt the ice from below in some spots, despite freezing temperatures above. - Water’s Cool Quirk:
Water is densest at 4°C (39°F), meaning the slightly warmer water sinks to the bottom while the coldest water—and eventually ice—stays on top. This creates a natural layering effect that slows the freezing process, especially in deeper areas or where water is moving. - Nature’s Heat Factory:
Organic material, like leaves or plants at the lake bottom, decomposes and generates heat. While it’s not enough for a tropical swim, it’s enough to create thin ice in specific areas.
What Does This Mean for Lake Summerside’s Ice?
All these natural factors mean the ice thickness on Lake Summerside can vary, even when the weather outside feels like the Arctic! Deeper areas or spots with water movement may have thinner ice, while shallow, sheltered zones can be thicker.
Questions We’ve Heard (And Answers!):
“Why is there a section with thin ice when it’s been so cold?”
That’s probably due to geothermal heat, sunlight, or moving water beneath the surface. Ice isn’t just about the air temperature—it’s a team effort between the lake, the Earth, and the sky!
“Can we still enjoy the lake safely?”
Absolutely! Our team is actively monitoring ice conditions and will place signs in areas where the ice is thinner. Always check for updates before heading out.
“Why is this so fascinating?”
Because nature is awesome! Even in the coldest months, there’s a whole world of activity happening under that frozen surface.
Enjoy the Ice – Safely!
We want you to have the best winter experience possible, so here are a few tips:
- Keep an eye out for our signage and updates.
- If in doubt, give us a shout—our team is here to help!
Thank you for being part of the wonderful Lake Summerside community. Stay safe, stay curious, and enjoy everything winter has to offer!
Warm (but not too warm!) regards,
Summerside Management
