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Know How Thick Ice Is - and Prepare for the Worst

January 05, 2010 - Q: Is it safe to go out on the ice?

A: Probably not. The temperatures haven't stayed below freezing consistently. You can figure this out with some more questions:

How long has it been cold enough for the water to freeze?

This really hasn't been a cold winter so far. Yes, we had some frigid temperatures last weekend, but the week started warm. It's barely been longer than two weeks since the Maine Warden's Service declared no ice in Maine is safe. It's unlikely it's any safer today.

What color is the ice?

Dark ice or snow are signs that the ice may be weak. You also don't want to try ice that looks thin or clear, or if it looks like it's honeycombed. If it's cracked or squishy at the shore, don't try it.

Is the water still or moving?

Basically, moving water freezes later than still water. So ponds and lakes should freeze sooner than rivers and streams. Wait, don't go running out on the pond yet. There still are other factors at play. When water is flowing into or out of a body of water, it can be as risky as any stream or river. Also, wind creating waves on large lakes can break up ice quickly. Conversely, some rivers and streams can be slow enough to freeze nicely.

How thick is the ice?

The previous questions basically are ways to guess ice thickness. To know for sure, you're going to have to make a hole in the ice and measure how deep it goes. An auger will drill a hole quickly. Ice axes take some effort to make a hole, but are more likely to be carried. Here's what you're looking for:

4 inches plus — Could be safe to walk on. 5 inches plus — This is the minimum for ATVs and snowmobiles. 8 inches plus — Don't think of driving a car or light truck out there until you get 8 inches of ice. 12 inches plus — Medium trucks need at least a foot of ice. Treat these as minimums — not guarantees. And ice thickness changes across bodies of water.

How many people are with you?

You never really know for sure what's under you. If you fall through, your chances of survival are much better if you have someone who can help you get out of the water.

While it's generally good to keep your friends close, spread them out while you're on the ice. Too many people in a small area can break the ice. Then you have more than one person in the drink. Keep your group spread out to ease pressure on the ice, and put someone in the position of being a rescuer.

Anyone have a cell phone with decent reception?

If the cell phone works and someone goes in the water, call 911. You're going to need help ASAP. The cold water is sapping away life by the minute. Even if you can get someone out yourself, your victim will need to be treated for hypothermia.

Got rope?

If someone goes in the water, a rope can be an invaluable way to pull someone to safety. Or long sticks. Think about what can be used in a rescue before you need it. If you don't have any friends who can help, look for something that you can use to grip into the ice when you're trying to get out. Remember, it's ice (you know, the slippery stuff) that you're going to try to pull yourself up onto. Ice picks can save your life.

Is there anyone nearby?

If you have to yell for help, is there anyone who can hear you? Better yet, carry a whistle. People farther away can hear the whistle. And you can keep it up longer than you can yell. Don't worry about remembering Morse code for "Help me, I've fallen through the ice." Keep blowing and someone who hears it will investigate.

How are you dressed?

If you've been reading this column, you should be wearing lots of wicking layers. When those layers get wet, they can still retain some warmth. And if air is trapped between layers, it will boost your buoyancy. Resist the temptation to shed layers that may feel heavy or restrictive.

Where did you come from?

If you do fall through the ice, turn your body so you're facing the way you got to this spot. You know that ice is strong enough to hold you again. Lay your arms on the ice in front of you and kick. Try to swim your way out of the water. Your legs are stronger than your arms. Once on the ice, roll away from the hole. You need to spread your weight around.

Do you have anything that can warm you up?

Is there a fire or shelter nearby? A Thermos of hot chocolate should be a requirement for all winter trips. Prepare to have something that can help warm a hypothermic victim.

A trip out onto the ice can be a wonderful experience — especially on ponds and lakes. The trees are back at shore and unable to block views of the surrounding countryside. You can see things you won't be able to see in warmer seasons. So the key is to get an idea of how safe the ice is and to be prepared for worst-case scenarios.

CARL NATALE/ASK AN OUTDOORSMAN, Portland Press Herald, January 3, 2010


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