Environment Task Force Newsletter
Ohio State University Extension
Winter, 1998, v1 #4

Ice Safety

Gary Graham, Northwest District Extension Water Quality Associate

Winter recreational sports are popular activities with many Ohioans. Ice fishing, sledding, snowmobiling, ice skating, downhill and cross-country skiing are among the most popular.

With these activities come some safety precautions, especially when ice over water is involved. Ice can be very dangerous, and people can be injured or killed when ice is not respected.

Ice on ponds, lakes and rivers can be affected by many things. The strength and thickness of the ice should be known before any activities take place on it.

To determine what activities can safely take place, a rough rule of thumb is given in the chart to the right.

Ice safety points to consider include:

• New ice is usually stronger than old ice. As ice ages, the bond between the crystals decays making it more dangerous and weaker even if melting has not occurred.
• Wind speeds influence ice formation. Light winds speed up the formation. Strong winds force water from beneath the ice and can decay the edges of the ice.
• Snow can insulate ice and keep it strong. It can also insulate it to keep it from freezing. When ice is covered by snow, great precautions need to be taken to determine ice thickness before starting any activity. Snow can also hide cracked, weak and open water areas.
• Slush is a danger sign. It indicates that ice is no longer freezing from the bottom and indicates weak or deteriorated ice.
• Ice can change with the surrounding climate conditions. Temperature, precipitation (such as snow, sleet, rain), wind speed, ice age, water depth and water quality are all factors that affect ice strength and thickness.
• Never check ice or rescue a victim of ice failure alone, because you could go from rescuer to victim very quickly.

Precautions need to be taken to assure the ice is safe for your winter recreational activities. Always check the ice before going out on it. Be aware that ice thickness and strength can vary from location to location. By following safety procedures you can bundle up, be safe and enjoy the many winter activities in our great outdoors.