Ice Hazardous, Especially This Year as Spring Approaches

FARMINGTON HILLS, MI – An unusually mild winter has limited recreational opportunities on lakes this winter.

Below, Lt. Larry M. Gauthier, a fire and safety educator with the Farmington Hills Fire Department, answers some questions about ice safety.

When is it safe to venture out on the ice?

The Farmington Hills Fire Department wants all residents to know that when it comes to judging whether a frozen pond or lake is safe, there really is no sure answer. You can’t judge the strength of ice just by its appearance, age, thickness, temperature or whether or not the ice is covered with snow. Strength is based on all of these factors, plus the depth of water under the ice, size of the water body, water chemistry and currents, the distribution of the load on the ice, and local climatic conditions.

Some Cold Facts about Ice

As spring approaches, the hazards associated with ice become more predominant.

Ice seldom freezes uniformly. It may be a foot thick in one location and only an inch or two thick just a few feet away.

Ice formed over flowing water and currents is often dangerous. This is especially true near streams, bridges, and culverts. Also, the ice on outside river bends is usually weaker due to the undermining effects of the faster current.

The insulating effect of snow slows down the freezing process. The extra weight also reduces how much weight the ice sheet can support, and should be considered unsafe. Also, ice near the shore can be weaker than ice that is further out.

Booming and cracking ice isn’t necessarily dangerous. It only means that the ice is expanding and contracting as the temperature changes.

Checking Ice Thickness

Ice thickness should be checked prior to beginning any activity. If you have not done so, consider yourself in harm’s way. This can be done easily by using any of the following tools:

• Ice chisel
• Ice auger
• Cordless drill
• Tape measure

For new, clear, solid ice, the following general guidelines may be used:

• 2” or less - STAY OFF
• 4” - Ice fishing or other activities on foot
• 8” - Snowmobile or ATV

Final considerations:

• Never venture onto the ice alone or without telling your plans to a responsible adult.
• Avoid crossing frozen bodies of water in a single file.
• Look for large cracks or depressions in the ice.
• Never drive a car or truck on the ice.
• Avoid standing or walking in areas with a group of people.
• Always wear a life jacket when on the frozen surface of a lake or river.
• Learn and practice rescue techniques by using ropes, boats, ladders, etc.
• Consider carrying a pair of ice picks. These are designed for a self rescue and are two handles with a nail device in one end attached to each other by a length of rope.
• Remember - clear ice is the strongest.
• If your pet falls through the ice, do not attempt to rescue it – call 9-1-1.
• Do not hesitate to call 9-1-1 immediately if you or someone else is in need of help. Firefighters are trained utilizing special equipment for ice rescue.

Questions may be directed to Gauthier at (248) 871-2820 or LGauthier@fhgov.com.

Sources: Michigan DNR, Minnesota DNR, Patch.com