The Greater Sudbury Police Service wants to remind people accessing frozen waterways, whether out on a walk, on a snowmobile ride or intending to catch the big fish, that it is everyone`s responsibility to ensure there is sufficient `quality` ice to support the weight being applied (persons with and without vehicles).
Other than the temperature, there are a number of factors that have to be considered such as the depth and the current of the water in the lake or river and also the amount of snow which may insulate / affect the quality of the ice. Testing the thickness of the ice at different locations and speaking with local residents who are very familiar with a particular waterway are strongly recommended.
The chart in the gallery and tips below may assist in preventing tragedy!
Ice Safety Tips
-It is critical to evaluate the ice quality and type before travelling.
-Sufficient clear hard new ice is the only kind of ice recommended for travel.
-AVOID:
-slushy ice.
-ice on / near moving water.
-ice that has thawed and refrozen.
-layered or "rotten" ice caused by sudden temperature changes.
-Other risk factors that weaken or "rot" ice are:
-snow on the ice that acts as a blanket to prevent hardening.
-pressure ridges due to wind, current or ice pressure.
No ice is without some risks ...minimize your risk!