Safe Ice Play
Get To Know The Ice
You hear about it every year; a vehicle has gone through the ice while out ice fishing and it makes all of our hearts stop as we hope the people are ok. Accidents like this are bound to happen, but many are completely avoidable. Late spring and early fall are known caution seasons for those who love to play out on the frozen lakes of Northern Manitoba. There are some general rules that we can follow to help keep us all safe. Start by knowing the recommended ice thickness guidelines.
Checking with local fishers is likely going to be the best way to know what the current conditions are on our many lakes. They use them most often and know where the danger zones are. Connect with one of our local lodges or bait shops listed on our website and they could help keep you informed, give you insights on locations. Most of all, we hope you enjoy your time exploring the beauty all around Northern Manitoba!
Measuring The Ice
Using an ice chisel, ice auger or even a cordless drill with a wood auger bit can be used to make a hole through the ice. Using a fishing rod, measuring tape or even a sturdy stick you can measure the thickness of the ice. You may want to take a few measurements of the area you want to use because not all areas will freeze at the same rate.
Take A Look Around
Watch for danger signs like cracks, seams, pressure ridges, dark areas (where the ice is thinner) and slushy areas; even slight slush signals that the icing isn’t freezing at the bottom anymore, which means it’s getting progressively weaker. New ice is typically stronger than older ice. As time passes, the bond between ice crystals decays even in very cold temperatures.
Colour of The Ice
The colour of ice may be an indication of its strength. Clear blue to black ice is strongest and likely the deepest. White opaque or snow ice is half as strong as blue ice. Opaque ice is formed by wet snow freezing on the ice. Grey ice is unsafe. The grayness indicates the presence of water.