Environment DEC
From the March 2006 issue
Caution on Ice Urged
Without the protective clothing
that Rangers wear, a person could
become unconscious within 15
minutes in 40-degree water
Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner (DEC) Denise M. Sheehan reminds snowmobilers and individuals participating in various outdoor recreational activities this winter to be cautious about traveling on frozen water bodies. Snowmobilers, ice skaters, anglers, and all other winter recreationists should pay close attention to weather conditions and avoid going on ice near or around moving water.
"Due to the unusually mild weather that we have been having this winter, ice on New York State's waters is not as strong as it usually is for this time of year and can be dangerously weak in some areas," Commissioner Sheehan said. "I encourage all our anglers, snowmobilers and others to carefully research and monitor ice conditions in any area where they plan to fish, ride or walk and avoid waters where moving water can be seen."
Potential Danger
Because of alternating periods of mild and cold weather, ice has not had the opportunity to strengthen as it would in a typical winter that has longer, more sustained periods of freezing weather. This has left it weaker on many of the state's larger waterways. Ice conditions in protected bays or shorelines may be considerably thicker than on open or exposed areas, or areas of moving water.
Everyone should thoroughly check ice conditions before going onto the surface of any body of water. DEC cautions that the presence of snowmobile tracks or footprints on the ice should not be taken as evidence of safe ice conditions. Individuals are strongly encouraged to check conditions for themselves and avoid situations that appear to present even a remote risk.
Gauging Ice Safety
Ice thickness can be seen through
ice bores such as this hole
made for fishing
As a rule, there should be at least 2-3 inches of good, clear ice on which to walk safely, and at least 6 inches on which to operate a snowmobile safely. DEC strongly recommends contacting a local sporting club, or police or fire/rescue organization before venturing on to any ice.
