January 2, 2026 view from space.
This Sentinel satellite image tells the story pretty well.
Lakes Mendota and Monona are currently Swiss cheese after a strange, uneven freeze. However, Lake Kegonsa is locked and covered, consistent and predictable by comparison. Lake Winnebago looks solid from space and remains our most reliable big-lake option right now.
Next week’s forecast shows daytime highs in the upper 30s to low 40s, with a few wet systems mixed in. If that holds, we’re hoping the snow cover on Lake Kegonsa melts down, which would improve surface conditions significantly. That kind of weather is the right direction.
Worth noting: Sentinel satellite imagery is now available through the Copernicus browser, which makes checking current ice conditions faster and easier than before. It’s another useful tool to keep in the kit, but still no substitute for cleats on the ice.
More updates as conditions evolve.
