Beware Of Thin Ice On Lakes

Thu., Dec. 28, 1995

By Winda Benedetti windab@spokesman.com

With the weather just getting cold, this time of year can be dangerous for ice fishermen and ice skaters heading to the region’s frozen lakes.

“A lot of the smaller lakes have ice all the way across, but it’s not necessarily safe all the way across,” said Steve Smith of Fins and Feathers Tackle Shop in Coeur d’Alene.

Fishing experts and emergency workers warn people to be extremely cautious when trekking across frozen lakes. Smith and Hauser Lake firefighter Gary Mobbs gave the following tips for safety:

Ask others about the lake, about currents or streams that may make the ice weak in certain areas.

Drill a hole to see how thick the ice is. Four inches generally is adequate.

Be cautious in areas where the ice color changes. A blue tint may mean the ice is not safe.

Foggy ice may not be strong enough. It can mean there is a layer of ice, followed by a layer of water, followed by another layer of ice.

The strongest ice usually is the clearest ice.

Be careful around areas where a stream or spring comes into or exits the lake.

Ice skate only around the edges of the lake or in very shallow areas and always have adult supervision.

Bring a floatation device attached to a rope in case someone does fall through.

“Keep in mind that there is nothing between you and that water except a couple of inches of ice,” Smith said.

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