Ice melting

[Jonny15678]

So for the next three days the weather is suppose to be 51,57,62 degrees with 2 days with rain. I believe the ice was 4inches thick the last time I checked. How long does it take to melt with steady 50 degree temperatures?Will the ice be melted? 

[MN Fisher]

Depends on other factors as well. The rain will help melt ice faster, but cloudy conditions slow the melting somewhat. Wind will also help the melting process.

 

Best bet is to check with your local DNR/Department of Fish and Game/who ever...they're the ones who check on ice conditions around your state and the ones to declare lakes ice-free.

[TOXIC]

I have been reading about ice flows breaking loose from both St Clair and Erie with Helo/airboat rescues.  The one on Erie was 200 fishermen!!  Be careful out there.  

[Team9nine]

5.17 days, but don’t ask for the calculations  Actually, at least one study I’ve read said rain was a much smaller factor than you might imagine. Here’s a good general read on the subject:

 

How Lake Ice Melts

[Brew City Bass]

On 3/11/2019 at 1:06 PM, Team9nine said:

5.17 days, but don’t ask for the calculations  Actually, at least one study I’ve read said rain was a much smaller factor than you might imagine. Here’s a good general read on the subject:

 

How Lake Ice Melts

I've only found rain to matter in eroding the shore ice. 

I was out on a local lake 3 weeks ago and had my jeep on the ice. Ice was 16" and I was out for 6 hours and it rained for half of it. Drove back to the launch in a foot of slush and got to the launch and saw some open water. Lot of run off completely damaged it. It was good enough to drive off, at least once haha.