1948 Season
The total amount of field ice in the St. Lawrence area was somewhat less than usual. (IIP p.15)
Dec 3 Last eastbound steamer through the Strait of Belle Isle. (WBB)
Dec 26 Friday – The last freighter of season, “Canadian Highlander” sailed yesterday (December 26th) for Norfolk, Virginia was preceded out of the harbour by CGS “Saurel” which made a passage through the ice lolly until the freighter was in open water. (Gu, 27 Dec p12 c6)
Dec 30 “Fairview” still running (Charlottetown to Rocky Point). It is hoped to continue until the first or second week of January. (Gu, 30 Dec p8 c2)
Jan 13 Last departure of the season from Quebec. (WBB)
Jan 13 The old ferry boat is pushing her way slowly to Rocky Point. (Pat 13 Jan p4 c2)
Jan 21 Georgetown – the ferry boat to Montague made her last trip on 21st January. (Pat 26 Jan 1949 p8 c4)
Feb On the 10th of the month the limits of the field in the St. Lawrence area were observed by an ice patrol flight to be from Cape Egmont to 30 miles to the E thence to the SE to a position 38 miles E of Scatari Island and thence to St. Esprit Island. Only light sludge was present S of Cape Breton with a cover up to about 5/10ths. The outer 5 to 10 miles of the field N of Scatari Island was heavier and it is doubtful that this portion of the field was navigable. The inner portion of the field N of Scatari Island was mostly sludge with no ice present to the shoreward of a line from Cape Smoke to Flint Island except in small bays and inlets. By the 16th of the month the northeastern limits of the filed had moved such that the field now ran from a point 15 miles SW of Cape Ray to a point 30 miles E of Scatari Island and thence to St. Esprit Island. Only the seaward boundary of the field was observed on this date. It consisted of large cakes for the most part and was rather closely packed with navigation limited to specially constructed vessels. By the 26th of the month the field had progressed southwestward almost to Cape Canso, and on the 47th parallel a tongue extended to Burgeo Bank. The width of this tongue was approximately 5 to 10 miles. S of Scatari Island the outer portion of the filed consisted of small cakes with a cover ranging from 3/10 to 5/10. The inner portion was slush. Running off shore from the outer limits of the main fields were numerous patches and strings of sludge extending to the SE as far as Misaine Bank. To the N of Scatari Island the outer portion of the fields consisted of heavier ice with a cover ranging from 3/10 to 10/10 with 5/10 or more predominating. Only the outer boundary was observed on this date. (IIP p6)
Feb 10 Ice Patrol Plane: From Esprit Island to 45°35’N 60°25’W, 46°07’N 58°’43W, 46°50’N 59°35’W approximate outer limits of field ice. (IIP p26#1)
Feb 10 Southeast of Scatari Island a few small strings and patches of light ice. (IIP p26#1)
Feb 10 North of 46°N the outer portion of the field contained patches and strings of heavy field ice with some pans exceeding 100ft in diameter. (IIP p26#1)
Feb 10 46°40’N 59°43’W a narrow belt of heavy pans, some of which were more than 1000 ft in diameter, extended from NNW to SSE. Inshore of this belt light slush and very light sheet ice was present near the beach. Sydney Harbor was frozen over. (IIP p26#1)
Feb 16 From 45°40’N 60°13’W to 46°05’N 59°05’W light sludge with heavier field north of 46°05’N (IIP p26#3)
Feb 16 46°30’N 59°20’W 20-foot glacons in vicinity (IIP p26#3)
Feb 16 46°40’N 59°13’W 100- to 150-foot glacons (IIP p26#3)
Feb 16 47°00’N 59°25’W 500-1000-foot glacons. South of 46°20’N, light sludge with 7/10 cover. North of 46°20’N, heavy field ice with 9/10 cover (IIP p26#3)
Feb 26 From 47°30’N 59°30’W to 47°00’N 59°00’W, 46°00’N 59°00’W, 45°25’N 60°00’W, 45°25’N 60°40’W Outer limits of main pack. Field contained numerous heavy pans. Strings of light slush with occasional patches field ice extended approx. 12 miles seaward of the entire outer edge. (IIP p26#7)
Feb 26 45°10’N 59°06’W Floe of light ice about 3 miles in diameter. Southwestern limit. (IIP p26#7)
Mar The St. Lawrence ice reached its maximum southerly extension during the first week of March. During the first week the field spread as far S as 44°20’N in the vicinity of Sable Island and W to the 64th meridian just off the coast of Nova Scotia. There was a belt of slush ice to the E running from the Newfoundland coast S to the 45th parallel between the eastern boundary of the main field running along the meridian of 58°40’W and the 58th meridian. During the first part of the month the main field was light to moderate heavy winter ice. It was unnavigable, however, except for a small shore lead along the Newfoundland coast between Cape Ray and Cape Anguille. By the 19th the southern boundary had retreated to Misaine Bank and the field had narrowed considerably. The eastern boundary now ran from Cape Ray to Burgeo Bank, south to Artimon Bank and thence west to Misaine Bank. The western boundary ran from Cape Egmont SE o 46°N 59°W and thence SW to Misaine Bank. By the end of the month the outer limits of the field ice ran from Cape Ray to 46°20’N 58°30’W to 45°00’N 58°30’W and thence to Scatari Island. (IIP p8)
Mar 2 From Scatari Island to 44°55’N 59°40’W, 44°55’N 60°25’W, 44°27’N 60°37’W, 44°21’N 60°23’W, 44°40’N 59°08W, 45°40’N 58°41’W, 46°05’N 58°41’W, 47°00’N 59°25’W Beach at Cape Anguille Light to moderately heavy winter ice. (IIP p27#12)
Mar 2 From edge of winter ice to 47°30’N 59°05’W, 47°25’N 58°45’W, 47°10’N 58°36’W, 46°20’N 58°30’W Light slush (IIP p27#12)
Mar 2 From outer edge of slush belt to 46°10’N 58°06’W to 45°40’N 59°00’W 15 miles beyond southern limit, patches of slush (IIP p27#12)
Mar 2 Close to beach north of Scatari Island, field winter ice (IIP p27#12)
Mar 2 Between main field and coast south of Scatari Island to 44°45’N 60°40’W, 44°08’N 60°50’W, 44°25’N 61°25’W then south-westward along coast as a belt 20 to 30 miles wide to limit of visibility westward of 62°W, light new ice (IIP p27#12)
Mar 3 45°00’N 60°30’W heavy field ice. (IIP p27#19)
Mar 6 From Halifax NS to 100-fathom curve, large fields of pan ice. (IIP p28#36)
Mar 7 Cape Ray to 30 miles east of Scatari Island and as far west as Sable Island, heavy loose field ice. (IIP p28#37)
Mar 7 44°40’N 59°15’W Scattered field ice (IIP p28#38)
Mar 9 0uter limits of winter ice from 44°20’N 64°00’W to 44°15’N 61°00’W, 44°05’N 59°10’W, 46°10’N 58°22’W, 47°50’N 59°40’W With shore lead up to 5 miles wide along coast from 44°20’N 64°00’W to 45°20’N 60°45’W North of Scatari Island, heavy field ice to coast. (IIP p28#44)
Mar 10 43°54’N 60°50’W Patch of field ice (IIP p28#46)
Mar 10 “Canadian Constructor” large field of soft sludge 43°57’N 63°16’W. (IIP p28#51)
Mar 18 From 47°15’N 58°30’W to 46°40’N 57°30’W, 45°32’N 57°38’W, 44°46’N 59°20’W, 45°10’N 59°56’W outer limits of field ice (IIP p30#126)
Mar 18 Shore leads up to 35 miles wide from last position to Scatari Island then 12 to 20 miles wide past Cape Smoke closing to beach in vicinity of Cape Egmont. (IIP p30#126)
Mar 19 From Cape Ray to 46°20’N 57°40’W to 45°20’N 57°40’W, 44°50’N 59°00’W, 45°10’N 59°55’W, 46°00’N 58°50’W, 46°10’N 59°40’W Flint Island, outer limits of field ice (IIP p30#127)
Mar 23 Outer limits of field ice from Cape Ray to 46°20’N 58°30’W to 45°00’N 58°30’W to Scatari Island. (IIP p31#155)
Mar 23 DOT aerial survey: Northumberland Strait to Charlottetown heavy drift with large lake between Cape Bear and Wood Island. (CIS IC0935_4)
Mar 23 DOT aerial survey: Large lake of open water 35 miles wide between North Point and Rustico, PEI thence to 49°00’N 63°50’W, heavy ice area about 75% covered. (CIS IC0826)
Mar 26 “Monica Walters” crushed in the ice while sealing in the Gulf. (fgmm).
Mar 29 Montreal, March 29- An ice jam in the inner Montreal Harbor. (NYMR 31 Mar p. 4, col. 5)
Mar 29 DOT aerial survey: Large body of open water in Northumberland Strait from Cape George to Cape Bear to Little Sands thence to Charlottetown heavy drifts. (CIS IC0935_5)
Mar 29 DOT aerial survey: From N coast of PEI to Magdalens, heavy close packed. (CIS IC0826)
Apr Melting of the field ice occurred less rapidly in the St. Lawrence area [than the Grand Banks]. At the beginning of the month the outer limits ran from Scatari Island to the northern tip of Burgeo Bank, to Misaine Bank, and thence to Cape Ray. By the 17th the southern and eastern boundaries had receded and the limits now ran from a point 15 miles off Cape Ray to 46°43’N 58°40’W to 46°00’N 59°05’W and thence to Scatari Island. Between the 17th and the last week of April these limits fluctuated as much as 30 miles to the E and S. By the 19th a vessel had passed through the gulf and up the St. Lawrence River arriving in Montreal on that date. By the 30th, however, the Canadian Dept. of Transport reported that all ports in the western part of the Gulf of St. Lawrence were open to navigation. Close pack ice still remained to the NE of Cape Breton Island, the outer limits running to the NE of Cape North to 46°50’N 59°30’W to 46°25’N 58°40’W. (IIP p9)
Apr 1 DOT aerial survey: From Cape George across to Cape Bear and up S side of Straits to Richibucto light, strip of open water varying from 2 to 10 miles wide. On N side of strait a strip of close packed ice from Cape Bear W to West Point. From West Point to North Cape, PEI, field of drift ice 10 to 20 miles wide thence northward to 48°45’N 63°40’W about 75% slob ice. (CIS IC0935_5)
Apr 1 DOT aerial survey: Louisburg and S coast of Cape Breton clear. (CIS IC0982)
Apr 1 DOT aerial survey: From North Cape, PEI to 48°45’N 63°40’W about 75% slob ice. (CIS IC0779_2)
Apr 2 DOT aerial survey: Strips of open water along S side of Northumberland Strait from Cape George to the vicinity of Tormentine with heavy drift at Tormentine from shore to shore. Charlottetown, Summerside, Pictou, Shediac still frozen. (CIS IC0935_5)
Apr 3 DOT aerial survey: Shore lead along E coast of New Brunswick. No ice at Escumiac, Shippigan solid. (CIS IC0779_2)
Apr 3 DOT aerial survey: Magdalens, Pleasant Bay full, Amherst and West Point, Entry Island, close packed. (CIS IC0826)
Apr 4 DOT aerial survey: Heavy drift in Northumberland Strait moving eastward with strong NW gale. (CIS IC0935_5)
Apr 5 DOT aerial survey: Westward in Northumberland Strait loose drift ice to Tormentine and Borden about 60%. Charlottetown harbour breaking up, Summerside still holding. From Cape Egmont to North Point strips of ice 3 to 5 miles wide along coast. From these to Miscou Island clear water along New Brunswick coast. (CIS IC0935_6)
Apr 5 DOT aerial survey: Souris, Georgetown still holding. (CIS IC0978)
Apr 6 DOT aerial survey: Heavy drift ice in Northumberland Strait from Cape George to Borden with a strip of open water along S side of strait. Pictou harbour clear to landing wharf. Charlottetown harbour breaking up. Summerside and Shediac still frozen. (CIS IC0935_6)
Apr 7 From Cape Ray to 47°18’N 57°55’W to 45°25’N 58°25’W, 45°25’N 59°00’W 5 miles off Scatari Island, outer limits of field ice in Gulf of St. Lawrence. (IIP p37#516)
Apr 7 DOT aerial survey: Charlottetown and approaches breaking up. Northumberland Strait heavy drift ice with large lakes of open water. From N entrance northward to Gaspe mostly clear. (CIS IC0942)
Apr 7 DOT aerial survey: George Bay full of close packed heavy sheets. (CIS IC0957)
Apr 7 DOT aerial survey: Scattered ice at Canso and in Chedabucto Bay. Heavy sheets passing through Strait of Canso. Port Hawkesbury closed. (CIS IC0964)
Apr 7 DOT aerial survey: Western edge of ice off W coast of Cape Breton from Cape George to East Point, PEI where it take shore and extends along the N coast of PEI and towards Magdalens. Souris clear to docks. Georgetown Harbour frozen. (CIS IC0986)
Apr 7 DOT aerial survey: Louisburg and S coast of Cape Breton clear. (CIS IC1082)
Apr 7 DOT aerial survey: From north entrance to Northumberland Strait northward to Gaspe mostly clear. (CIS IC0782)
Apr 7 DOT aerial survey: Clear from Heath Point to 48°44’N 60°20’W where there is a field 20 miles long, 2 to 10 miles wide. Thence to Cape St. George, Nfld., scattered drift. From 10 miles off Cape St. George to 10 miles off Cape Ray a lead of open water 5 to 10 miles wide with scattered strings, navigable with caution in daylight. (CIS IC0839)
Apr 8 45°00’N 57°25’W Narrow strings of field ice extending as far south as could be seen (IIP p38#532)
Apr 8 DOT aerial survey: Maquereau, New Carlisle, no ice. (CIS IC0927)
Apr 8 DOT aerial survey: Northumberland Strait open water along Nova Scotia side with close packed along the PEI side. (CIS IC0942)
Apr 8 DOT aerial survey: George Bay loose heavy sheets with open water from Henry Island across to Cape George, and towards Cape Bear. (CIS IC0957)
Apr 8 DOT aerial survey: Louisburg clear with ice 6 miles off at noon. (CIS IC1082)
Apr 8 DOT aerial survey: Inside limits of ice in Gulf from Rustico, N shore of PEI to 48°37’N 62°38’W the NW corner, to Bird Rocks to 48°15’N 59°50’W the NE corner. Westward from this line to river practically clear. Shore lead with scattered strings. Navigable in daylight from 48°15’N 59°52’W to 10 miles off Cape Ray. (CIS IC0744)
Apr 8 DOT aerial survey: S coast of Anticosti clear. (CIS IC0753)
Apr 9 DOT aerial survey: Pictou no ice in sight. Tormentine heavy ice, Shediac Bay breaking up. (CIS IC0942)
Apr 9 DOT aerial survey: St. Pauls loose drift ice in all directions. (CIS IC1039)
Apr 9 DOT aerial survey: Aspy Bay packed to shore. Scattered ice from Scatari to Low Point, and northward to horizon. (CIS IC1057)
Apr 9 DOT aerial survey: From 48°15’N 59°50’W to Cape Ray ice was very open yesterday. (CIS IC0839)
Apr 10 From 10 miles off Cape Ray to 46°40’N 58°05’W, 45°30’N 58°00’W, 45°30’N 59°00W Vicinity of Louisburg, outer limits of field ice in St. Lawrence area. (IIP p38#551)
Apr 11 From 10 miles off Cape Ray to 46°38’N 58°20’W, 45°40’N 58°38’W, 45°50’N 59°50’W Scatari Island, outer limit of field ice in St. Lawrence area (IIP p38#566)
Apr 11 DOT aerial survey: Northumberland Strait clear from East Point to Pictou Island, westward in strait to West Point, loose drift ice moving eastward. (CIS IC0942)
Apr 11 DOT aerial survey: E side of George Bay close packed, W side open. From E side of George Bay ice extends to East point, PEI. (CIS IC0957)
Apr 11 DOT aerial survey: Strait of Canso heavy drift ice running southward. (CIS IC0964)
Apr 11 DOT aerial survey: St. Pauls loose drift ice, considerable open water. (CIS IC1039)
Apr 11 DOT aerial survey: Western limits of ice in gulf from 25 miles W of East Point, PEI to 47°30’N 62°25’W, the NW extremity to East Point at Brion Island, thence along W side of steamer track to 15 miles off Cape Ray. Along Newfoundland side of steamer track there are strings of loose drift ice. (CIS IC0744)
Apr 11 DOT aerial survey: over steamer track Cap des Rosiers to 10 miles off N of Bird Rocks mostly clear water. From 10 miles off Bird Rocks to 15 off Cape Ray clear track 10 miles wide, obstructed at point 40 miles 279° from Cape Ray where 2 large fields are connected by a string of loose ice 1 mile wide. (CIS IC0788)
Apr 11 DOT aerial survey: Grosse Isle, Etang de Nord, Amherst, West Point, close packed in shore. (CIS IC0798)
Apr 11 DOT aerial survey: Magdalens, Pleasant Bay, Old Harry, Entry Island, no ice in sight. (CIS IC0819)
Apr 12 DOT aerial survey: Bay of Chaleur scattered ice along N coast to Carlisle. (CIS IC0927)
Apr 12 DOT aerial survey: Strait of Canso scattered ice to Point Tupper, close packed in N entrance. (CIS IC0964)
Apr 12 DOT aerial survey: Ice 2 miles off Louisburg this morning. (CIS IC1082)
Apr 12 DOT aerial survey: Track 10 to 20 miles wide on the 11th, strong S wind may drift ice across track. (CIS IC0788)
Apr 13 From 12 miles off Cape Ray to 46°38’N 58°20’W, 45°40’N 58°38’W, 45°40’N 59°50’W Vicinity of Louisburg, outer limits of field ice in St. Lawrence area (IIP p38#575)
Apr 13 DOT aerial survey: Westward in Northumberland Strait to Tormentine scattered drift ice with no ice in sight westward from scattered drift ice with no ice in sight westward from Formentive. (CIS IC0942)
Apr 13 DOT aerial survey: N entrance to Canso close packed extending towards Port Hood with scattered ice in Bay westward from Henry Island. (CIS IC0957)
Apr 13 DOT aerial survey: Louisburg, some ice in upper harbour, approaches clear. (CIS IC1082)
Apr 13 DOT aerial survey: W of a line from 25 miles WNW of Brion Island to Flat Island off Mutton Bay open water thence to Point Amour close packed with scattered lakes of open water. From Flowers Cove southward along W coast of Nfld. Close packed to Bay of Islands then open ice to Cape St. George. (CIS IC0744)
Apr 13 DOT aerial survey: Over steamer track from Cap des Rosiers to 15 miles N of Bird Rocks clear. From there to Cape Ray open and close packed ice to 12 miles off Cape Ray. Shore lead 12 miles wide from Cape Ray to Cape Anguille across to Cape St. George, Nfld. (CIS IC0788)
Apr 14 DOT aerial survey: Bay of Chaleur clear to beyond Carlisle. (CIS IC0927)
Apr 14 DOT aerial survey: Charlottetown clear, Summerside breaking up. Scattered drift from Cape Bear to Belle River to Fermentive [Tormentine]. Loose drift Cape Egmont to West Point. (CIS IC0944)
Apr 14 DOT aerial survey: George Bay loose drift ice in line from North Canso to Cape George, W of line clear. Slob and broken ice extends from Henry Island to 10 miles E of East Point, PEI. (CIS IC0957)
Apr 14 DOT aerial survey: Souris, Georgetown clear. Slob and broken ice extends from Henry Island to 10 miles E of East Point, PEI, clear water from Cape George to East Point to Cape Bear. (CIS IC0986)
Apr 14 DOT aerial survey: Close packed ice at St. Pauls and Aspy Bay. (CIS IC1039)
Apr 14 DOT aerial survey: Louisburg Harbour clear, open ice 3 miles off shore, strip 2 miles wide. (CIS IC1082)
Apr 14 DOT aerial survey: Inner limits of ice in gulf from 10 miles off East point, PEI to 46°53’N 62°00’W, the W extremity to S side of Magdalens to 20 miles off Brion Island to Flat Island off Mutton Bay, area W of this line clear for navigation except some harbours frozen. (CIS IC0744-IC0744_2)
Apr 14 DOT aerial survey: Some ice on W coast of Magdalens. (CIS IC0798)
Apr 14 DOT aerial survey: From 10 miles N of Bird Rocks to 10 off Cape Ray open track with an obstruction, navigable on the N side at a point 30 miles 272° from Cape Ray. Close packed ice at St. Pauls. (CIS IC0839)
Apr 15 Outer limits of field ice in St. Lawrence area from 10 miles off Cape Ray to 46°45’N 58°25’W to 45°34’N 58°20’W to Scatari Island. (IIP p40#667)
Apr 15 DOT aerial survey: From Campbellton to 6 miles below Dalhousie, river frozen. Conditions still quite solid vicinity of Dalhousie, expect breakup about 24th. (CIS IC0927)
Apr 15 DOT aerial survey: Ice along N side of Northumberland Strait, scattered at Fermentive [Tormentine]. Summerside open water in Channel. (CIS IC0944)
Apr 15 DOT aerial survey: George Bay ice moving N, scattered strings in Bay. (CIS IC0957)
Apr 15 DOT aerial survey: Cheticamp, Port Hood, Henry Island, close packed. (CIS IC0983)
Apr 15 DOT aerial survey: Ice close along coast from Scattari to Forchu. Louisburg reports slob ice in harbour. (CIS IC1082)
Apr 15 DOT aerial survey: Inside limits in gulf – from 10 miles off East point, PEI to 46°35’N 62°00’W to Deadmans Island to 20 miles off Brion Island to Flat Island off Mutton Bay, estimate ice moved 10 miles further NW. Westward from this line to River clear. (CIS IC0744_2)
Apr 15 DOT aerial survey: Tracks from Bird Rocks to Cape Ray obstructed. (CIS IC0839)
Apr 15 Georgetown – the harbour is now clear of ice and the ferry boat Montague is expected to begin service on the 15th. (Pat 16 Apr p4 c3)
Apr 16 DOT aerial survey: Pictou Island to Point Prim scattered drift. Point Prim to Cape Egmont open drift, about 40% ice, navigable with caution in daylight, Charlottetown open. Summerside breaking up. (CIS IC0944)
Apr 16 DOT aerial survey: George Bay W side clear, E side loose sheets, navigable with caution in daylight. (CIS IC0957_2)
Apr 16 DOT aerial survey: Strait of Canso scattered drift, navigable. (CIS IC0964)
Apr 16 DOT aerial survey: W of a line from E side of George Bay to 15 miles off East Point, mostly clear water to Cape Bear and Pictou Island. (CIS IC0986)
Apr 16 DOT aerial survey: Sydney harbour clear, with ice 2 miles off Flat Point taking shore at Flint Island and Scatari to Cape Smoke. (CIS IC1057)
Apr 16 DOT aerial survey: Louisburg reports approaches clear, no ice in sight seaward. (CIS IC1082_2)
Apr 16 DOT aerial survey: Route from Quebec to Souris, Georgetown, Charlottetown via East Point navigable, also route from Pictou and Island points to Magdalens. (CIS IC0744_2)
Apr 16 DOT aerial survey: Étang du Nord ice 10 miles off. (CIS IC0798)
Apr 16 DOT aerial survey: Magdalens, Entry Island, open ice 5 miles off shore, Grosse Isle scattered 3 miles off. (CIS IC0819)
Apr 16 DOT aerial survey: From 15 miles off Bird Rocks to 48°16’N 60°26’W to 10 miles off Cape Ray track reported good today. (CIS IC0839)
Apr 17 From 15 miles off Cape Ray to 46°43’N 58°39’W, 46°00’N 59°05’W Scatari Island outer limits of field ice in St. Lawrence area. (IIP p40#687)
Apr 17 DOT aerial survey: Close packed at Fermentive [Tormentine] and Summerside breaking up. (CIS IC0944)
Apr 17 DOT aerial survey: Inside edge of ice in gulf from 15 miles off East Point, PEI to 46°47’N 62°20’W to 6 miles off Entry Island and from Deadmans Island to 10 miles off Brion Island to 25 miles N of Bird Rocks to 48°14’N 60°20’W to 25 miles NE of St. Pauls. (CIS IC0744_2)
Apr 17 DOT aerial survey: Anticosti clear except some loose drift off Ellis Bay. (CIS IC0753)
Apr 18 From 10 miles off Cape Ray to 47°00’N 58°30’W, 46°20’N 57°50’W, 45°30’N 58°30’W Scatari Island, outer limits of field ice in St. Lawrence area. (IIP p40#688)
Apr 18 From 15 miles off Cape Ray to 47°00’N 58°40’W, 46°18’N 58°11’W, 46°08’N 59°02’W Scatari Island, outer limits of field ice in St. Lawrence area. (IIP p40#689)
Apr 18 DOT aerial survey: Bay of Chaleur open to Maguacha [Miguasha] Point. (CIS IC0927)
Apr 18 DOT aerial survey: Northumberland Strait clear from 15 miles off East Point to Amet Island. From there to Cape Egmont loose drift ice about 30% covered, navigable with caution in daylight. Summerside, ice breaking up, not yet navigable. Route from Quebec to PEI ports and Pictou via East Point navigable. (CIS IC0944)
Apr 18 DOT aerial survey: Strait of Canso heavy loose drift ice moving south, expect clear shortly. Route via Strait of Canso navigable in daylight. (CIS IC0964)
Apr 18 DOT aerial survey: Outer limits of main pack noon from 10 miles off Cape Ray to 46°38’N 59°25’W to 46°32’N 58°42’W to Scatari, moving SE. Estimated outside limits of Gulf ice from 10 miles off Cape Ray to 47°15’N 58°30’W to 46°20’N 57°50’W to 45°30’N 58°30’W to Scatari. Between these limits scattered strings and heavy pieces may be encountered. Ships bound for Father Point pass 7 miles off Cape Ray to position 48°16’N 60°20’W to Fame Point. This track liable to obstruction by westerly wind. No ice reported sighted E of this line. (CIS IC0788 & IC1014_2)
Apr 18 DOT aerial survey: St. Pauls open water to SE, all other directions close packed. Cape Ray no ice in sight. (CIS 1039)
Apr 18 DOT aerial survey: Magdalen Islands report all points no ice in sight. (CIS IC0819)
Apr 19 From 10 miles off Cape Ray to 47°15’N 58°30’W, 46°20’N 57°50’W, 45°30’N 58°30’W Scatari Island, outer limits of field ice in St. Lawrence area. (IIP p42#832)
Outer limits of field ice in St. Lawrence area from 10 miles off Cape Ray to 47°00’N 58°50’W, 45°55’N 58°28’W, [the SE extremity] 45°50’N 59°50’W [the W extremity] to Scatari Island; scattered strings from 46°54’N 58°19’W to 45°15’N 58°12’W. (IIP p42#856 & CIS IC1014_2)
Apr 19 DOT aerial survey: Scattered drift in Northumberland Strait from Wood Island to Borden. Open between Point Prim and Amet Island to Borden navigable in daylight. (CIS IC0943)
Apr 19 George Bay conditions good, some scattered ice along E side. (CIS IC0957_2)
Apr 19 DOT aerial survey: Strait of Canso scattered drift ice, navigable. (CIS IC0964)
Apr 19 DOT aerial survey: Strip of closely packed ice 2 to 10 miles wide extends from Henry Island to Cheticamp blocking Cheticamp Harbour. (CIS IC0983)
Apr 19 DOT aerial survey: St. Pauls and Aspy Bay close packed. (CIS IC1039)
Apr 19 DOT aerial survey: Louisburg Harbour partly clear, ice 2½ miles off shore. (CIS IC1082_2)
Apr 19 First arrival of season at Quebec. (WBB)
Apr 20 From 47°05’N 58°27’W to 46°00’N 58°25’W, 45°50’N 59°46’W Scatari Island, outer limits of field ice in St. Lawrence area (IIP p44#949)
Apr 20 DOT aerial survey: There is a small isolated field of scattered ice at 45°50’N 57°55’W. (CIS IC0912)
Apr 20 DOT aerial survey: George Bay clear. (CIS IC0957_2)
Apr 20 DOT aerial survey: Louisburg Harbour clear, S coast pf Cape Breton clear. (CIS IC0983)
Apr 20 DOT aerial survey: From 10 miles W of Cape Ray to 10 miles E of Port au Basque ice is close in shore and navigation over this route is obstructed for the present. Ice is 15 miles off Low Point taking shore again at Cape North. (CIS IC1014_3)
Apr 21 From 47°30’N 59°19’W to 47°36’N 59°25’W Area of sludge and scattered heavy pieces of ice (IIP p44#953)
Apr 21 DOT aerial survey: Westward through Northumberland Strait ice is scattered. Tormentine reports no ice in sight, Summerside inner harbour clear, some ice in vicinity of breakwater. (CIS IC0943)
Apr 21 DOT aerial survey: Strait of Canso and George Bay some scattered pieces may be met but practically clear for navigation. (CIS IC0964_2)
Apr 23 From 47°20’N 59°00’W, 46°41’N 58°25’W to 45°49’N 58°27’W outer limits of field ice in St. Lawrence area. (IIP p47#1238) With scattered strings to 45°19’N 58°10’W, the S extremity to 45°46’N 59°16’W to 7 miles off Scatari, with shore lead 7 miles off Scatari to 6 miles off Flint Island to 3 miles off Flat Point to Cape Smoke. Ships bound up gulf pass S and E of this ice to 10 miles off Cape Ray to position 48°00’N 59°53’W to Fame Point or via, Strait of Canso, East point, PEI or Northumberland Strait. (CIS IC1014_3)
Apr 23 DOT aerial survey: Bay of Chaleur navigable to Campbellton. Some strings of broken ice in river and bay. (CIS IC0927)
Apr 23 DOT aerial survey: Northumberland Strait clear for a few scattered patches between Point Prim and Wood Island. (CIS IC0943)
Apr 23 DOT aerial survey: Bras d’or Lakes and St. Peters Canal free of ice. (CIS IC0964_2)
Apr 23 DOT aerial survey: W coast of Newfoundland navigable to Bay of Islands with some drift in Bay St. George. (CIS IC0839_2)
Apr 23 “Prince Nova” getting tuned up for her Wood Islands-Caribou runs. Was due to sail today. (Pat 23 Apr p5 c3)
Apr 23 Covehead – The Gulf is fairly clear of ice along the north side and herring nets will soon be set. (Pat 23 Apr p7 c2)
Apr 24 DOT aerial survey: Shore lead 8 miles off Scatari to 8 miles off Flint Island to 1¼ miles off Flat Point to Point Aconi closing the Bras d’or Lakes, and is close packed along the coast to St. Pauls. Ships bound up gulf pass S and E of this ice to 7 miles of Cape Ray to 48°00’N 60°00’W.
Apr 24 DOT aerial survey: Miramichi River should be clear on the 28th. (CIS IC0798)
Apr 25 From 45°29’N 59°02’W to 45°38’N 58°50’W, 45°39’N 58°50’W southern limits of field ice (IIP p48#1248)
Apr 25 DOT aerial survey: Northumberland Strait clear for navigation, some widely scattered pieces may be met. (CIS IC0943)
Apr 25 DOT aerial survey: Strait of Canso and George Bay clear except for a few widely scattered pieces. (CIS IC0964_2)
Apr 26 DOT aerial survey: Strait of Canso clear and route through George Bay via East Point and Northumberland Strait to river navigable, some scattered ice may be encountered N of Henry Island. (CIS IC0964_2)
Apr 26 DOT aerial survey: Ice is close packed on E coast of Cape Breton and approaches to Sydney Harbour blocked. (CIS IC1057)
Apr 27 “Daghestan” string of ice 45°10’N 59°25’W. (IIP p49#1331)
Apr 27 DOT aerial survey: Scattered strings and pieces may be encountered in area between lat. 45° and 46° and lon. 59° and 60°. (CIS IC0912)
Apr 27 DOT aerial survey: George Bay clear except for a tongue of heavy drift ice 2 to 3 miles wide westward from Henry Island extending almost across the bay. (CIS IC0957_2)
Apr 27 DOT aerial survey: Ice from Cape North to Scatari extending off shore for a distance of 40 miles E of Flat Point, Sydney. This ice is close packed and Sydney Harbour and approaches closed. (CIS IC1057)
Apr 27 DOT aerial survey: Except for ice in the NE area of the gulf only ice of any consequence is that on the coast of Cape Breton from Sea Wolfe Island to 20 miles W of Cheticamp to 20 miles NW of Cape St. Lawrence to Cape North and from Cape North to Scatari extending off shore for a distance of 40 miles E of Flat Point, Sydney. Ships bound up gulf pass E of ice off E coast of Cape Breton to 5 miles off St. Pauls to 5 miles off Bird Rocks to Fame Point. (CIS IC0744_3)
Apr 27 DOT aerial survey: Gaspe Harbour breaking up. (CIS IC0753)
Apr 27 DOT aerial survey: Ice from St. George Bay, Nfld., has moved SW and is obstructing Cape Ray – Bird Rock route W of Cape Anguille. (CIS IC0839_2)
Apr 28 DOT aerial survey: Route by Strait of Canso, East Point, and Northumberland Strait is obstructed by ice in George Bay expected to clear with westerly wind. (CIS IC0955)
Apr 29 DOT aerial survey: Loose ice from 5 to 8 miles wide extends along the W coast of Cape Breton from George Bay to Sea Wolfe Island, thence to Amherst Island, Magdalens. (CIS IC0988)
Apr 29 DOT aerial survey: Except for ice in NE area, N of Bay of Islands, and a wide belt on the E and W coast of Cape Breton, The Gulf of St. Lawrence is practically clear for navigation. (CIS IC0742)
Apr 29 DOT aerial survey: Ice field 1 mile wide at 47°43’N 60°25’W. (CIS IC0846)
Apr 29 Three ships were reported trapped in heavy ice floes off Cape Breton today. The ice breaker “Saurel” was attempting to smash her way to the assistance of the freighter “Keltic” and the Newfoundland government ship “Random”. The third vessel was the “Alfred & Emily”. It was the second time this spring that the “Alfred & Emily” had been caught fast in the unusually severe ice which has jammed the Gulf of St. Lawrence this year. The “Keltic” was only a short distance off Low Point at the entrance to Sydney, while the “Random” was reported 3 miles further out to sea. (Pat 29 Apr p4 c6)
Apr 29 Yesterday’s ice patrol; the track through the Strait of Canso still open. There is still a heavy ice field on the west side of George Bay. Another large field of heavy ice stretches from Cape Breton to the Magdalene Islands. (Pat 30 Apr p5 c3)
Apr 30 All ports in western Gulf of St. Lawrence now clear for navigation. Only ice obstructing navigations loose ice along west coast of Cape Breton. Close packed field ice along northeast coast to limits from 10 miles off Cape North to 46°34’N 59°44’W to Cape Percy. (IIP p49#1357)
Apr 30 DOT aerial survey: loose ice from 5 to 8 miles wide extends along the W coast of Cape Breton to Sea Wolfe Island thence in a NW direction to 25 miles 210° from Amherst Island thence 7 miles off Cape North to 46°34’N 59°45’W then to Cape Percy and Flint Island where ice takes the shore. (CIS IC0820)
Apr 30 DOT aerial survey: A small ice field reported 48°07’N 60°47’W and another 47°56’N 61°22’W. (CIS IC0846)
Apr 30 The “Brant” which arrived from Halifax; very little ice was encountered, in preparation for setting navigation buoys. (Pat 30 Apr p5 c4)
May As the month began, the field ice limits in the St. Lawrence area ran from 5 miles off Cape North to 46°50’N 59°30’W and thence to 46°25’N 58°40’W. On the 10th the Canadian Dept. of Transport reported scattered strings and patches of field ice as far E as the 59th meridian between 45°50’N and 47°00’N with a 10 mile wide shore lead along the E coast of Cape Breton Island. By the 16th only remnants of heavy field ice remained off the E coast of Cape Breton Island between 45°50’N and 47°00’N. The end of the month saw the St. Lawrence area definitely clear of all field ice. (IIP p11)
May? DOT aerial survey: [Cabot Strait] … moving southeastward and a shore lead is developing between Cape Egmont and Point Aconi. (CIS IC1013_2)
May 2 DOT aerial survey: River St. Lawrence and all ports in the western part of the gulf including Chicoutami, Gaspe, Bay of Chaleur New Brunswick, and PEI ports now clear for navigation. The only ice obstructing navigation at present is on the NW and E coast of Cape Breton and the northeastern part of the gulf N of Bonne Bay, Nfld. (CIS IC0742)
May 3 DOT aerial survey: Louisburg and S coast of Cape Breton clear. (CIS IC1083)
May 3 DOT aerial survey: River and Gulf of St. Lawrence now clear for navigation except for areas within the following limits: from Cheticamp to 10 miles S of Amherst Island, Magdalens to 47°27’N 61°00’W to 5 miles off Cape North. Within this area ice is heavy but scattered and moving eastward. (CIS IC0742)
May 3 DOT aerial survey: W coast of Newfoundland clear to N of Bonne Bay. (CIS IC0846)
May 4 DOT aerial survey: Outside limits of ice off E coast of Cape Breton from Cape Smoky to 46°15’N 59°10’W to 5 miles S of Point Nova with a long string about 2 miles wide extending from 46°15’N 59°10’W to 46°00’N 58°40’W, this ice is moving southward. (CIS 1013_2)
May 5 DOT aerial survey: Outside limits from White Point, Aspy Bay, 10 miles seaward to 46°06’N 59°09’W then southwesterly to 12 miles off Scatari to Guion Island. Ice inside these limits is heavy close packed and Sydney harbour and approaches are blocked. (CIS IC1013_2)
May 5 DOT aerial survey: Heavy loose ice in approaches to Louisburg. (CIS IC1083)
May 5 DOT aerial survey: All routes to river and gulf now clear for navigation except for ice field on N coast of Cape Breton from 46°38’N 61°15’W to Cape North to Aspy Bay about 2 miles wide off Cape North, with scattered drift ice along coast from Cape Smoky to Ciboux Isle and another on E coast of Cape Breton. (CIS IC0742_2)
May 6 DOT aerial survey: Large field of heavy ice on E coast of Cape Breton from Ingonish to 15 miles E of Flint Island to 10 miles S of Scatari to vicinity of Forchu. (CIS IC1013_2)
May 6 DOT aerial survey: Louisburg reports field of loose ice in all directions to limit of visibility, navigable in daylight. NE winds now forecast will drift this ice westerly along the S shore of Cape Breton towards Canso. (CIS IC1083)
May 6 DOT aerial survey: Small ice field off N coast of Cape Breton. This ice has shoved off shore at Cheticamp and is moving around Cape North in a string about 2 miles wide. (CIS IC0820)
May 6 City Fish Market has fresh lobsters. (Pat 6 May p5 c4)
May 7 DOT aerial survey: A small field of heavy loose ice off N coast of Cape Breton in vicinity of Cape St. Lawrence and Cape North and heavy close packed fields on E and S coast of Cape Breton from Ingonish around Scatari to vicinity of Forchu. (CIS IC1013_3)
May 8 DOT aerial survey: Louisburg ice in harbour and approaches. (CIS IC1083)
May 8 DOT aerial survey: All routes in river and Gulf of St. Lawrence now clear for navigation except for belt of heavy ice on E and S coast of Cape Breton from Cape North around Scatari to vicinity of Forchu. This ice is close packed but is expected to loosen up and move off coast on Sunday. (CIS IC0742_2)
May 9 DOT aerial survey: This ice is now loosening up and moving off the coast with westerly wind and Sydney harbour clear. (CIS IC0742_2)
May 12 The ice patrols made its last flight was made on May 12th. (Pat 28 Apr 1949 p1 c7)
May 13 DOT aerial survey: Outer limits of ice estimated from 46°40’N 58°40’W to 45°40’N 58°20’W moving SE. (CIS IC1013_3)
May 13 DOT aerial survey: Ice off E coast of Cape Breton continues to move further off shore leaving a trail of widely scattered pans from Cape Smoke to Scatari and passage may be made along coast from Scatari to Cape North. Sydney, Louisburg and all ports in Cape Breton now clear for navigation. (CIS IC1021_2)
May 14 DOT aerial survey: Ice field off E coast of Cape Breton has moved well off shore and coast from Scatari to Cape North now clear and outer limits of ice estimated from 46°30’N 58°20’W to 45°30’N 58°10’W. (CIS IC1013_3)
May 16 DOT aerial survey: Ice field located off E coast of Cape Breton Friday has broken up and scattered over wide area. (CIS IC1013_3)
May 16 DOT aerial survey: All routes river and gulf now clear for navigation. (CIS IC0742_2)
May 27 First Westbound steamer through the strait of Belle Isle. (WBB)