MADISON, Wis. — What a perfect way to start 2026 by learning that the Wisconsin State Climatology Office confirmed Lake Mendota achieved “ice-on” status on the first day of the new year.
Dane County’s largest lake froze later than the median freeze date of Dec. 20, according to Clean Lake Alliance. In order to be declared frozen, the lake must remain frozen for 24 consecutive hours. This standard ensures accuracy and consistency in a record dating back more than 170 years.
“Lake Mendota’s freeze is a uniquely Madison area moment,” said James Tye, Clean Lakes Alliance director. “It reminds us how central our lakes are to our community. When our Yahara lakes are frozen, they become more than 13,000 football fields of open area to explore!”…