Does Lake George Ever Completely Freeze? Here’s What History Says

Lake George Ice Watch

My son recently went ice fishing with his grandfather and mom, and I immediately became that dad asking, “So… how thick was the ice?” Now, they weren’t out on a massive body of water like Lake George, but it definitely got me thinking.

With the brutal cold we’ve been dealing with, just how cold does it actually need to be for a lake the size of Lake George to completely freeze, and how often does that even happen?

According to more than 100 years of data from the Lake George Association, the lake fully freezes in about 90% of winters, which kind of surprised me: a frozen Lake George is actually the norm, not the exception.

What makes each winter interesting, though, is when it freezes and how long it stays that way.

Cool Lake George Ice Facts:

• Average freeze date: January 19
• Freezes in January: 72% of the time
• Most common freeze window: 2nd or 4th week of January
• Earliest freeze ever: December 20, 1980
• Latest freeze ever: February 29, 1932
• Years it didn’t fully freeze: Only about 10% of recorded winters
• Average time frozen: 76 days
• Longest freeze ever: 121 days (Dec 24, 1983 – April 23, 1984)

This winter is drawing attention because sustained sub-zero temperatures are rapidly locking up large portions of the lake, with locals expecting a full freeze this week.
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A Rare Occurrence

If that happens, it would mark two consecutive frozen winters, which is becoming less common in a warming climate.

For ice anglers, snowmobilers, skaters, photographers, and winter adventurers, a frozen Lake George becomes a rare seasonal playground.

Just remember: ice thickness can vary dramatically, so safety always comes first.

Still, when Lake George freezes, for ice anglers, snowmobilers, skaters, photographers, and winter adventurers, it’s one of those classic Adirondack winter moments that never gets old.