Wind Chill Factor................

[teamditchpickle]

John,

I understand the wind chill effect on a person because of the wind taking away temperure from the body, but when the wind chill is -25, -35, etc, does that have effect on the making of ice on the lakes? When its cold its cold but just wondering if its only the actual temp that affects ice.

Also do you know the formula in which ice is making per hour at zero degrees. I believe my Pops told me like a 1/4 inch per hour at zero. Just wondering your thoughts.

 

[admin]

Once the ice is made, then it has no effect.

The whole effect of wind and making is cooler is due to evaporative cooling. The wind enhances that process, so when you have a liquid, the evaporation is enhanced by the wind and thus a larger rate of cooling.

I do not know the formula for ice formation based on temp. I can say that it would not be as simple as the air temp though. You would have to take into consideration any currents bringing in water of different temps below the ice as well as any snow on top of the ice that causes insulation from the cold air.

-John

 

[chords]

Ice freezes and adds thickness from the bottom side.
There is very complicated formula, but with so many variables you may as well forget it. At 0* and no snow falling (insulation), its been my experience that a skim of ice forms instantly and in an hour more than 1/4 inch will form.
Enough to have to keep punching out the tip up holes every few minutes to keep from freezing up. Not good when the flag goes up !