PIOMAS gridded data was updated (still waiting for the main daily data and graphs).
Here are the maps with monthly average thickness of April 2014, 2015 as well as the difference.
Encouraging, but perhaps that is illusory hope.
For example at the same time as I see improved thickness in say, the CAA, I note the area where the tragic loss of two dutch explorers occurred shows a thickness of over two meters.
I suspect the conditions have become so granular, areas of thick and thin ice have become so small and intermixed, that its beyond the ability of the sensors to resolve properly.
River ice might be a good metaphor. During breakup, it might actually be thicker than when it was static, but it certainly isn't in better shape, nor safe to cross....