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Ice Strength & Safety Tips
This
ice strength and safety information is presented for the benefit of
ice anglers and other winter sports people.
The figures in the table below 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.
How can you tell if ice is safe?
|
Ice Thickness
(inches) |
Permissible Load (clear, blue, lake ice) |
|---|---|
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2" or less
|
STAY OFF! |
|
4"
|
Ice fishing or other activities on foot |
|
5"
|
Snowmobile or ATV |
|
8" - 12"
|
Car or small pickup truck |
|
12" - 15"
|
Medium truck |
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. Don't venture on to ice bound rivers or streams as the currents make ice thickness unpredictable.
What if you, a companion or pet fall through the ice?
As with any emergency, don't panic! If you fall through the ice,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 using "ice pins" that should be hanging around your neck. Once your torso is on firm ice, roll towards thicker ice. This will better distribute your weight. Remember that ice you have previously walked on should be the safest. After you reach safe ice, don't waste precious time because you need to warm up quickly to prevent hypothermia. Go to the nearest fishing shanty, warm car, or home.
If a companion falls through the ice remember the phrase "Reach-Throw-Go" If you are unable to reach your friend from shore, throw him or her a rope, jumper cables, tree branch, or other object. If this does not work, go for help before you also become a victim. Get medical assistance for the victim immediately.
When walking on or near ice, keep your pets on a leash. If a pet falls through the ice do not attempt to rescue the pet, go for help. Well meaning pet owners can too easily become rescue victims when trying to assist their pets.
For other ice safety tips and winter weather preparedness, check the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency website.
References
- Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
- MassWildlife Angler Education Program
- Minnesota Department of Natural Resources