Lesser Slave River Community Guide Winter 2017 | Page 12
Dangerous Ice Conditions
Any way you choose to enjoy it, winter is especially wondrous in Lesser Slave River.
Though many great winter activities take place on the ice, carelessness can pose serious
and life-threatening dangers. The following guidelines are offered to help mitigate risk.
• Did you know that ice colour can help indicate the strength of ice? Clear blue ice
is strongest. White opaque or snow ice is half as strong as blue ice. This type of
ice forms by wet snow freezing on the ice. Grey ice is not safe. The ice gets its grey
colour from the presence of water.
• Never walk on ice less than 4” thick, and never drive on ice less than 12” thick.
In doubt? Don’t do it!
• Be extra cautious on river and stream ice. Ice can vary in thickness and strength
due to temperature, water current, snow cover and time of year.
• Floating ice on open waters like ponds, rivers and lakes is never considered
100% safe, regardless of thickness.
WINTER 2017
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Community Guide
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