It’s a week away from Thanksgiving, and Maine’s brief fall is quickly giving way to wintery conditions.
The state saw its first significant snowfall of the year last weekend, with up to 10 inches of snow falling in some towns in Aroostook County, and more than a half a foot of accumulation across much of the region.
The snowfall has stuck around, as daytime conditions stay windy and chilly preventing much melting from occurring. Temperatures overnight have consistently dropped below freezing, and ice formation has started in some water bodies.
According to the National Weather Service, ice known as frazil ice has started to form in the Aroostook River in Washburn. The frazil ice will grow as ice chunks rub against each other, and will lock in larger pieces of ice as they form.
Ice-in in Maine typically starts between November and December, although during warmer winters, large lakes may not fully ice over until January or even February, according to the Lake Stewards of Maine.
Frazil ice can be dangerous because its slurry-like consistency can trap people and boaters if they get caught up in it.
