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12/5/2006
Be Cautious of Ice Conditions
Winter anglers and trappers need to chill before marching out on any of
North Dakota’s frozen waters. Taking a minute or two to study ice conditions
could save a life.
“There are a number of things to consider before going out on a frozen
lake, pond or river,” said Nancy Boldt, North Dakota Game and Fish
Department boat and water safety coordinator.
For instance:
 | Be aware on snow-covered ice as snow insulates ice, hampering solid
ice formation, and it makes it difficult to check thickness. Snow also
hides the blemishes, such as cracked, weak and open water areas. |
| Avoid cracks, pressure ridges, slushy or darker areas that signal
thinner ice. The same goes for ice that forms around partially submerged
trees, brush, embankments or other structures. |
| Remember, ice thickness is not consistent and can vary significantly
within a few inches. |
| Ice shouldn’t be judged by appearance alone. Anglers should drill test
holes as they make their way out on to a lake. |
| Daily temperature changes causes ice to expand and contract, affecting
its strength. |
| Visit with locals – other anglers and people at local bait shops –
before going on a lake that’s unfamiliar. |
The Game and Fish Department recommends the following minimums for travel
on clear-blue lake ice formed under ideal conditions. However, early in the
winter it’s a good idea to double these figures to be safe: four inches for
a group walking single file; six inches for a snowmobile or all-terrain
vehicle; 8-12 inches for an automobile; and 12-15 inches for a pickup/truck.
These tips could also help save a life:
| Wear a personal flotation device and carry a cell phone. |
| An ice chisel should be used to check ice thickness while moving
around. |
| Carry ice picks or a set of screwdrivers to pull yourself back on the
ice if you fall through. |
| If someone breaks through the ice, call 911 immediately. Rescue
attempts should employ a long pole, board, rope, blanket or snowmobile
suit. If that’s not possible, throw the victim a life jacket, empty water
jug or other buoyant object. Go to the victim as a last resort, but do
this by forming a human chain where rescuers lie on the ice with each
person holding the feet of the person in front. |
| Treat hypothermia by removing wet clothing and replacing it with dry
clothing. Place the victim in a sleeping bag – another item to take on all
outings on the ice – with another person. Immediately transport the victim
to a hospital. |
“Thousands of people venture out on the ice during winter in North
Dakota, and we just want to make sure that everyone makes it home,” Boldt
said.
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