Here in Wisconsin it seems our winters are ever changing. Winters from one year to next have heavy snow events at the beginning and light at the end or vice versa. Temperatures can vary from tolerable to “Why do I live here?” cold, which can be good and bad. What’s another product of Wisconsin winters? ICE!! Ice, how I see it, is a beautiful thing. There are many recreational activities to partake in: Ice fishing, Ice skating, Ice racing, Snowmobiling, Snow shoeing, etc. Only issue with ice is it can be life threating if you do not respect it. Accidents on the ice claimed around 50 lives back in 2017. <Possible to have a link to the source of this data? / Helps legitimize the figure and adds credibility to your content> The big question is “Is the ice safe?” My passion for winter activities says Yes! But the truth be told the answer is probably: Any time you set foot on the ice you’re at risk, BUT it is my belief you can be smart about it and ensure your safety.
To answer the question in your head as you’ve just read my header is yes ice is not just ice. There are many different conditions, colors and strengths that ice has to offer. As a general rule of thumb, if you can see through the ice or it’s “clear or black” that is the strongest and safest ice a lake can offer. In general, below are the recommended ice amounts for safe travel:
These measurements are based on CLEAR or BLACK ice. If you’re on white or cloudy ice, generally, I would increase these measurements by 75%.
Let’s plan for the worst. In the event where you find yourself out ice fishing after you’ve checked the conditions. You think “Perfect! I’m finding clear ice around 3.5” to 5” of nice ice”, you stop checking ice depths and worst comes to worst. You find a weak portion on the ice; it cracks and you fall through. What do you do? Before we cover what to do when you fall through the ice lets talk about what equipment can help you if you fall through the ice. Here are a few items:
Are the list items cheap? No. Is there a cost on a life? I believe many would agree with me that one’s life is priceless. These few items can (1) help you pull yourself out of the water. (2) keep you afloat when or if you fall through. (3 & 4) Have an emergency inflatable for a friend to throw if ever do fall through. Here’s a quick animation on what to do if you fall through.
Can I guarantee that with following these few tips you’ll be 100% safe on the ice? Can you guarantee you will never be in a car accident on your commute to and from work? Neither statement can be guaranteed 100%, but you can take luck out of equation and give yourself the best chance possible of being safe. When on the ice if you ever have a gut feeling that something doesn’t feel right, its probably not. If we take a step back and look at the big picture, is a quick thrill on a snowmobile worth it? Is a limit of fish worth it? The answer both questions the answer is no. Moral of the story is don’t try and be lucky, be smart about ice travel. Do your research before you head out and never take someone’s word on the conditions. If only takes a few minutes to ensure your safety.