Vermont DEC requests public 'ice out' reporting
Lake ice will soon be melting away now that spring is here, and the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation is asking the public to report that melt so scientists can get a better picture of local water quality.
When a lake or pond loses its ice sheet from shore to shore, that is known as an "ice out" date. Scientists say keeping track of the timing can help them measure how climate change is impacting local waterways. It is also an important opportunity to test the water quality for the coming summer months.
When ice melts in Lake Champlain, that heavy, cold water sinks down and mixes with the deeper water hidden below the surface all winter.
The DEC says that is a critical point for measuring the baseline phosphorus levels in the lake. That's the chemical that causes algae blooms in the summer.
If you happen to catch an ice out in the coming days, report it to the DEC by visiting their website.