When the Ice Cracks

Walking in a winter wonderland many times turns into falling in a winter wonderland. The culprit is ice. The inevitable partner to winter moisture, be it snow or rain, is ice. It often lurks under a fine layer of snow or blatantly covers our roads and trees. It also is a natural effect to our waterways and lakes. While ice offers us winter time opportunities like skating and ice fishing it is important to understand the real dangers that surround it. Be prepared when the ice cracks.

In areas where extended cold weather is common place, you find extensive winter activities surrounding the annual deep freeze. As lakes and ponds freeze over, sportsmen make their annual trek onto the ice to begin ice fishing, snowmobiling and exploring. Ice fishing for example, with elaborate shelters and gear, is not a mild undertaking. As with any ice-centered activity, education is crucial. Lesson number one is knowing when it is safe to venture out onto the ice. The best way is to check with local authorities but there are some general guidelines we can all follow.

When the Ice Cracks

A hole should be cut in the ice close to shore as a safety precaution. Measure the thickness of the ice as well as inspect its’ appearance. Thickness guidelines are as follows:

2 inches or less – Stay off of the ice. It is not strong enough to safely support a person

4 inches – The ice is now thick enough to support walking and general activities such as fishing.

6 inches – Ice is now thick enough to support snowmobiles and ATV’s.

8 inches – At this thickness, ice is capable of supporting a car or small pickup.

12 inches – The ice is now strong enough to allow medium sized trucks.

These guidelines apply to new, clear ice only. Ice is never a consistent phenomenon and is rarely the same thickness over a body of water. While ice can be 12 inches thick in your location, it is capable of being only an inch thick a few yards away. You are encouraged to check the ice thickness every 150 feet as you progress to your destination. Another safety suggestion is to park any vehicles you drive out onto the ice at least 50 feet apart and then move them every two hours. A clever method to monitor ice around vehicles is to drill a hole in the ice next to your vehicle. If water starts to overflow the hole, it is an indication that the ice is sinking and time to move your car.

Color Matters

An important skill for those new to ice activities is the ability to understand ice color and condition. The best ice possible is called “new clear”. This is ice similar to what you get from your home freezer. It is strong and safe in sufficient thicknesses.

Other colors you may see are:

Light grey to dark black. This is inevitably melting ice and is not safe to walk on or be near. This ice can exist even when outside temperatures are below freezing. Factors such as snow cover or running water can affect even the strongest ice.

White or opaque. Ice of this color is usually water saturated snow that has frozen on top of ice forming a thin layer. This type of ice is generally weak because it is very porous from air pockets that form.

Clear or blue. This is the best ice we can hope for. It is very dense and strong. In the correct thickness it is the ice that will allow us to enjoy our winter adventure.

Molted and slushy. This is referred to as “rotten ice”, not because of its color but based on its’ condition and texture, which is slushy and rough. This type of ice generally begins as spring approaches and can be misleading. It can appear to be thick near the top but it can be very weak in the middle and base. This ice should be avoided.

Be Prepared

Knowing what to do in an emergency can often be the difference between discomfort and tragedy. If you are going to be on ice for any period of time, be it fishing or even passing over it while hiking then certain gear is encouraged.

Spud Bar. A spud bar is a long metal tipped pole than can be used to probe new areas. If you are unsure about where you are getting ready to step you can use the bar to check the ice.

Safety spike. While resembling a medieval martial arts weapon, this spike should be a part of any ice adventure. These are generally one inch thick dowels with a metal spike protruding from the end. Most are lashed together and should be carried around your neck. If you fall through the ice, you can quickly grab these and use them to help get out of the water.

Emergency pack. This will be the repository for the other items that you could possibly need for an ice emergency. The pack should be lightweight and waterproof. It should include:
Waterproof matches and fire starter material
First aid kit
Space blanket
Non-perishable food bars
Dry clothes
Flotation device. This is especially true for those who may be traversing the ice by vehicle such as ATV or snowmobile. If the ice collapses underneath you, a flotation vest can help keep you buoyant and assist in your escape.

When the Ice Cracks – Get Out

In the event the ice does give way and you end up falling through, there are specific steps you can take to save yourself. Learn these steps and memorize them before you head out onto the ice.

Brace yourself. Even though it will happen quickly, do everything possible to brace yourself and prepare for what is to come. This includes holding your breath and doing everything possible to keep your head out of the water. You must also psychologically brace yourself for the incredible cold you are about to experience.

Stay calm. This is the epitome of easier said than done yet it is important. The shock of the cold water will cause physical responses such as gasping, hyperventilation and increased pulse rate. This coupled with the fear of drowning can be overwhelming. The initial shock will wear off in one to three minutes. Generally you will have anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes of consciousness at this point depending on what you are wearing and your physical condition.

Get back to the hole. If you are submerged, look for the lighter area above you. That will be the most likely point of entry as snow covered areas are dark.

Don’t Give Up

Keep your head up. As you move back to the hole, do your best to keep your head out of the water. This will help avoid more body heat loss and in turn help keep your mind clear. Avoid the temptation to shed off clothes as they are working to insulate you.

Orient yourself to get back onto the ice. Move to the edge of the ice where you initially went in. While never a guarantee, it has the best chance of once again supporting your weight. Avoid trying to drag yourself back onto the ice with a pull up type maneuver. You will be wet, heavy and cold. This motion can be extremely difficult. A better option is to get horizontal as if you were swimming towards the edge. At once, kick your feet in a swimming motion and use your elbows to ease yourself back onto the ice. Continue this until you are able to get out.

Roll away. Once you are out of the water, avoid the desire to stand up. Instead, roll away from the hole to safety. Standing will put more directed pressure on the ice and possibly cause it to collapse once again. By distributing your body weight across a larger area you are less likely to fracture the ice again.

If you are unable to initially pull yourself out, avoid thrashing. Conserve your energy and pull yourself out as far as you can. Keep your head and arms out of the water and regain your composure for another try.

Tread Carefully

Understanding the dangers will allow you to enjoy the ice. Plan your events carefully and know when it is appropriate to step out onto the ice. Early winter and spring are the most dangerous times because of temperature and increased water flow. Always check ice thickness and have a plan in case you fall through. Ice activities are many times family events. It is essential that you warn kids about playing on frozen lakes and streams. Planning and education are the tools we have to help us avoid an icy tragedy.