
Ice safety is crucial to prevent accidents, especially during the winter months when lakes, rivers, and ponds may freeze over. The following guidelines can help ensure your safety when walking, driving, or engaging in activities on ice:
General Ice Safety Tips:
Check the Ice Thickness:
For walking: Ice should be at least 4 inches thick. For snowmobiles or ATVs: Ice should be at least 5–7 inches thick. For cars and trucks: Ice should be at least 8–12 inches thick. Always check with local authorities for the latest ice conditions.
Look for Clear, Solid Ice:
Clear ice is stronger than cloudy or slushy ice. Avoid ice with snow cover, as it can hide cracks or weak spots. As a general rule no ice is considered “safe”.
Test the Ice:
Use a long pole, auger, or ice chisel to test the ice ahead of you before stepping out.
If the ice cracks or feels unstable, stay off.
Wear Proper Gear:
Wear a life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD) when venturing out on thick ice, especially if near water.
Wear sturdy, non-slip footwear to prevent slipping.
Bring a rope or safety equipment in case of an emergency.
Activities on Ice:
- Walking on Ice: Stay in groups, and avoid walking alone. Avoid walking near the edges, cracks, or areas with moving water.
- Ice Fishing: Only drill holes where ice is sufficiently thick. Always have safety equipment like ice picks, a rope, and a partner.
- Snowmobiling or ATV Riding: Stay on marked trails. Check online -Chestermere ice thickness- about the current density and avoid going over unfamiliar areas.
What to Do if You Fall Through the Ice:
- Remain calm and don’t panic.
- Try to grab onto the edge of the ice. Keep your body horizontal to distribute your weight.
- Kick your legs and pull yourself out of the hole, keeping your body flat and spread out.
- Roll away from the hole once you’re on solid ice to avoid creating a larger opening.
- Seek help immediately and warm up as quickly as possible to avoid hypothermia.

Ice Driving Safety:
- Never drive on ice unless absolutely necessary.
- Always check ice thickness and the area conditions beforehand.
- Slow down when driving on ice, keep your distance, and stay alert to cracks or weak areas.
Frozen Storm Ponds
Frozen storm ponds can be very dangerous for several reasons:
1. Thin or Weak Ice: The ice on a frozen pond, especially after a storm, may not be thick enough to support the weight of people or animals. Storms can cause fluctuating temperatures, leading to inconsistent freezing. The ice may be solid in some spots but dangerously thin or cracked in others, making it difficult to assess whether it is safe to walk on.
2. Hidden Hazards: During a storm, debris, snow, and water can be trapped beneath the ice. This can hide cracks, weak spots, or open water, making it difficult to determine how solid the surface is. Additionally, items like branches or submerged objects can pose further danger if they are not visible.
3. Unpredictable Weather: Storms can lead to rapid changes in temperature. The temperature may drop quickly after a storm, causing a layer of ice to form on top of water that was previously unsafe. This ice might be too thin or weak, creating a false sense of security. With the onset of chinooks the prevailing melt will bring salt from the roads and other debris into the storms ponds that can also contribute to the weakening of the ice.
3. Water Flow and Movement: Storm ponds may have varying levels of water flow beneath the surface, which can weaken the ice over time. Water that moves or fluctuates beneath the ice can create dangerous conditions that might cause the ice to crack or collapse.
4. Cold Water Dangers: If someone falls through the ice, the cold water can lead to hypothermia very quickly. The shock of the cold water can also make it difficult for a person to swim or get out of the water, increasing the risk of drowning.
For these reasons, it’s always recommended to avoid walking or playing on frozen storm ponds.
Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you’re unsure of the ice’s strength, stay off. It’s not worth risking your life for adventure or convenience.