With colder temperatures fast approaching, the Burns Lake RCMP would like to remind the public to be very cautious in and around lakes and streams as ice begins to form.
Many factors affect ice thickness including: type of water, location, the time of year and other environmental factors. That said, when someone ventures out near the ice, they should observe; water depth and size of body of water, currents, tides and other moving water, chemicals including salt, fluctuations in water levels, logs, rocks and docks absorbing heat from the sun, changing air temperature and shock waves from vehicles traveling on the ice
The colour of ice may be an indication of its strength.
Clear blue ice is strongest while white opaque or snow ice is half as strong as blue ice. Opaque ice is formed by wet snow freezing on the ice.
Gray ice is unsafe. The grayness indicates the presence of water.
Ice thickness should be; 15 cm for walking or skating alone, 20 cm for skating parties or games and 25 cm for snowmobiles.
Being well informed on ice safety, you will increase the likelihood that everyone will be able to safely enjoy winter activities on the ice.
If you are unsure, use caution and do not go onto the ice. Doing so will avert a community tragedy from occurring.