As you see from this image taken yesterday, the recent drop of air temperatures is finally lowering the surface temperature of our ponds and forming ice in them that’s deeper than skims in some areas:
The size of the surface and depth of the water in these bodies will determine how fast “safe” ice will form – ice that’s walkable/skateable/fishable, etc.
It’s hard to predict whether or when the ice will mature enough for ice-related recreation in these changing climate times. However, now seems to be a good time to refresh our memories of at least the following guidelines, which are adapted from part of the state’s more numerous “Winter Ice Safety Tips”:
1. Pond or lake ice is never 100% safe; safety depends on numerous conditions, some unpredictable.
2. Before entering onto the ice, check its thickness by digging a hole near the shore with an auger or other instrument: Under 4”, stay off; 4” of “good ice” may be safe for foot activities (fishing, skating, walking, etc.); 5-7” of “good ice” may be safe for snowmobiles or ATVs; 8-12” of “good ice” may be safe for most cars or small pickups; 12-15”of “good ice” may be safe for a medium-sized truck.
3. “Good ice” usually is blue or clear and solid.
4. Potentially hazardous ice includes melting ice (light gray to dark black); water-saturated snow ice (white to opaque), and mottled or slushy “rotten ice” that contains areas where the texture is not solid.
(Images taken in Brooklin, Maine, on December 2, 2024.)