The Wisconsin State Climatology Office keeps comprehensive records of the freeze and thaw dates for three Madison lakes: Mendota, Monona, and Wingra.
With the recent warm temperatures in Madison, all three lakes are open.
Madison Lake Ice Status (2023-2024 Season)
- Lake Mendota: Open as of February 28, 2024
- Lake Monona: Open as of February 28, 2024
- Lake Wingra: Open as of February 28, 2024
The lakes had previously frozen on January 15. For lakes Mendota and Monona, that was the third or fourth latest freeze-up since records began in the early 1850s. The five shortest ice-duration seasons have all occurred since the 1980s.
For more information, see how freeze and thaw dates are determined, and view some interesting ice statistics.