Look, Don’t Touch (From Space) – Mendota & Monona Edition

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.

Links:
https://browser.dataspace.copernicus.eu

4LIYC Racing News: No Racing for Jan 3-4

Racing postponed. Couch committee is in session.

No 4LIYC racing this weekend, January 3–4, on Lake Kegonsa.

There’s just a bit too much snow at the moment, not nearly as bad as this photo, but enough to keep things marginal coupled with the wind forecast.

We’re optimistic that next week’s warmer temperatures will help improve conditions.

Lake Mendota went over on December 31, so we still have Monona and Mendota in the bank. We’ll continue to keep an eye on all options.

Next 4LIYC racing update: Friday, January 9.

4LIYC Racing News: No New Year’s Day Racing


There will be no club racing on New Year’s Day. (Jan 1, 2026)

Lake Kegonsa ice conditions are currently too marginal, and the light wind forecast doesn’t improve the risk–reward equation.

We’ll check ice conditions again on Friday January 2, with the hope of calling club racing for Saturday and Sunday if things line up.

Updates will be posted once we’ve taken another look.

 

Regatta Watch: WSSA Postponed to Jan 10-11

Photo: Rob Resnick Revelations of Design

The Wisconsin Stern Steering Association regatta has been postponed to January 10 and 11, 2026. The next update will be Sunday, January 4. Check back here at that time. Happy New Year.

Andy Gratton

WSSA Secretary/Treasurer