Ice Strength Table

Click here for an informative ice safety video from the Discovery Channel.

This table of ice strength is presented for the benefit of ice anglers and other winter sports people. The figures are for clear, blue ice on lakes and ponds. Reduce strength values 15% for clear blue, river ice. Slush or snow (white) ice is only one-half the strength of blue ice and can be very treacherous. "Honeycombed" ice, which occurs in the spring or during major winter thaws as the ice is melting, is the most dangerous ice, and best avoided unless the angler is certain there is a safe layer of solid ice beneath the honeycombed surface. Anglers should also be aware that many lakes and ponds contain spring holes and other areas of current that may create deceptively dangerous thin spots in areas that are otherwise safe. Always use caution, and don't venture out onto unfamiliar waters without checking ice thickness frequently.

1/25/07 -- Keep an Eye on the Ice! -- Winter has made its appearance in Massachusetts at last, but the warm weather and uneven temperatures that have prevailed in the state so far this season mean the condition of ice on the Bay State's waterbodies is unpredictable at best and could be treacherous. MassWildlife urges outdoor enthusiasts to play it safe and check ice carefully before venturing onto ice-covered waters.

HOW CAN I TELL IF ICE IS SAFE?

There are no guarantees -- always consider ice potentially dangerous. Assess ice safety by using an ice chisel to chop a hole in the ice to determine its thickness and condition. Make sure you continue to do this as you go further out on to the ice, because the thickness of the ice will not be uniform all over the pond or lake. Be aware that Ice tends to be thinner on lakes and ponds where there are spring holes, inlets or outlets.Be sure to wear "ice pins" to aid in getting out of water, should you fall through. Don't venture on to ice bound rivers or streams as the currents make ice thickness unpredictable.

WHAT DO I DO IF I FALL IN?

As with any emergency, DON'T PANIC! Briefly call for help. It doesn't take long for the cold water to start slowing your physical and mental functions, so you must act quickly. Air will remain trapped in your clothes for a short time aiding your buoyancy. Kick your legs while grasping for firm ice. Try to pull your body up. Once your torso is on firm ice, roll towards thicker ice. This will better distribute your weight. Remember: ice you have previously walked on should be the safest. After you reach safe ice, don't waste precious time! You need to warm up as quick as you can to prevent hypothermia. Go to the nearest bob house, warm car, or home.