NEWS for North Dakotans
Agriculture Communication, North Dakota State University
7 Morrill Hall, Fargo, ND 58105-5665

November 22, 2000

NDSU Specialist: Most Ice Still too Thin for Safety

Those thinking about treading out on the ice now covering sloughs, area lakes and rivers had better think again. At least a week of average daily temperatures colder than 20 F are needed to produce ice that is strong enough to be safe, says a safety specialist with the North Dakota State University Extension Service.

"Thin, white or cloudy ice is not safe," says George Maher, extension ag engineer at NDSU. "Safe ice is clear to bluish in color, and it needs to be at least 4 inches thick to support people, 5 inches for snowmobiles, 10 to 12 inches for small- or average-sized automobiles, and 12 to 16 inches for pickups and vans."

Falling through the ice is life threatening because hypothermia will quickly develop if the victim is not quickly removed from the cold water, Maher says. Body heat rapidly dissipates as clothing absorbs icy water. Death is almost certain when a person's core temperature has dropped to the point where their body heat can not be maintained (about 80 F). As a person's core temperature nears 85 F, the victim will slip into unconsciousness.

"Hypothermia is fatal when the loss of body heat cannot be reversed," Maher explains. "Supplemental heat must be supplied until the heat loss is reversed and normal body temperature is stabilized."

When a person breaks through thin ice and can not come back up through the hole, drowning is a virtual certainty because breaking through the ice directly over the victim is nearly impossible. Maher says this situation is made even more hopeless by the panic that overcomes victims and would-be rescuers. In a rescue attempt, it is always safest to throw a rope to the victim or extend a long pole for the victim to grab.

"Remember, if the victim went through the ice, there is a good probability that the ice will not support you either. Don't venture out on it," Maher stresses.

Pond or lake ice usually forms earlier than river or stream ice because currents prevent the ice from becoming thick enough to be safe, but underwater springs can keep thick ice from forming on ponds or lakes too. If it is absolutely essential to go out on thin ice, Maher recommends following these safety procedures:

• Always have an observer watching from shore. This individual must be capable of rescuing you or responsible for getting help--immediately.
• Carry a long pole with you in a flat, horizontal position. A good 2x4 at least 10 feet long might be sufficient for the average person. In the event of breaking through the ice, this pole should be long enough to extend beyond the hole you make, and therefore, help keep you near the hole and the surface area.
• Another life-saving possibility is a length of rope. Before going out on the ice, tie one end to a vehicle or tree on shore--something solid-- and then tie the other end around your waist.
  

"Never go out on thin ice without a capable person watching the situation," Maher concludes. "You may need their help."

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Source: George Maher (701) 231-8288
Editor: Tom Jirik (701) 231-9629

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