Temperature drives variability in recent satellite-derived ice cover trends in Nebraska Sand Hill lakes

The timing and duration of lake ice cover is a critical driver of lake ecosystem dynamics and an important indicator of climatic change. While much research has focused on lake ice dynamics at high latitudes and in north-temperate lakes, few studies have considered ice dynamics in lakes at lower latitudes. Here we use high-resolution satellite imagery to determine patterns of lake ice cover for 128 Sand Hill lakes from 2016 to 2023. Average ice duration was 112 days and varied between 74 and 158 days. The average dates for ice-on and ice-off were 25 November and 17 March. Ice cover duration for Sand Hill lakes was long compared to lakes at higher latitudes. October–November–December and February–March–April mean atmospheric temperatures were strong drivers of lake ice cover compared to lake-specific factors (e.g., lake area, shoreline complexity). To our knowledge, this represents the first study of lake ice cover in Nebraska Sand Hills and provides baseline data to help determine the effect of climatic changes on lake ecosystems in the Nebraska Sand Hills.