Before going out on any frozen water, whether it is a small pond or a larger lake, always check the conditions beforehand. Never assume the ice is safe. Here are some quick tips from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department to help you stay safe on the ice.
General Ice Safety Tips
- Do not drive vehicles onto the ice.
- If on foot, assess ice safety using an ice chisel or auger. Check the thickness and condition as you go. Ice thickness is not consistent across a body of water.
- Though all ice is potentially dangerous, the U.S. Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory recommends a minimum of 6 inches of hard ice for foot travel and 8 to 10 inches for snowmobiles or ATVs.
- Thick ice does not always mean safe ice. Warming trends can weaken ice even if it refreezes on the surface.
- Be extra cautious near inlets, outlets, and spring holes. These areas often have dangerously thin ice.
- Avoid shoreline ice if it is cracked or slushy. Never go on the ice during a thaw.
- Watch out for thin, clear, or honeycombed ice. Dark patches in snow or ice may also indicate weak spots.
