Safety Tips For the Ice Angler

Winter recreational sports are popular activities here in the Midwest.  With these activities come some safety precautions to follow, especially when ice over water is involved.  Ice can be very dangerous and people can be injured or killed when it is not respected.

It's important to remember that ice on ponds, lakes and rivers can be affected by many things.  The strength and thickness of the ice should be known before any acitvities take place on it.

To determine what activities can safely take place, a rough rule of thumb is given in the chart below.  The below chart is for basic reference only and is not an absolute in all areas since many factors can effect ice conditions.

Inches*     Activities
3                Walking
4                Fishing
5                Snowmobiling
8-12           Driving a vehicle
*Inches of new, clear ice
Note: River ice is usually 15 percent weaker than pond or lake ice.

Ice safety points you should consider to include are:
#1.  New ice is usually stronger than old ice.  As ice ages, the bond between the crystals decays making it more dangerous and weaker even if melting has not occurred.
#2.  Wind speeds influence ice formation.  Light winds speed up the formation.  Strong winds force water up from beneath the ice and can decay the edges of the ice.
#3.  Snow can insulate good ice and keep it strong.  It can also insulate it to keep it from freezing.  When ice is covered by snow, great precautions need to be taken to determine ice thickness before starting any snow activity.  Snow can also hide cracked, weak and open water areas.
#4.  Slush is a danger sign.  It indicates that ice is no longer freezing from the bottom and indicates weak or deteriorated ice.

Always remember that ice can change with the surrounding climate conditions.  Temperature, precipitation (such as snow, sleet, rain), wind speed, ice age, water depth and water quality are all factors that affect ice strength and thickness.

Never check ice or try to rescue a victim of ice failure alone if at all possible, because you could go from the rescuer to victim very quickly with no other help around.

Precautions need to be taken to assure the ice is safe for your winter recreational activities.  Always check the ice before going out on it.  Be aware that ice thickness and strength can vary from location to location.  By following these safety procedures listed, you can bundle up, be safe, and enjoy the many winter activities in that our great outdoors has to offer.

So now that the winter season is upon us, use extra care upon going out on that ice.

By Mike Cyze from Midwest Outdoors

Note:  The Mille Lacs area resorts and ice fishing businesses take great care in checking ice conditions on a daily basis.  Take the extra time to stop in and talk with them and get information about the ice conditions, any spots to stay clear of, etc., they are they to help you out but always check for yourself.  Be Smart Be Safe.