Lake Champlain Nears Complete Freeze for First Time Since 2019

The lake is expected to fully freeze over in the coming days, a rare occurrence in recent years.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Lake Champlain in Vermont is expected to freeze completely within the next few days, marking the first time the lake has closed since 2019, according to the National Weather Service. Residents like Ashley Horton and Bill Morris have noticed the lake freezing over less frequently in recent years compared to their childhoods.

Why it matters

The complete freezing of Lake Champlain is a significant weather event that has become less common in recent years due to climate change. The lake's freeze is an important indicator of winter conditions in the region and can impact recreation, transportation, and the local ecosystem.

The details

The National Weather Service is predicting that Monday or Tuesday will be the day the ice completely closes on Lake Champlain. Only a small circle of open water remains. Meteorologist Tyler Danzig said it's "been quite a while since we've had a full lake freeze." The determination is made through satellite and drone imagery, as well as reports from the Coast Guard.

  • The lake is expected to fully freeze over in the next few days.
  • The last time Lake Champlain completely froze was in 2019.

The players

Ashley Horton

A Burlington resident of over 25 years who explored the ice sheet with her dog Finch on Sunday.

Bill Morris

A Vermont native who has noticed the lake freezing over less frequently in recent years compared to his childhood.

Tyler Danzig

A meteorologist for the National Weather Service who is predicting the full freeze of Lake Champlain.

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What they’re saying

“The lake hasn't frozen like this in a really long time.”

— Ashley Horton (WCAX)

“As a kid growing up in Vermont there really was winter after winter of knowing that the lake froze over and it's gone much more infrequent since then.”

— Bill Morris (WCAX)

“It's been quite a while since we've had a full lake freeze.”

— Tyler Danzig, Meteorologist, National Weather Service (WCAX)

What’s next

The National Weather Service recommends that those venturing onto the ice wear a life jacket, carry ice picks, and test the thickness while moving out, as the ice closer to the shore tends to be safer.

The takeaway

The complete freezing of Lake Champlain, a rare occurrence in recent years, highlights the changing winter conditions in the region due to climate change. The lake's freeze is an important indicator of the local ecosystem and can impact recreation and transportation in the area.