Area waterways have begun the slow process of freezing over.
With the ice starting to move in the Ontario Provincial Police are out with tips to stay safe this winter.
In general, the rules for ice thickness measurements are:
3″ (7 cm) (new ice) – KEEP OFF
4″ (10 cm) – suitable for ice fishing, cross-country skiing and walking (approx. 200 pounds)
5″ (12 cm) – suitable for a single snowmobile or ATV (approx. 800 pounds)
8″ – 12″ (20 – 30 cm) – suitable for one car, group of people (approx. 1500 – 2000 pounds)
12″ – 15″ (30 – 38 cm) – suitable for a light pickup truck or a van
However, even at a 9″ – 10″ thickness, there may be unforeseen hazards such as a flowing current underneath that is ceaselessly weakening the underside of the ice.
In this instance, even the thickness is not a good indicator of safety, as the ice could collapse at any time.
