Exploring Maine’s Ice Safely, Enjoyably

Cutting a hole and measuring is the only sure way to know ice thickness

Photo: John Henkelman

By John Henkelman, Registered Maine Guide

Maine’s lakes and ponds transform into winter playgrounds for activities like ice fishing, skating, and hiking this time of year. However, frozen waters demand caution and respect. Here’s a guide to ice safety to ensure your adventures remain safe and enjoyable.

Ice formation and thickness: It takes about 15 days of sub-freezing temperatures to form one inch of ice. Safe walking requires at least four inches, which means roughly 60 days of freezing weather. Ice safety is always about current conditions, not the calendar.

Quality of ice: Clear, black ice is stronger than white, opaque ice filled with air pockets. Thickness varies across a water body, so be cautious near inlets, outlets, docks, bridges, or thawed/refrozen sections. Lakes with dams, like Number One Pond in Sanford, can have currents that tend to make ice thinner, even when it looks solid.

The rule of thumb is to stay off ice less than two inches. Four inches is sufficient for ice skating, walking, ice fishing. Five to seven inches is sufficient for ATVs and snowmobiles, where permitted. Eight to 12 inches is sufficient for small cars.

Essential ice safety tips

1. Bring a friend: This person can assist or get help in emergencies.

2. Check the ice: Use tools like an ice auger and calipers to measure thickness.

3. Spread out: Maintain distance in groups to distribute weight.

4. Wear safety gear: Carry ice picks and a throw rope and wear a personal flotation device (life jacket).

5. Observe and communicate: Talk to others about ice conditions but keep checking thickness regularly.

6. Pack extra clothes: Bring dry clothing in a waterproof bag to prevent hypothermia if you happen to take a dip.

If you fall through

1. Stay calm: Control your breathing and alert others.

2. Turn around: Head back toward the direction you came from.

3. Use ice picks: Grip the ice, kick your legs, and pull yourself out.

4. Crawl to safety: Distribute your weight by crawling or rolling to thicker ice.

5. Warm up: Replace wet clothes and seek warmth immediately.

By respecting ice safety guidelines, you can fully enjoy Maine’s winter beauty. For expert advice and guidance, connect with a Registered Maine Guide at maineguides.org.

Sanford Parks & Recreation has turned on the lights on #1 Pond after augering Wednesday and finding 8″ of ice, according to Parks & Rec. #1 Pond is part of the Mousam River and as such is flushed with current, so conditions vary widely.

Stay safe and have fun this winter! Contact: John Henkelman at John.Henkelman@Outlook.com

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