A word of caution on the ice from NH Fish and Game

[Lucy Goose]

News from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
Phone: (603) 271-3211
Email: info@wildlife.nh.gov
For information and online licenses, visit http://www.wildnh.com

* * * * * * *

CONTACT:
Lt. James Goss: (603) 271-3127
Jane Vachon: (603) 271-3211
February 6, 2013


ICE CONDITIONS UNSAFE ON PARTS OF LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE AND OTHER LARGE LAKES

CONCORD, N.H. -- New Hampshire Fish and Game Department officials warn that this winter's uneven temperatures and high winds have affected ice formation, particularly on the state's larger lakes. Fish and Game is urging those heading out onto the ice to exercise caution as they do so. A large number of anglers are expected to head out onto the state's lakes and ponds this weekend to participate in the Meredith Rotary Ice Fishing Derby (February 9-10).

A recent aerial survey of Lake Winnipesaukee by the N.H. Civil Air Patrol revealed treacherous ice conditions on some parts of the big lake, including an area of open water near Welch Island. To view the aerial photo of Lake Winnipesaukee taken on February 5, 2013, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Newsroom/2013/...ty_020613.html.

"Caution is in order for those going out onto the ice, especially on the large lakes," said Fish and Game Lt. James Goss. "Don't let the cold temperatures fool you – some areas that have traditionally been safe for ice anglers and other outdoor recreationists are not safe this year. We are urging people to check the ice thickness for yourself before you go out onto any frozen waterbody."

Because of the unpredictable ice conditions, it is not advisable to drive vehicles onto the ice, Goss said. Those on foot should carefully assess ice safety before venturing out by using an ice chisel or auger to determine ice thickness and condition. Continue to do this as you get further out on to the ice, because the thickness of the ice will not be uniform all over the waterbody.

Though all ice is potentially dangerous, the U.S. Army Cold Regions Research & Engineering Laboratory in Hanover, N.H., offers a "rule of thumb" on ice thickness: There should be a minimum of six inches of hard ice before individual foot travel, and eight to ten inches of hard ice for snow machine or All-Terrain Vehicle travel.

Keep in mind that thick ice does not always mean safe ice. It is possible for ice to be thick, but not strong, because of varying weather conditions. Weak ice is formed when warming trends break down ice, then the slushy surface re-freezes. Be especially careful of areas with current, such as inlets, outlets and spring holes, where the ice can be dangerously thin.

Tips for staying safe on the ice include:

* Stay off the ice along the shoreline if it is cracked or squishy. Don’t go on the ice during thaws.

* Watch out for thin, clear or honeycombed ice. Dark snow and ice may also indicate weak spots.

* Small bodies of water tend to freeze thicker. Rivers and lakes are more prone to wind, currents and wave action that weaken ice.

* Don’t gather in large groups or drive large vehicles onto the ice.

* If you do break through the ice, don’t panic. Move or swim back to where you fell in, where you know the ice was solid. Lay both arms on the unbroken ice and kick hard. This will help lift your body onto the ice. A set of ice picks can help you pull yourself out if you do fall through the ice; wear them around your neck or put them in an easily accessible pocket. Once out of the water, roll away from the hole until you reach solid ice.

Ice safety is also very important for snowmobilers. Don't assume a trail is safe just because it exists; ask about trail conditions at local snowmobile clubs or sporting goods shops before you go.

To download a brochure from Fish and Game called "Safety on Ice - Tips for Anglers," visit http://www.wildnh.com/Outdoor_Recrea...ce_safety.html.

[NoBozo]

Funny they didn't mention: Don't go out there ALONE...AND they suggested that Clear Ice ie "Black Ice" was unsafe. (Wrong) I guess they are trying to cover all the bases with a blanket warning. NB

[Lakesrider]

They showed a large open water section off Welch tonight on the news. Mentioning it for the fishing derby. I have people saying that even with all the cold temps there are still some thin spots around and to be careful out there. Makes sense anyways to me

[Belmont Resident]

That someone goes through this weekend.
1. Big snowstorm.
2. Thin ice
3. Lots of people coming from all over who do not know the lake or where the open areas are.
4. Recipe for disaster.

Either way with the possibility of a sizable storm it should be an interesting weekend with all the activities and all.

[LadyJane]

Is there any way they would cancel or postpone the Fishing Derby this weekend because of the storm? have they ever done it before?

[secondcurve]

Originally Posted by LadyJane

Is there any way they would cancel or postpone the Fishing Derby this weekend because of the storm? have they ever done it before?

Certain conditions could result in a cancellation (think warmth and no ice) but not the ones that are expected for this weekend. While the snow could slow things down for the first half of Saturday the rest of the weekend looks spectacular. Plus, the snow will provide a much needed shot in the arm for the ski and snowmobile industries. It literally will be a winter wonderland this weekend.

[Little Bear]

There is still a half submerged (now frozen into the ice) bob house between the west end of Diamond Island and the point over by Ames Farm. It's literally right in the middle of these two landmarks and would be a very popular pathway for snowmobiles. If this thing gets covered with snow it will be impossible to see, and will create a major hazard for snowmobiles. I would hate to think what would happen if someone hit this thing at a high rate of speed.

For what it's worth, there were two people out near this thing at about 8:30 this morning. Not sure if they were just observing it or were trying to figure out a way to remove it.