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Before going out on any frozen water, whether it’s a small pond or a larger lake, you should always check the conditions beforehand. Never assume the ice is safe. Here are some quick tips from the New Hampshire Fish and Game for staying safe on the ice.
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- It is not advisable to drive vehicles onto the ice.
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If on foot, carefully assess ice safety before venturing out by using an ice chisel or auger to determine ice thickness and condition. Continue to do this as you get further out onto the ice, because the ice thickness will not be uniform all over the waterbody.
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Though all ice is potentially dangerous, the U.S. Army Cold Regions Research & Engineering Laboratory in Hanover, NH, offers a "rule of thumb" on ice thickness: There should be a minimum of six inches of hard ice before individual foot travel, and eight to ten inches of hard ice for snow machine or All-Terrain Vehicle travel.
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Remember - thick ice does not always mean safe ice! Ice can be thick, but not strong, because of varying weather conditions. Weak ice is formed when warming trends break down ice, then the slushy surface re-freezes.
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Be especially careful of areas with current, such as inlets, outlets and spring holes, where the ice can be dangerously thin.
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Stay off the ice along the shoreline if it is cracked or squishy. Don’t go on the ice during thaws.
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Watch out for thin, clear or honeycombed ice. Dark snow and ice may also indicate weak spots.
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Small bodies of water tend to freeze thicker. Rivers and lakes are more prone to wind, currents and wave action that weaken ice.
- Don’t gather in large groups or drive large vehicles onto the ice.
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If you do break through the ice, don’t panic. Move or swim back to where you fell in, where you know the ice was solid. Lay both arms on the unbroken ice and kick hard. This will help lift your body onto the ice. Carry a set of ice picks; they can help you pull yourself out if you do fall through the ice; wear them around your neck or put them in an easily accessible pocket. Once out of the water, roll away from the hole until you reach solid ice.
Ice safety is also very important for snowmobilers. Don't assume a trail is safe just because it exists; ask about trail conditions at local snowmobile clubs or sporting goods shops before you go. Other Preparation Tips:
- Dress in layers - it is the key to staying warm and regulating your body temperature.
- Add and remove layers as needed. Always bring more clothing than you think you need.
- Wear a hat or facemask. Most of your body heat is lost through the top of your head.
- A waterproof/windproof layer is ideal for keeping the elements at bay.
- Wool, silk, and fleece are great insulators; they’ll keep you warm even if they get wet.
- Also bring: gloves/mittens, sunglasses, insulated/waterproof boots, extra clothing, food, and hot drinks.
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This information is provided by the New Hampshire Fish and Game. View sources and more information below: http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/outdoor-recreation/documents/ice-safety.pdf http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/outdoor-recreation/ice-safety.html
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