Ice Thickness Safety

[Maine Writer]

Originally Posted by Cornerguy1

Let's keep in mind, as well, that these guidelines are for new, clear blue ice.

The chart on the link says: These loads are calculated for clear, hard ice on lakes and ponds. And I wondered how many people take off onto rivers and streams and go through each year. My mother did once. It was a 4' wide stream and the middle of a very cold winter and hundreds of snowmobiles had crossed before her. The water must have risen and/or fallen and created a weakness.

[Northern Maine Land Man]

Last weekend I was amazed to see that a snowmobile had gone up the west side of the Penobscot River on the ice across from Lincoln. That's a foolhardy thing to do in December.

[mainebrokerman]

Originally Posted by island mermaid

I've heard the sound echo across a quiet lake for what seems like miles. Sometimes it sounds almost like thunder -down under.

You get used to it. Once you've done a test drill to check for thickness, you feel more assured. Of course you should check with locals for known open springs where the ice might be thinner.

Pressure ridges are a little difficult to explain... the water pressure builds up under the ice and the ice forms a crack so that the water can breath. It's almost like a vent...

the lake in front of our house has been noisy this year,,,the sounds the ice makes,,are awesome to me,,,pressure ridges,,the low bellows and ripples,,,that carry across the lake,,,i can hear them now,,, when i first moved here,,it was kinda eerie

[spose]

[quote=island mermaid;6803062]

Originally Posted by Cornerguy1

I've seen far too many "locals" out on 3 inches of ice with snowmobiles whose reasoning is that if you don't go through it must be safe.

Well, unless you're going fast enough....



YouTube - Watercross On Moosehead Lake Maine


WARNING DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!

I didn't know this was even possible. I can think of a few people who should NEVER EVER see this video!

[island mermaid]

[quote=spose;6814155]

Originally Posted by island mermaid

I didn't know this was even possible. I can think of a few people who should NEVER EVER see this video!

LOL, I hear you. You know who directed me to it and many more just like it!

[chaosX5]

This is a really good thread.............great info!