Just checked the two week forecast, there are periods of above freezing overnight temperatures. Could this year be an early (before May) ice out? Fingers crossed, I have been disappointed in the past few years. 

 

I know there has been above normal snow this winter, but I tracked the weather and ice out very closely last winter and comparatively temperatures this season are higher. Last winter we had a record cold April, and "they" (The meteorologists at Environment Canada and the Weather Network) are predicting a typical Spring this year. 

I know this is highly anecdotal, but the 14 day forecasts last year around this time for Whitney were way below seasonal. Currently, with the odd brief exception, they are at or above seasonal with plenty of sunshine. And to be frank, the weather in January/February is less relevant and less probative of ice out, than the crucial first 3 weeks of April. 

With all that said, we should (I hope) have an earlier ice out this year, hopefully for my own selfish trip planning reasons, earlier than May 6th! 

Also for any other weather nerds out there please keep your eye on the satellite imagery here: https://coastwatch.glerl.noaa.gov/modis/modis.php?region=g&page=1 

Fingers crossed for the melt! 

 

I also have an early trip booked but I am not going to begin worrying just yet. Why? In comparison to last year, modis images show we are further ahead. Also, despite the first week of April appearing to be a bit chilly, for what its worth the long term forecast shows a seasonal warming trend. In my experience, those middle weeks of April are most determinate of ice out, not this week. If that is interrupted or delayed I will worry. For now, I'm predicting a typical ice out, between the 27th and 29th.