CENTER HARBOR, N.H. (AP) – Brutal cold this winter created ice that smashed docks and retaining walls around Lake Winnipesaukee. Now, residents of the Lakes Region are watching the lake, and the thermometer, to guess when the ice will melt.

Some are predicting a record late date for ice out, which is defined as the moment when the Mount Washington cruise ship can visit its ports of call around the lake.

The record was set May 12, 1888. The second latest date, May 4, was set in 2001.

Near record low temperatures this winter created ice that is still two feet thick in places.

There were 29 days this winter where the temperature hit zero or lower.

The thick ice slabs created more damage to lake shore property than usual – so much that state officials are considering an expedited process to grant permits to make repairs this spring.

“This has been a tough year for ice, ” said Timothy Drew of the state environmental department.

The department is considering allowing property owners to make repairs under permits obtained within the last five years.

George Phinney, a Center Harbor contractor who does lake front work, said he’s never seen ice so thick.

“The winter was so cold the ice expanded and lifted up like a teepee,” Phinney said.

Phinney’s company has 10 barges and boats used to do shorefront work.

“Usually we gear up and get ready to go by the middle of April, but this year it’s a wild guess,” he said.

Warm weather forecast for this week has some lake watchers wondering how long the ice will last.

If ice out comes in early May, it could help fishing at the May 16 salmon derby on the lake.

Fishing experts say salmon eat heartily in the first few days after ice out, then slow down for a few days before feeding again.

AP-ES-04-13-03 1353EDT