ICE CONDITIONS, 1973 SEASON 



September 



When the 1972 Ice Season officially closed on 4 September, 

 three icebergs had already drifted south of A8°N. The 

 computer plot was maintained and no further intrusion of 

 icebergs occurred south of 48°N until 19 September when an 

 iceberg was reported in position 47°50'N 39°45'W. A total 

 of seventeen other icebergs were reported during September, 

 mostly in the Strait of Belle Isle, its eastern approaches, 

 and along the coast of Labrador. 



October - November 



During October, 29 icebergs were reported to the Ice 

 Patrol Office located from the Strait of Belle Isle north- 

 ward. November, however, showed 4 of its 33 iceberg reports 

 to be south of the Strait. The southernmost of these was 

 reported to be in position 50°50'N 53°11'W on 11 November. 



December 



Only 17 iceberg reports were received, but there were 

 several significant sightings: one of 24 December off Cape 

 Spear, Newfoundland and two icebergs off Cape Race on 

 30 December. It was estimated that 6 icebergs drifted south 

 of 48°N during this month. These reports prepared the Ice 

 Patrol office for what was to be its earliest commencement 

 date in history and are attributable to the very early sea ice 

 cover which developed along the Labrador coast and in the 

 Strait of Belle Isle. The rapid growth and drift of sea ice 

 in the vicinity of St. Johns continued during the month 

 with its eastern limit near 50°W by the end of December. 



January 



Icebergs continued to move south and sea ice continued its 

 rapid growth spreading southeastward throughout the north- 

 ern portion of the Grand Banks during the first two weeks 

 of January, extending to 46°30'N 46°W. An offshore wind 

 induced drift component kept the heavier ice away from the 

 coast south of Fogo Island but there was now sea ice in most of 

 Newfoundland's bays. Close pack ice in the transitional stage 

 from Grey-White to First Year ice blocked the approaches to Notre 

 Dame Bay west of Fogo Island. During the period 9-19 

 January a preseason survey was made along the Labrador and 



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