It has also frozen over several times before. The NY Department of Environmental Conservation says Cayuga Lake's mass makes it less likely to freeze over in the majority of winters. This is in contrast with Lake Otisco, which always freezes over.

Does Seneca Lake freeze over?

On average, because of its length and extreme depth, Seneca Lake completely freezes once a century. The last reported date was 1912. During the freeze, people claimed that they skated 35 miles, from Geneva (the northern tip) to Watkins Glen (the southern tip).

What temperature does a lake freeze over?

Once the surface water falls to 32 F, it freezes. The freezing then spreads downward into the lake and the ice thickens. Unless the lake is very shallow, you will find liquid water below the ice. This deeper water is about 40 F; fortunately fish can live in this cold temperature.