A novel method for detecting lake ice cover using optical satellite data

•The method uses gaussian mixture model (GMM) applied to optical data.•Unlike many other implementations, the method uses an integrated cloud classifier.•Even complex cases like fragmented ice and turbid water are successfully handled.•This computationally efficient method can be used for near real-time production.•∼13,000 lakes in Northern Hemisphere are covered with the method applying S3 SLSTR.