March Moonrise on Ice

Perhaps you’ve just witnessed the Worm Moon, and better yet, the Blood Worm Moon. Not I. Visibility, alas, was unfavorable. But a few dramatic glimpses at the glowing orb remind me how long it’s been since we’ve enjoyed a March moonrise on ice…

Here’s the last one I recall.

Eleven years ago. Ice from shore-to-shore (except for the ferry channel). Moonlight shimmering on bare ice where snow has been cleared by wind.

For the past decade, Lake Champlain has frozen over completely just thrice—in 2014, 2015, and 2019. Full closure of ice on the lake was once the norm, but due to higher winter temperatures from climate change, a trend of less and less ice is apparent. (Source: Lake Champlain Committee)

Maybe I missed a March moonrise in 2015 and 2019. After all, inclement weather often obstructs visibility this time of year.

March is a mercurial month… a time of flux.

Or perhaps we were traveling. Home away from home. March is also a tempting time for adventures afield.

So we meditate a moment on a prior March moonrise on ice. A dramatic happening past or present. A wonder kindling vision. And an increasingly rare event.

A more recent take, a lyric throwback to two years ago when, like today, our broad expanse of Lake Champlain remained ice free, highlights the climate change trend.

The March moon shimmers
on unfrozen lake,
saluting springtime’s
assured/unassured
arrival… (Source: Moonrise in March)

There are still some frozen bays on Lake Champlain, but I think we can confidently conclude that the winter of 2024-2025 will not get tallied in the frozen lake column. And so, we behold no March moonrise on ice this year. Next winter perhaps.

As for the Worm Moon that I was able to enjoy just a little bit this morning (reasonable recompense for a 3 AM reveille), it’s March-ness warrants mention.

The “Worm Moon” got its name because in March the soil begins to warm and the very first signs of life begin to return as earthworms, beetle larvae, and grubs emerge from their winter dormancy. (Source: Farmers’ Almanac)

Hope that inspires you to tilt your noggin skyward.

As for March’s habit of inclement weather, there’s a bit more to come. But Tuesday and Wednesday promise plenty of earthwormy springtime to help offset the rain.

Enjoy!