No ice is without some risk!

OPP News Release

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Noëlville – The OPP has responded to two separate incidents of snowmobiles going through the ice in the Warren and Noëlville areas in the last week. In both cases the operators were able to get out of the water without harm. Operators who choose to take risks also put emergency services personnel at risk. Please check ice quality before venturing out.

No ice is without some risk….minimize your risk.1

*It is critical that the ice quality or type of ice is evaluated before you travel.

*Clear, hard, new ice is the only kind of ice recommended for travel.

*Avoid!
• Slushy ice.
• Ice on or near moving water, i.e.: rivers, currents.
• Ice that has thawed and refrozen.
• Layered or rotten ice caused by sudden temperature changes.

*Other risk factors that weaken or “rot” ice:
• Snow on ice that acts as a blanket to prevent hardening of ice.
• Pressure ridges due to wind or current pressure.

Recommended Minimum Ice Thickness for New Clear Hard Ice.2

3” (7cm) or less – STAY OFF!

4” (10cm) – good for ice fishing, walking, cross country skiing.

5” (12cm) – good for one vehicle - snowmobile or ATV.

8 to 12” (20-30 cm) – good for one vehicle – car or small pick-up.

12 to 15” (30-38 cm) – good for one vehicle – medium truck.

No ice is without some risk! Be sure to measure clear hard ice in several places.

(1 State of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
2 Ontario Snowmobile Safety Committee)

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