A Guide to Checking Ice Conditions
Knowing how to identify if the ice is safe to walk on is important. Never go out on an unknown ice sheet alone, and remember there is no such thing as 100% safe ice. Here are some things to take into consideration when determining if the ice is safe to walk on.
Ice Thickness
The main thing to determine is the ice thickness. This can be done by drilling holes with an ice auger or a battery-powered drill with a very long (eg 12") bit. Wood boring bits work better than standard twist-drills, as bits intended for metal don't clear ice chips very well and often freeze in place.
Ice Colour
Note whether the ice is clear (sometimes called black ice) or white (due to air bubbles -- sometimes called snow ice). White ice is only half as strong as clear ice so 2" of white ice is equal to 1" of clear ice.
It is common to find both kinds. For example, there may be 3" of clear ice before a snowfall. The weight of the snow pressing down on the ice forces water up through cracks, creating a few inches of slush beneath the snow. When this slush freezes, it forms white ice. If there is 2" of white ice on top of 3" of clear ice, the net strength is the same as 4" of clear ice.
If you are in doubt, assume it is all white ice and divide the measured thickness by 2.
Other things to consider
Identify warning signs and/or flashing beacons. Some people use "bubblers" to protect their docks from ice damage, which can result in thin ice far beyond the dock.
Never walk or drive on cloudy ice
Spring ice is NEVER safe
Snow on ice acts as an insulator – it makes ice warmer and weaker
Extreme cold snaps will weaken the ice
Don’t go out alone on the ice and always let someone know where you are
