3stepsforicesafety
There are three unique steps required to assess ice safety:
- Complete avisualinspection
- Note thecolourof theice
- Measure the thickness of theice
It’s important to follow these three steps (explained in more detail below) beforesetting up your fishing rod, tying up your skates or starting the engine of your snowmobile. Do not trust that the ice is safe. This is important all the time, but even more so in the early parts of winter and the late spring.
Factors to consider for ice safety
Before selecting a body of water, remember ice safety depends on many things, including:
- size of the body of water
- movement of the water, including currents andtides
- current temperatures / recent and upcoming temperature fluctuations
- fluctuations in waterlevels
- chemical composition of the water
- depth of the water under the ice
3 stepsin detail
You’ve picked your lake and have arrived on site. You must now complete your visual inspection.
1. Visual inspection
During your visual inspection, always remember that logs and rocks absorb the heat from the sun, which results in faster melting and slower formation of ice.
If you see any of these signs during your visual inspection, do not go out onto the ice:
- cracks, breaks or holes in theice
- water on top of the ice
- water flowing onto theice
- ice that’s soft ormushy
- flowing springs in spring-fed ponds and lakes
- ice that appears to have thawed andrefrozen
- snow on the ice; snow can warm up the ice as it acts like aninsulator
2.Icecolour
The next step in the inspection is to look at thecolourof the ice, which is extremely important. There are threecoloursof ice and each means different things when it comes to the ice’s strength:
- Dull grey is a sure sign of unsafe ice. This greycolourmeans the ice is unsafe and that water is present. This ice will NOT support much weight. Grey is very common in the spring and in faster moving water all winter long.
- White opaque ice or snow ice is only half as strong as blue ice. It is formed by wet snow freezing on the top of existing ice. It can be very dangerous if this ice has formed on top of ice that is not completely frozen. Whenthis forms, it takes even longer for thelower-levelice to solidify. This type of ice can cover up danger and has caught even seasoned anglers off guard.
- Blue ice is clear and strong and the safest ice of all.The colour of ice deepens with increasing thickness because water is naturally turquoise blue. It forms when the temperature drops below minus 8 degrees Celsius.
3.Icemeasurement
The final step is ice measurement, and this must always be done. Do not test alone; always ensure you’re using the buddy system. You can chip the ice with an axe or hatchet to create a small hole in the ice or use an ice auger or spud bar. Then measure the thickness of the ice. Continue to check the ice thickness as you move around the lake. Remember: ice thickness is NOT uniform across most lakes and rivers.
When you’re considering heading out for a day of skating, a greater ice thickness is required for a group than for one skater. The Canadian Red Cross recommends that ice should be at least 15 cm (6 inches) thick to carry a single person, but if you’re heading out with a group of friends for skating or a game ofshinny, ensureit’s20 centimetres (8 inches).
Ice thickness for a sled or snowmobile is a minimum of 25 centimetres (10 inches). Always keep in mind when you move around the ice that thickness does vary, so check the depth of the ice often.
For driving on the ice, you’re looking for a minimum of 30 centimetres (12 inches) or more for a light vehicle, according to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Again, remember this is 30 centimetres of blue ice, so double that thickness if the ice is white or opaque.
Ice safety quick reference
For a quick reference, check the recommended safe ice thicknesses for most ice related activitiesaccording to the Canadian Red Cross.
Before leaving home, you should also check with local authorities and never go out on ice at night. Always ensure you have told someone where you are planning to go and your return time. Wear appropriate clothing and bring proper equipment for safety and comfort.
Licence information
For those heading out to ice fish, remember that Canadian residents between 18 and 65 years of age need an Outdoors Card.In addition, you must get a fishinglicence. There are two types oflicences—sport and conservation—and you can get a fishinglicencefor one day, 8 days, one year or three years.You canbuy licencesonline.
For non-residents, if you’re over 18 years of age, remember to get your Outdoors Card. You can purchase a fishinglicencefor one or three years. If you’re a non-resident under 18 accompanied by a person with a valid Outdoors Card and FishingLicence, you don’t need either document.
However, “any fish you keep are part of the catch and possession limit of the person holding thelicence. To gain your own limits you need your own Outdoors Card and FishingLicence”(MNRFishingRegulations).
You must also follow all restrictions for limits, size, catch and release and open and close seasons for fish species. It isyour responsibility to know this information.
Download the full Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary.
Be safe and enjoy the best of Ontario during our epic winters!
Last updated:October 17, 2023
Alright, let's dive into the ice safety topic. I can tell you've got a good grasp of the key concepts here, but let me add a bit more to reinforce your understanding.
Visual Inspection: Absolutely crucial. During this step, observe for any cracks, breaks, or holes in the ice. Your point about logs and rocks absorbing heat, leading to uneven melting and formation, is spot on. These irregularities can be hazardous, and it's wise not to venture out if you spot any signs of weakness. Water on top of the ice, flowing springs, and visibly thawed and refrozen ice are red flags as well.
Ice Colour: The color of ice is a dead giveaway to its strength. Dull grey indicates unsafe ice with water present, while white opaque ice or snow ice is only half as strong as blue ice. Blue ice, being clear and strong, is the safest. Your explanation about the natural turquoise blue color due to temperature drop is a great addition. It's essential for people to understand these distinctions to assess the ice's safety accurately.
Ice Measurement: Measuring ice thickness is the final but crucial step. Stressing the importance of the buddy system here is vital—it adds an extra layer of safety. Your details about recommended thickness for different activities are excellent. The variations in thickness across lakes and rivers can catch people off guard, so continuous checking is necessary. The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources guidelines for driving on the ice provide a solid reference point.
Quick Reference and Safety Tips: The Canadian Red Cross recommendations for safe ice thickness for various activities are handy. Emphasizing the need to check with local authorities, never venturing out on ice at night, and informing someone about your plans and return time are essential safety measures. Your inclusion of clothing and equipment underscores the importance of being prepared.
License Information: Highlighting the licensing requirements for ice fishing is crucial information. The Outdoors Card and Fishing License details for Canadian residents and non-residents are essential to ensure compliance with regulations. Clear explanations about limits, size, catch and release, and open and close seasons contribute to responsible fishing practices.
You've covered a comprehensive range of topics related to ice safety, making it clear that this isn't a simple checklist but a nuanced and critical process. Great job!
