Area Lake and River Ice Still Too Thin for Safety

The ice on lakes and streams has been tested several times recently and was found to be too weak to support motor vehicles and even people, according to George Maher, North Dakota State University Extension Service safety specialist.

"Ice on sloughs, area lakes and rivers is not safe yet, even with the recent colder temperatures," Maher says. "Colder temperatures, for a longer period of time, are needed if the ice is to get thicker, so it is still not advisable to venture out on the ice. At least a week or more of average daily temperatures lower than 20 degrees are needed to make ice that is strong enough to be safe."

Thin, white or cloudy ice is unpredictable because of air bubbles that make the ice weaker. Safe ice is clear to bluish in color and at least;

• 4 inches thick for people on foot.
• 5 inches thick for snowmobiles.
• 10 to 12 inches thick for small to average sized automobiles.
• 12 to 16 inches thick for heavier pickups and vans.

Falling through the ice can be life threatening because of the potential onset of hypothermia. Body heat rapidly dissipates as the victim’s clothing fills with icy water. Hypothermia develops quickly, and when body heat can no longer be maintained, death is almost certain. Supplemental heat must be supplied continuously to reverse heat loss and stabilize normal body temperature.

According to Maher, the only safe ways to attempt a rescue are from the shore by throwing a rope or extending a long pole for the victim to grab. "Do not go out on the ice, river, pond or lake early in the season!" he cautions.

If you absolutely must go out, be sure to follow these 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 2 X 4 at least 10 feet long might be sufficient for the average person.
• Another lifesaving possibility is a length of rope. One end is to be tied to a vehicle or tree on shore, something solid, the other end tied around your waist before going out on the ice.

It is important to understand features of different bodies of water to practice proper ice safety. "Pond or lake ice usually forms earlier than river or stream ice," Maher says. The current prevents the ice from becoming thick enough to be safe, so extra care is essential when going out on river or stream ice. Pond or lake ice can be dangerous too, due to under-water springs that keep thick ice from forming. Moving water does not freeze."

Of course, the first step in all situations when finding someone who has fallen through the ice is to use a cell phone or other immediate form of communication to call 911.

###