Every year from l893 to 1997 Payette Lake froze completely over. The last 28 years have proven less dependable in terms of the 5330 acre lake freezing solid. The first year the lake did not form ice, even at the shorelines, was 2020. Megan and Katie grew up at the Lake, summer and winter starting in l987. It was a rare treat when the lake froze in Pilgrim Cove and there was no snow just a perfect nature made expanse of black ice. We took the boom box (yes, it was that long ago) and the girls learned to skate and dance, often with tutu’s over their snow suits. I am going to tell you I learned to skate then but I am not sure that is true. I still claim the hardest surface on earth is ice, as your feet can be seen at eye level, I guarantee you the landing is going to be painful. That same crystal clear ice in the canyon along the Payette River, in the Brundage parking lot, or anywhere you do not expect it is problematic. In early 2025, the lake experienced another rare period of “pure black ice”—crystal-clear and smooth as if groomed by a Zamboni. A large crowd enjoyed the phenomenon gathered at the Marina, it is a cause for celebration.
Just when we thought we may have another non frozen lake year it turned cold with no snow. Megan and Katie cheered as their girl’s enjoyed the rare natural black ice phenomenon. In this re-enactment of the family tradition there are sadly no tutu’s and a cell phone provides the music. Enjoy the picture of the frozen fun of McCall.
Each year the “barrel” tradition on the Lake returns. In 1924, The Payette Lake’s Sports Carnival was founded and the “barrel Ice -out” wagering began. Guess the exact date and time the barrel would fall through the ice and win the jackpot. In l941, the State of Idaho, in their infinite wisdom, declared such a contest as illegal gambling. The modern version benefits the Awesome Adaptive program when the lake co-operates and freezes. There are so many stories about the locals overestimating the depth and strength of the ice and having snow machines, run groomers, and ATV’s sink to a watery end. We still kid a friend of ours who scuttled his ATV in the Cove ice only to rescue it before it fully sank with the expensive aid of a helicopter.
This contest is thought to have come from the Nanama, Alaska Ice Classic where a wooden tripod is placed in the Tanana River and attached by a rope to a clock that records the exact time that the tripod falls into the water and floats 100 feet down the river. The winning pot can be well above $200,000. You can buy tickets on line if you are over l8.
So what explains the lake changes I described above. The average temperature change in the United States this century is 3.5 degrees Fahrenheit—atmospheric temperatures in the Payette area reached record highs in the last few years. The Lake gets warmer in the summer and the winter time temperatures have moderated. Not to worry, there is no such thing as climate change? Well, no snow this year may be one impact.
There is another type of ICE that is plaguing our country. I am not talking about the severe winter storms that have hit the mid west and Deep South with freezing rain. I am talking about the out of control Agency that is wrecking havoc on many cities and States. Our principled countrymen are pushing back in the face of the senseless shooting of Renee Good and Alex Pretti and the inhumane treatment of detainees. If you call 202-224-3121 you can leave a personal note for all of your elected officials. I asked Senators Crapo and Risch to vote “N0” on any additional funding for ICE. I further asked Senator Risch to support taking the $84 billion Homeland security budget and give the money to Ukraine. I doubt any of my requests will be honored but I feel a bit better.
I do find some hope in recent developments and encourage each of us to stay engaged and involved in protecting our democracy. Mike