12-20-2004, 10:03 PM
Ice is just beginning to form on North Dakota waters, bringing temptation to those waiting anxiously to drop a line through a hole in the ice. However, anglers are advised to remain patient because current ice conditions are not safe, according to Nancy Boldt, boat and water safety coordinator for the State Game and Fish Department.
"It's in no way safe enough to be out on the ice," Boldt said. "We need more than five consecutive days of temperatures to remain below freezing in order to start producing stable ice."
Hunters and muskrat trappers might assume walking on frozen stock ponds, sloughs, creeks and rivers would be safe because of the smaller size, but that is not the case. "Just because you can walk on the edges doesn't mean you will be able to have the same support in the middle," Boldt said. "The edges firm up faster than the center."
Ice thickness is not consistent, Boldt mentioned, and can vary considerably within a few inches. "Ice shouldn't be judged strictly by appearance," she added. "It is always a good idea for anglers to drill test holes as one progresses out onto a lake."
Daily changes in temperature cause ice to expand and contract, Boldt said, which affects its strength. "Ice is never safe," Boldt said. "You take risks anytime you go out on the ice. But there are certain precautions that you can take to reduce the risk of falling through the ice."
Boldt recommends the following minimums as safe for clear-blue lake ice formed under ideal conditions. However, early in the winter she advises doubling these figures to be safe: four inches will support a group of people walking single file; five and one-half to six inches are necessary for a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle; eight to 12 inches will support an automobile; and 12-15 inches will support a pickup/truck.
Always wear a personal flotation device and carry a cell phone while on the ice. Also, Boldt mentioned, an ice chisel should be used to check ice thickness while moving around the ice, and ice picks or a set of screwdrivers should be carried to pull yourself back on the ice in case you fall through.
If someone falls through the ice, act quickly by calling 911. Attempt to reach the victim with a long pole, board, rope, blanket or snowmobile suit. If that isn't possible, throw the victim a life jacket, empty water jug or other buoyant object. Go to the victim as the last resort. Should this be necessary, a human chain, in which rescuers lie on the ice with each person grasping the feet of the person in front, is an effective technique.
Treat a hypothermia victim by removing wet clothing and replacing it with dry clothing. An effective treatment is to place the victim in a sleeping bag, if available, with another person. Immediately transport the victim to a hospital.
[signature]
"It's in no way safe enough to be out on the ice," Boldt said. "We need more than five consecutive days of temperatures to remain below freezing in order to start producing stable ice."
Hunters and muskrat trappers might assume walking on frozen stock ponds, sloughs, creeks and rivers would be safe because of the smaller size, but that is not the case. "Just because you can walk on the edges doesn't mean you will be able to have the same support in the middle," Boldt said. "The edges firm up faster than the center."
Ice thickness is not consistent, Boldt mentioned, and can vary considerably within a few inches. "Ice shouldn't be judged strictly by appearance," she added. "It is always a good idea for anglers to drill test holes as one progresses out onto a lake."
Daily changes in temperature cause ice to expand and contract, Boldt said, which affects its strength. "Ice is never safe," Boldt said. "You take risks anytime you go out on the ice. But there are certain precautions that you can take to reduce the risk of falling through the ice."
Boldt recommends the following minimums as safe for clear-blue lake ice formed under ideal conditions. However, early in the winter she advises doubling these figures to be safe: four inches will support a group of people walking single file; five and one-half to six inches are necessary for a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle; eight to 12 inches will support an automobile; and 12-15 inches will support a pickup/truck.
Always wear a personal flotation device and carry a cell phone while on the ice. Also, Boldt mentioned, an ice chisel should be used to check ice thickness while moving around the ice, and ice picks or a set of screwdrivers should be carried to pull yourself back on the ice in case you fall through.
If someone falls through the ice, act quickly by calling 911. Attempt to reach the victim with a long pole, board, rope, blanket or snowmobile suit. If that isn't possible, throw the victim a life jacket, empty water jug or other buoyant object. Go to the victim as the last resort. Should this be necessary, a human chain, in which rescuers lie on the ice with each person grasping the feet of the person in front, is an effective technique.
Treat a hypothermia victim by removing wet clothing and replacing it with dry clothing. An effective treatment is to place the victim in a sleeping bag, if available, with another person. Immediately transport the victim to a hospital.
[signature]