12-04-2006, 11:10 PM
Winter anglers and trappers need to chill before marching out on any of North Dakota's frozen waters. Taking a minute or two to study ice conditions could save a life.
"There are a number of things to consider before going out on a frozen lake, pond or river," said Nancy Boldt, North Dakota Game and Fish Department boat and water safety coordinator.
For instance:
Be aware on snow-covered ice, as snow insulates ice, hampering solid ice formation, and it makes it difficult to check thickness. Snow also hides the blemishes, such as cracked, weak and open water areas.
Avoid cracks, pressure ridges, slushy or darker areas that signal thinner ice. The same goes for ice that forms around partially submerged trees, brush, embankments or other structures.<br />
Remember, ice thickness is not consistent and can vary significantly within a few inches.<br />
Ice shouldn't be judged by appearance alone. Anglers should drill test holes as they make their way out on to a lake.<br />
Daily temperature changes causes ice to expand and contract, affecting its strength.<br />
Visit with locals - other anglers and people at local bait shops - before going on a lake that's unfamiliar.<br />
The Game and Fish Department recommends the following minimums for travel on clear-blue lake ice formed under ideal conditions. However, early in the winter it's a good idea to double these figures to be safe: four inches for a group walking single file; six inches for a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle; 8-12 inches for an automobile; and 12-15 inches for a pickup/truck.<br />
These tips could also help save a life:
Wear a personal flotation device and carry a cell phone.<br />
An ice chisel should be used to check ice thickness while moving around.<br />
Carry ice picks or a set of screwdrivers to pull yourself back on the ice if you fall through.<br />
If someone breaks through the ice, call 911 immediately. Rescue attempts should employ a long pole, board, rope, blanket or snowmobile suit. If that's not possible, throw the victim a life jacket, empty water jug or other buoyant object. Go to the victim as a last resort, but do this by forming a human chain where rescuers lie on the ice with each person holding the feet of the person in front.<br />
Treat hypothermia by removing wet clothing and replacing it with dry clothing. Place the victim in a sleeping bag - another item to take on all outings on the ice - with another person. Immediately transport the victim to a hospital.<br />
"Thousands of people venture out on the ice during winter in North Dakota, and we just want to make sure that everyone makes it home," Boldt said.
"There are a number of things to consider before going out on a frozen lake, pond or river," said Nancy Boldt, North Dakota Game and Fish Department boat and water safety coordinator.
For instance:
Be aware on snow-covered ice, as snow insulates ice, hampering solid ice formation, and it makes it difficult to check thickness. Snow also hides the blemishes, such as cracked, weak and open water areas.
Avoid cracks, pressure ridges, slushy or darker areas that signal thinner ice. The same goes for ice that forms around partially submerged trees, brush, embankments or other structures.<br />
Remember, ice thickness is not consistent and can vary significantly within a few inches.<br />
Ice shouldn't be judged by appearance alone. Anglers should drill test holes as they make their way out on to a lake.<br />
Daily temperature changes causes ice to expand and contract, affecting its strength.<br />
Visit with locals - other anglers and people at local bait shops - before going on a lake that's unfamiliar.<br />
The Game and Fish Department recommends the following minimums for travel on clear-blue lake ice formed under ideal conditions. However, early in the winter it's a good idea to double these figures to be safe: four inches for a group walking single file; six inches for a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle; 8-12 inches for an automobile; and 12-15 inches for a pickup/truck.<br />
These tips could also help save a life:
Wear a personal flotation device and carry a cell phone.<br />
An ice chisel should be used to check ice thickness while moving around.<br />
Carry ice picks or a set of screwdrivers to pull yourself back on the ice if you fall through.<br />
If someone breaks through the ice, call 911 immediately. Rescue attempts should employ a long pole, board, rope, blanket or snowmobile suit. If that's not possible, throw the victim a life jacket, empty water jug or other buoyant object. Go to the victim as a last resort, but do this by forming a human chain where rescuers lie on the ice with each person holding the feet of the person in front.<br />
Treat hypothermia by removing wet clothing and replacing it with dry clothing. Place the victim in a sleeping bag - another item to take on all outings on the ice - with another person. Immediately transport the victim to a hospital.<br />
"Thousands of people venture out on the ice during winter in North Dakota, and we just want to make sure that everyone makes it home," Boldt said.