Ice Safety Basics

Ice forms when water temperature drops below 32°F (0°C). However, not all ice is created equal:

• Clear (blue) ice: The strongest type, formed by direct freezing of water
• White (snow) ice: Formed when water-saturated snow freezes, about half as strong as clear ice
• Grey ice: Indicates water saturation - very weak and dangerous

Ice thickness is not uniform across a lake. Areas near inlets, outlets, springs, and pressure cracks can have significantly thinner ice.

These are minimum recommended thicknesses for new, clear ice:

• 4 inches: Walking, ice fishing on foot
• 5 inches: Snowmobile or ATV
• 8-12 inches: Car or small truck
• 12-15 inches: Medium truck

Important: These guidelines are for new, clear ice. White ice requires double these thicknesses. Always err on the side of caution.

Know the warning signs of unsafe ice:

• Cracking or booming: While some noise is normal, continuous cracking is concerning
• Slushy or wet ice: Indicates weakening
• Dark or grey colored ice: Water-saturated and weak
• Current areas: Rivers, inlets, outlets, and narrows have moving water that weakens ice
• Pressure ridges: Areas where ice sheets meet can be unstable
• Snow-covered ice: Insulates and slows freezing, hides weak spots

Know what to do if the worst happens:

1. Don't panic - you have time. Cold water shock lasts 1-3 minutes.
2. Control your breathing - the gasp reflex can cause you to inhale water
3. Turn toward the direction you came from - that ice held your weight
4. Use ice picks to pull yourself onto the ice
5. Kick your feet and slide forward - don't stand up until you're on solid ice
6. Roll away from the hole to distribute your weight
7. Seek warmth immediately - hypothermia is the real danger