Tip of the week: DANGER Thin Ice

As the season quickly draws to a close for ice fishing, ice skating and other winter sports we may find our selves wondering if it's safe to venture onto a frozen pond or lake.


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Here are some tips for ice safety that could save your life.

Never assume the ice on any waterbody is thick enough to support your weight. Check it! Start at the shoreline and, using an auger, spud or axe, make test holes at intervals as you proceed. As a rule of thumb, (for new, clear ice) there should be a minimum of 4 to 6 inches of ice to support a few, well-dispersed people; 6 to 7 inches for small, on-foot, group activities; and at least 8 to 10 inches for snowmobile activities. (Ice thickness recommendations are based on information from the Cold Regions Research Laboratory in Hanover, N.H.)

If ice at the shoreline is cracked or squishy, stay off. Don't go on the ice during thaws. Avoid honeycombed ice, dark snow and dark ice.

Ice is generally thinner where there is moving water, such as at inlets and outlets, around wharves, bridge abutments, islands, and objects that protrude through the ice.

If your not sure do not go on the ice.  Be Safe and enjoy..