Features of winter ice fishing, movement and fishing from ice, thickness growth and safe loads on ice. What kind of ice can you walk on? Optimal ice thickness

As soon as the reservoirs are covered with a crust of ice, a whole army of winter extreme connoisseurs immediately appears - fishermen, tourists, those who like to slide down the mountainous river bank on a sled, or those who want to turn part of the river or pond into an ice skating rink. Motorists are also on the alert: finally, they don’t have to get to the nearest bridge or crossing, because there is an ice road! Residents of lake and river areas arrange pedestrian and automobile crossings to shorten the path to their destination. How can you determine whether it is safe to walk, drive, or skate on ice? You should not take risks, endangering yourself and your comrades: for each of these cases there are special rules. If you have children, be sure to teach them what thickness of first ice is safe. It is easier to prevent an accident than to save someone who is caught on fragile ice!

For man

Experienced hunters and fishermen can recognize the approximate thickness of ice by its color. Blueish or “green” ice is considered durable, and the more transparent the ice covering, the stronger it is. A matte white or yellowish color indicates unreliability. If you see a section of a river under ice with no traces of animals or humans, think about why this is. Most likely this is the place where the springs flow; the ice crust there is very thin, and because of the snow it is not visible.

This you need to know:

1. Ice that is at least 10 cm thick in fresh water and 15 cm in salt water is considered safe for humans.
2. At river mouths and channels, the ice strength is weakened.
3. Ice is fragile in places of fast currents, gushing springs and runoff water, as well as in areas where aquatic vegetation grows, near trees, bushes, and reeds.
4. If the air temperature remains above 0 degrees for more than three days, then the ice strength decreases by 25%.

Video about the rules of being on ice

Let's consolidate the material about the strength of ice:

• blue ice is durable,
• white - its strength is 2 times less,
• dull white or with a yellowish tint - unreliable.

Don't take winter walks lightly and don't prepare in advance. It is very difficult for someone who has fallen through the ice to get out, since the edges of the hole will break off under its weight. An adult or child can drown from hypothermia, which sets in after a quarter of an hour. Some people experience cold shock.

You can download a memo about safety and rules of behavior on ice after the article

For winter crossing

We present the data in the table below.

For technology

When organizing a crossing for equipment, the following factors are taken into account:

• depth of the reservoir;
• current speed;
• the distance between the banks of the river;
• intensity of cargo traffic;
• when a hydroelectric power station is located nearby, the route calculation data is compared with the operating mode of the hydroelectric power station.

Theory and practice

The ice track is cleared of snow on both sides of the axis (at least 10 m) and marked with milestones (every 15-20 m). Since the traffic on the highway is one-way, the road with reverse traffic should be laid at least 100 m apart. The thickness of the ice is measured by punching holes 5 m apart (near the coast the distance is reduced to 3 m), the diameter of the holes is from 6 to 10 cm. The holes are located according to the principle of chess squares at a distance of 5 m from the axis in both directions. For safety, they are fenced with a snow embankment around the circumference and covered with wooden shields. Any “hanging” ice that occurs is broken down mechanically. Measurements are made by the local hydrometeorological service every 5 days, and more often in case of thaws.

In addition to the weight of the equipment, adjustments are made for traffic intensity using the formula:

Htr = n a · P

It takes into account:

• H – ice thickness;
• n – traffic intensity coefficient (with a traffic volume of 500 vehicles per day, n is equal to 1, if 1 is 500, then 400 is 0.8, etc.);
• a – load characteristic indicator (wheeled, tracked);
• P – load mass, i.e.

The formula can be supplemented depending on local conditions.

As you can see, it is much easier to secure the movement of one person, but only if this person follows the rules. Ultimately, the table of permissible ice thickness (and load on it) when organizing the crossing of equipment will look like this:

Amendments and clarifications

When using the table, it should be taken into account that the average daily temperature and “ideal” conditions for the formation of the “freshwater shellfish” type of ice are taken. The thickness of porous ice will have to be doubled. If there is salt water in the reservoir, the correction factor is reduced to 1.2. With frequent thaws, the carrying capacity of each piece of equipment is determined practically.

If necessary, the ice cover is thickened artificially by clearing the space, pouring water on it and waiting for the layers to freeze. If it is necessary to transport equipment to the site of diving work in places where ice covers sea bodies, the conditions change as set out in the first table of the article.

But let us return once again to the requirements of behavior in winter on a river or pond, valid for a person, and especially for children, who are more often than adults, unreasonable. It is believed that ice for a person to be safe on it must be at least 10-15 cm (depending on the water - fresh or salt). In the case of mass events on ice, the norm increases to 25 cm. You should also know how to behave if someone (or yourself) falls through the ice, because panic can lead to a sad outcome.

When the seemingly strong ice for safe movement is replaced by porous and brittle, you may suddenly find yourself in the water, pull yourself together and follow the recommendations:

1. Spread your arms to the sides so that you can lean on them without breaking the edges of the “font” and not choking.
2. You will have to crawl out of the hole, avoiding impetuous movements. If you have ice awls and a rope, use them to pull yourself up.
3. The basic rule: do not rely on individual areas of a small area, but try to position yourself so that the largest possible area serves as support.
4. Roll away from the edges of the hole, and when you get to your feet, do not run, move slowly and without raising your feet above the ice surface.
5. When helping someone who has fallen through, find something that will help expand the support area (sports equipment, plywood, plastic).
6. Do not stand on the edge of the hole, act at the optimal distance.
7. Throw a rope to the person caught in the hole and pull with even movements, helping to get out.
8. When you get home, change the victim’s clothes, give him tea (without added alcohol!) and call an ambulance.

Rescuers operating in conditions where movement on ice is required must remember:

1. When choosing a route, you need to remember about drifting ice (on the sea, lake), find out the speed and direction of the current and wind.
2. It is worth stocking up on anti-slip devices.
3. On water with currents, the thickness of the ice can be different everywhere.
4. In swamps, unlike rivers, the ice is stronger in the center and weaker at the edges.

Rules of conduct on a frozen pond

1. Do not experiment with testing the strength of the cover with your feet; take a pole with you.
2. Find existing, well-trodden paths.
3. If you are one of the first to build such a walking trail, test the strength of the ice in front of you with a stick, and avoid places that do not inspire confidence.
4. Remember the signs of a fragile coating: cracking, mobility, the appearance of water above the surface. If this happens, move away from this place with your feet wider, slowly, or even crawling.
5. You cannot move in a group (there should be a gap of at least 5 meters between travelers or skiers), with skis fastened to your feet, and with ski poles attached to your hands.
6. Fishermen need to calculate the number of holes in a certain area and drill them at a considerable distance from each other.
7. If you have a load (satchel, backpack), it is better to secure it with a rope and drag it at a distance.
8. If there is a need to overcome a section of fragile ice, go there with a belayer. Even moving at a distance of 5 meters, he will provide assistance in the event of an accident.
9. If you have the opportunity, it is best to drill a hole and measure the thickness of the ice before your winter hike.
10. It is not recommended to fish near melted or damaged areas of ice.
11. Stock up on a twelve-meter (or longer) rope with a weight at one end.

While spring weather brings joy to some, it is a dangerous time for others. By decision of the Minsk Regional Executive Committee, a ban on going out on the ice has been introduced since March 1 - fishermen should look for another hobby for a while. How many people listened?





Already on the approach to the Minsk Sea, it becomes clear: the ban has scared few people away from winter fishing. Every now and then we notice desperate fishermen positioned near the holes - while some at least stay closer to the shore, others without fear go straight into the middle of the reservoir. Several people deployed fishing rods right next to the Zaslavl 1 rescue station, where the OSVOD duty shift works. Daredevils? I’m interested in the person who meets us rescue diver Konstantin Chernyavsky.

– It is not our part to hold them accountable; we do not have the right to fine them, or force them to go ashore. We can only warn you. But the main thing is to save if trouble happens.

Konstantin Chernyavsky confirms our guesses that the ban did not particularly affect the plans of the fishermen. According to the specialist, compared to the number at the end of last week, if there are fewer of them, it is insignificant. Now on the Minsk Sea there are up to a thousand fishermen - a usual figure for a weekend.

How to keep track of so many people? Firstly, Osvodovites conduct watch surveillance from the tower. Secondly, walks are carried out twice a day: in the morning and in the evening, before sunset.

“We look at the situation on the ice and talk with the fishermen - we give business cards with our phone numbers, we ask from which side the person entered the ice, and if he saw any gullies there. In the evening, many people turn up their fishing rods and go home, leaving alone - this is the worst thing. After all, if something happens to a person, there will be no one to call for help. It’s not just about breaking the ice; often people simply become ill, strokes and heart attacks occur. There are people who like to drink on ice - there have been cases when they fell into an alcoholic coma.

The territory for which the station employees are responsible is huge. The walk takes 1.5-2 hours. Osvodovites walk about 20 kilometers a day on foot. We arrived at lunchtime - just between raids. Nevertheless, we are going to the ice - the detour will be in a shortened version.

Divers put on wetsuits, take with them a line - a long rope with a “float” at the end and “claws” - two handles with sharp pins connected by a rope (they are worn around the neck - such a device helps fishermen get out of the hole). We are given life jackets.

Having taken the first step onto the ice, I regret that I did not put on rubber boots - near the shore near the station the ice has melted and is covered with water. However, if you go further, the surface of the reservoir seems quite durable. About two hundred meters from the shore I notice a dark strip about ten centimeters wide under my feet.

- This is a crack– explains Konstantin Chernyavsky. I involuntarily take a few steps back. “It’s not scary yet—it’s overgrown.” But soon it will be different. Everyone knows that dark colors attract heat. The sun is shining and gradually the crack begins to blur, the edges become wider. The water is also washing away - it is now +4 degrees.




By the way, last year the Osvodovites had the opportunity to remove fishermen from an ice floe: it drifted 40-50 meters - it was impossible to cross or jump over. A special board was needed to transport fishing enthusiasts to a safe place.

Rescue diver Alexey Poznyak shows me the thickness of the ice: lowers his hand into the hole - his fingers touch the edge of the ice when it is immersed above the wrist. It comes out to about 30 centimeters. Is it really dangerous? However, the first impression is deceptive: the ice, although thick, has already turned into “porridge” in some places.

“Now it’s crumbling into sludge—breaking into small crystals.” It’s difficult to grab onto it to get out - it crumbles,– explains Konstantin Chernyavsky. “But not everyone feels the danger.” It freezes at night, in the morning the fisherman sees that the ice is strong and goes out into the middle of the reservoir. However, during the day the sun warms up and the ice becomes loose again.






However, this does not stop those who like to fish. Let's approach woman who has been fishing for several hours. The catch is three small ruffs, they will go to the cats for dinner.

- Tell me, what kind of ice do you have here?- Osvodovites are extremely polite.

- Look for yourself– the fisherman answers calmly and takes the fishing rod out of the hole.

I also ask a question about the ban.

- So it was postponed for a week! You can still!

The woman echoes and comrade, located nearby. Like, I looked on the Internet this morning and it says that you can still go fishing. I'm trying to figure out where this information comes from. Only one material was found, but in it only the fishermen themselves talk about the delay: and a week’s period is their personal assessment.

It turns out there is still a ban? IN Ministry of Emergency Situations confirmed: the decision of the Minsk Regional Executive Committee has not been canceled.

- But I’m not my own enemy - I see that the ice is still thick,- says the fisherman.

It looks like a prepared man - I notice graters on his feet: a special sole with spikes that prevents him from sliding on the ice. Konstantin Chernyavsky says that falls, and with them injuries, which sometimes prevent a person from reaching the shore on their own, are not uncommon.

I am familiar with similar cases and my prudent companion:

– I have five broken ribs from these fishing trips!

True, graters are the only means of protection that he takes with him. He says he can do without a life jacket:

–I swim well.




Will this skill save you in a critical situation? Is not a fact. We witnessed a sudden dive. He looks like an ordinary fisherman. Quilted jacket, hat, fishing box. One wrong step on the approaches to the ice hole - and then the ice shell breaks with a crash. A few seconds are enough for a person to completely go under water. There's nothing to grab onto.

Desperate attempts to get out of the water from the outside seem like useless waves of hands - the ice slides and crumbles.
Konstantin Chernyavsky comes to the rescue. He hands the end of the board to the unfortunate fisherman and pulls him to a safe place. This is not easy - a wet padded jacket adds weight. But everything ends well.

Fortunately, this was just an experiment. Played the role of an unlucky fisherman Alexey Poznyak- a prepared person, and under the padded jacket he was wearing a dry-type wetsuit, which does not allow moisture to pass through and does not allow him to sink. All necessary rescue equipment was at the ready.

But in life, circumstances rarely come together in this way. If a person is wearing a life jacket that keeps him afloat, at the current water temperature, he has no more than 20 minutes to save himself: after that, hypothermia will set in. It was pulled under the ice - only 5 minutes. Time is critically short. So is there any point in taking risks? No catch is worth a human life.

It's no secret that real winter fishermen look forward to the first ice every year - for them, fishing at this time is like a holiday for the soul. The fish have not yet lost activity due to the lack of oxygen in the water; the treasured places are almost untouched by ice picks and ice drills. However, it should be taken into account that due to global warming, our water bodies are sometimes covered with ice with a significant delay. Therefore, I advise you not to rush to go to the first ice.

The morning turned out to be clear, with a slight frost. The first oncoming rays of the sun slid across the smooth surface of the ice, blinding my eyes. Leaving the car in a visible place, Vlad and I, armed with ice picks, carefully walked onto the cracking ice of the pond and about ten meters from the shore began to sip on small perch. Soon a group of fishermen, just as impatient as we were, appeared on the ice. The tallest and heaviest of them headed towards us, apparently for reconnaissance.
- Hey, man! - Vlad shouted, - Be careful, the ice is very weak...

But it was too late. The fisherman fell to his shoulders. With difficulty I got ashore - my friends helped. But their fishing was ruined. And Vlad and I, having soberly assessed the situation, decided not to tempt fate and went home.

DANGEROUS ICE

This case once again shows that there is no need to rush into the opening of the winter season. At the same time, some desperate heads advise starting fishing on the first ice when the ice reaches a thickness of 5 cm. I must immediately disappoint you: I personally had to swim in icy water three times only because I did not have the patience to wait for sufficiently strong ice. The fact is that inexperienced fishermen do not take into account such simple natural phenomena as light frost and the subsequent thaw, which reaches + 3-5.

American fishermen, for example, consider the optimal ice thickness to be 12 cm. But, in my opinion, this is not true - in different parts of the reservoir the ice can be of different thicknesses. This is especially true at the confluence of rivers and streams or those where there are underwater springs. In addition, it should be taken into account that during prolonged thaws the ice is quickly “eaten up” both from above and from below.

Among winter fishermen there is such a thing as reservoirs of first ice. What is meant? First of all, these are small ponds, enclosed lakes and bays of reservoirs. Here you can have fun with not very large fish, and if you are lucky, you can become the owner of a quite decent pike or perch. But it is unsafe to move without an ice pick and on such bodies of water, much less go out on the ice alone, and even without lifeguards.
Cool Western fishermen advise using special, so-called floating suits, which, if a fisherman gets into the water, protect him from hypothermia even at an air temperature of minus 15-20.

However, let's return to our realities. So far, unfortunately, at the beginning of the winter season I have not seen sufficiently reliably equipped people on the ice in case of extreme situations. Moreover, you often come across articles in Russian fishing magazines, the authors of which claim that the first ice 5 cm thick is reliable. This is a call to suicide. And if I asked my friends who took an ice bath and miraculously survived, I think they would agree with this statement of mine.
Many, unfortunately, do not take into account the fact that the first ice is especially dangerous during thaws. And it may happen that today it is quite strong, but the next day it becomes extremely dangerous to move along it.

I often remember an incident when, as if spellbound, I exposed myself to enormous risk. And it was like this. My friends left for Sknyatino the day before. I was supposed to meet them at the appointed place - a fishing dugout on the banks of the Pechukhna River the next day. In the early morning twilight, guided by landmarks, I crossed the Volnushka River and headed to the islands located at the mouth of Pechukhnya. I still can’t understand how I reached the bed of the Volga. Below me there was pure black ice and suddenly cracks appeared from under my feet in different directions. I had to back up and that probably saved me. And literally half an hour later, moving towards the shore along moose tracks, I fell headlong. It’s good that I carried the backpack on one shoulder. Having emerged, I pushed it onto the ice and with difficulty got out myself. Having carefully reached the shore, he went to the base. It’s good that the air temperature was plus 4. I walked quickly and an hour later I was already at the fishing base.

FEATURES OF THE FIRST ICE

Let’s say the thickness of the ice on the enclosed body of water where you are going fishing has reached 8-10 cm and you can safely move on it. What should you take into account? If before the freeze-up the water was saturated with oxygen due to the mixing of the upper layers cooling overnight and the warmer (lower) layers at depth, as well as due to winds, now the situation has changed.

The very first ice on closed bodies of water is characterized by the following phenomena:
1. The number of plants decreases both in shallow areas and at depth.
2. Although the water under the ice is clearer, it does not mix.
3. The oxygen content in the water column is, in all likelihood, evenly distributed and its saturation occurs mainly due to plant photosynthesis.
4. The water temperature during the thaw is approximately + 4. In frosty weather, the water temperature under the lower edge of the ice is zero, due to which the ice thickness continues to increase.

On rivers, reservoirs and flowing lakes, ice growth occurs more slowly due to currents (with the exception of bays). The current mixes different layers of water, and aquatic plants do not die off, receiving enough oxygen. Fish here, naturally, feels more comfortable than in stagnant bodies of water.

FISHING IS STABLE

Taking into account the above, it becomes clear why fishing in still waters can be relatively effective for only a week or two. After which it’s time to move to flowing bodies of water. In central Russia, by the end of December, the ice here is usually 20-30 cm thick; there is snow on it, which becomes compacted during thaws.

During this period, pike, perch, roach and even bream scatter throughout the food-rich areas of the reservoir, where the depth does not exceed 2-3 m. Before the onset of severe frosts, snags are especially promising, where you can relax your soul both when catching predatory and non-predatory fish. But, as they say, there are no rules without exceptions. So, due to the temperature difference between the upper and lower layers of water, fish can concentrate at depth, near the bottom. Although, following the movement of plankton and fry, schools of bream, perch, roach and other fish can repeatedly move upward during the day. The same thing is observed when the fish tries to occupy a more comfortable level in the water column. This often happens with sudden changes in atmospheric pressure. In general, fishing in flowing waters is stable, right up to the dead of winter.

WITH A JIG IN A SNORK

On the very first ice, what I like most is catching perch in snags. Here he finds not only shelter from toothy pikes, but also various food.
I have repeatedly been convinced that most perch bites occur at the moment when the jig comes off the bottom or is in close proximity to it. Therefore, in order to use jigs competently, you need to understand in advance by experience how this or that bait works not only in the water column, but also in contact with the bottom. Of course, this is a normal situation. There are days when perches “hang” in the water column. That is why, if there is no bite, it is important to move the bait from the bottom to the lower edge of the ice. And it also happens that striped robbers attack a jig with a nozzle during its free fall. Therefore, when choosing a jig, all these nuances in the behavior of the perch must be taken into account.

It is also important what color the jig is, because fish distinguish color. Perch fishing practice shows that the color of the bait often plays a decisive role. To choose the right jig color, you need to have a good idea of ​​the degree of illumination of the water depending on the time of day, weather conditions, and fishing depth. In winter, bodies of water are generally much clearer, and the visibility of objects under the ice is approximately twice as high as in summer. The fisherman must take this factor into account, especially when fishing in snags, where perch can most often be found at shallow depths (1-1.5 m).

In sunny weather, perches are alarmed by the too bright shine of the jig. Is this why in shallow water they try to go under the ice covered with snow? And by midday they move to deeper areas.
Thus, the movements of perches during daylight hours can be explained, along with other factors, by changes in water light intensity. Is it for this reason that in cloudy weather, when lighting conditions are relatively stable for a long time, perches are active throughout the day? But with a clear sky, when the reservoir is well lit, the middle of the day is the worst time for fishing. In addition, food items, experiencing discomfort, by this time also try to hide in shelters. Therefore, at midday, experienced fishermen usually put down their fishing rods and rest.

For beginners in winter fishing, it’s a good idea to start by learning some rules, to which, if there are exceptions, they are quite rare. In the morning you fish with a shiny bait. When the sun rises above the ground and illuminates everything around with its radiance, you need to switch to a dimmer jig, especially if you are fishing in shallow water. At depth and on a sunny day, you can continue to use a shiny bait. This also applies to fishing at dusk. At a depth of 5-6 m, sunlight penetrating the water column will be more diffuse than at 0.5-1 m from the surface. Therefore, in deep places a jig with a shiny white or yellow surface may be catchy, but in shallow places it may be dull.

And yet, experts rightly believe that when the bite is weak, the color of the bait often plays a decisive role. Many years of practice have established that perch prefers a combination of red, black and yellow colors. Obviously, there is a connection here with the color of the food items on which it feeds.
To confirm this, I will give the following example. One day, my friend and I were catching perch on the first ice in the upper part of the Vyshnevolotsk reservoir, at the confluence of the picturesque Tsna River. Apparently, due to the abundance of aquatic vegetation and the presence of a weak current, the fish here turned out to be extremely picky. It felt like there was plenty of food for her. But here's the thing. With my Moscow jigs (and I tried a lot of them that morning) I took mostly small bass. While my friend kept taking out quite weighty “sailors” onto the ice and even caught a small bee weighing seven hundred grams. Finally I couldn't stand it anymore. “Well, show me the jig!” Victor calmly took out the bait and put it on his palm. It was a Swedish jig, motley colored, with a predominance of green. After rummaging through the box, he found something similar and handed it to me. Soon I started getting some decent humpback perches.

A novice angler is sometimes surprised to discover that a jig, which is good for roach or bream, does not attract perch at all. I have my own “deserved” jigs for catching perch in snags. And in order not to lose them, I always have a reliable release on hand.

Winter outdoor activities, including snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice fishing (with or without a vehicle), skiing, ice skating, and playing on ice can be dangerous if you cannot determine whether the ice is strong enough to support load. There are various ways to assess the potential reliability of ice cover - you can observe the color of the ice and examine its thickness, as well as pay attention to external factors such as temperature, local conditions and features. However, it is impossible to completely eliminate risk during sporting events. If in doubt, do not go on the ice; and even more so, you shouldn’t do this too early or too late out of season.

Steps

Please note that ice is never completely safe. Weather conditions and subtle or unknown factors can suddenly turn seemingly safe ice into deadly ice. Take all possible precautions to prevent accidents and ensure that rescue measures can be taken immediately if something goes wrong.

Develop an emergency rescue plan. Tell your friends where you are going. If something unexpected happens while you're exploring ice conditions or having fun, you should have a plan in place that will get you to a safe place where you can get immediate help.

• Advice for beginners: You should dress very warmly according to the season. Do not neglect water rescue equipment, at least a life jacket, especially if you are testing the ice for strength or going on a trip in a snowmobile. Keep an ice ax with you, which can help you get out if you get caught in a hole. Never go alone, take one or two friends with you. Let your friends know where you and your friends are and when you expect to return home. This is not a case where you can be carefree and act spontaneously.
• Carry a spare set of warm, dry clothes in a waterproof duffel bag. This way, you can reduce the risk of hypothermia by immediately changing wet clothes. Other useful items in a rescue kit include a blanket, hand and foot warmers, thick socks, extra wool caps, candles and matches. Have all of these things ready in case you engage in any winter sports, such as ice skating. For more information, see the "Things You'll Need" section.

1. Understand that the strength of ice is determined by a number of factors, not just one. Its reliability can be judged by assessing the combination of the following indicators:

   • Appearance of ice - its color, structure and features
   • Ice thickness – recommended thickness is determined for certain types of activities, which can be read below
   • Temperature maximum over a certain time and during the day
   • Snow cover
   • Depth of water under ice
   • Pond size
   • Chemical composition of water - salty or fresh
   • Weather changes in the area
   • Length of ice cover

2. Choose places where the ice is regularly tested for strength by the relevant services. Such services may exist at resorts, clubs, national parks or as part of government agencies. They must take measurements at least daily. Ask the employees of these services about the results of the check, this will protect yourself. They usually use high-quality measuring instruments and have access to research, and they also know a lot about ice and are well prepared for emergency situations. You will save yourself from risky testing of ice surface strength and will feel more confident. However, this does not mean that you can forget about precautions.

   Talk to the locals. If you are a newcomer, you should not show any arrogance. Go to the grocery store, fishing store, or sporting goods store and strike up a conversation, or stop by the police station or fire station and ask about dangerous and safe places in the area. It is better for them to help you now than to help you out of trouble later.

3. Inspect the ice. Look closely to see if there are any cracks, breaks, suspicious areas or uneven surfaces, and determine its color(s). You can only rely on your own vision . This quick glance will help you decide whether to continue your research.

   • If you have the following signs, you should refrain from any further attempts to go on the ice:
     • Water submerging the ice edge or near it
     • Springs flowing under the ice in ponds and lakes fed by springs.
     • The presence of a source or tributary of an ice-covered body of water
     • Cracks, faults or holes
     • Ice that apparently thawed and then froze again
     • Uneven surfaces you haven't noticed before - such as ridges of ice caused by currents or winds
   • Remember this song: "Thick and blue, tried and true; thin and fragile - the path is too risky."

4. You need to understand the meaning of a particular color of ice. But while this is a very useful indicator, you shouldn't rely on color alone. For example, ice of any color that is exposed to flowing water from below will be more brittle than ice that is not so exposed. Typically, based on the color spectrum of ice, you can draw the following conclusions:

   • Light gray to black is melted ice that sometimes forms even when the air temperature is below 32°F (0°C). Unsafe: Due to insufficient density, it cannot support the load - stay away.
   • White to dull, opaque, water-soaked snow freezes on top of the ice, forming another thin layer of ice on top. This ice is too porous and may have air pockets inside it, so it is often brittle.
   • From blue to transparent - ice is high density, very durable, the safest, if, of course, it is thick enough. Don't risk it if it's less than 4 inches (10 cm) thick.
   • Motley and loose ice, also called “rotten” - not so much because of its color, but because of its structure. This is melted ice. It is treacherously deceptive - it is very possible that it has melted in the middle or at the bottom, although it seems thick on top. It is most often found in the spring and can have a brownish tint due to plant pigments, dirt and other natural materials rising to the surface during the thaw. You won't take a single step.

5. Check the thickness of the ice. If you have already completed the inspection and it seems to you that everything is in order, you need to make sure of this by examining the thickness of the ice.

   • Conduct research in the presence of at least one friend (mutual assistance system). Wear a rescue suit or other flotation device and use ropes so that your friend can pull you out if necessary.
   • Only go out on the ice if the ice edge is strong enough. If it is loose or cracked, for your own safety it is not worth continuing, because the coastal ice edge is the most fragile.
   • To measure the thickness of the ice, make a small hole with a hatchet or use a hand auger.
   • Study the safe ice thickness indicators. There are recommended criteria that you need to keep in mind for any activity you undertake on the ice. (Keep in mind that their compliance recommended, but does not in itself guarantee your safety.) Ice becomes “safe” at approximately 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) thick. Don't even think about going out on ice that is 3 inches (7.5 cm) thick or less. However, even with a thickness of 9 - 10 inches (22.5 - 25 cm), the ice can harbor hidden threats, such as fast currents that tirelessly erode the ice from below. In this case, even thick ice can crack at any moment.
   • Under normal conditions, the rules for safe ice thickness are as follows:
     • 3 inches (7 cm) (young ice) - "KEEP AWAY
     • 4" (10 cm) - Suitable for ice fishing, ski touring and hiking (supports approximately 200 lbs (80 kg) weight)
     • 5" (12 cm) - Suitable for single snowmobiles and snowmobiles (supports approximately 800 lbs (320 kg))
     • 8 - 12 inches (20 - 30 cm) - supports a single vehicle or group of people (approximately 1500 - 2000 lbs (600-800kg))
     • 12 - 15 inches (30 - 38 cm) - Supports the weight of a light-duty pickup truck or RV
   • These norms are considered generally accepted.

6. Keep in mind that ice thickness is not the same everywhere, even on the same body of water. The reliability of the ice coating is determined not only by color and thickness, but also by a number of other indicators. Consider also:

   • The nature of the body of water: is it a pond, lake or river, and is there a noticeable current under the ice? Does the body of water have tributaries or a source? This may be a cause for concern.
   • Composition of water: is it salty or fresh? Sea ice is usually less durable and, given the same thickness, may not support the same weight as freshwater ice. For more information regarding the exact criteria, see the external links below.
   • Temperature maximum and time of year: the temperature is constantly changing. Consider the microclimate in the area. Winter ice is much stronger than spring ice; the latter quickly melts and thins out under the rays of the sun.
   • Size and depth of the reservoir: freeze-up on large bodies of water takes much longer than on small ones.
   • Availability of snow cover: snow is a natural heat insulator; Under snow, the ice is usually thinner and less durable.
   • Weight Size: How much pressure are you putting on the ice? Should it only support you or your vehicle as well? A human body and a snowmobile with the same body on it have very different weight distribution parameters.

7. If you have even the slightest doubt, find an alternative. Skating enthusiasts can always use the ice skating rink or the controlled part of the lake; Skiers and snowmobile drivers may be advised to stick to inland roads; It is also better for pedestrians to avoid the ice. Either way, they all need to carry a survival kit no matter where they plan to go or how long they plan to be on the road.

   Hints

   • Remember that well-worn ice roads and crossings do not make the ice stronger. Routes should be changed regularly.
   • If you NEED to cross a body of water on ice, the best way to do this is to get down on all fours and move with your arms and legs spread wide. Try to move like a lizard, distributing your body weight evenly. Bringing a long board or pole with you is a great idea. If the ice starts to crack - and you sometimes get a second warning - place the pole on the ice and use it to distribute your weight over a larger area.
   • When traveling, treat other people responsibly. If you are a leader (at a school or sports camp, etc.), make sure that your students do not leave the territory you have designated and immediately return them back. Ensure that sufficient warning signs are installed so that skaters, etc., cannot make an irreparable mistake and go beyond the safe zone. It is also necessary that a person trained in first aid with a rescue kit be present nearby.
   • Dog sleds on ice are a little safer because dogs can sense cracks forming. Still, don't do anything risky and be just as prepared for accidents as you are with other winter sports.
   • If you must skate on thin ice (literally), make sure the water is shallow (ie 2 - 3 feet (60 - 90cm)). If you fall through, you will get wet and freeze, but you will be able to get ashore, despite the unpleasant sensations. Of course, this is unacceptable for children.
   • It is safer for two people to cross unreliable ice on opposite sides of a canoe being pushed on the ice. Don't forget the oars. You may need them on crossings.

   Warnings

   • This article applies to people living in cold climates such as Canada, the northern United States, and Russia. If your country or area does not have normal winter conditions, be aware that ice will be unsafe at any time of the year and do not even think about doing any of the above without the advice of professionals, preferably local government agencies authorized to make such recommendations.
   • Never drink alcohol while engaging in winter sports - wait until you return to your home or country house. Alcohol can cause errors when operating a snowmobile, increase reaction time, and impair the ability to act quickly in an emergency. Alcohol does not help fight the cold; it actually increases heat loss and can lead to hypothermia.
   • Never go on the ice unless it has been checked by professionals and found to be safe. But even when this condition is met, drivers sometimes fall through the ice. If you must drive, be alert - don't speed, roll down your windows (turn the heater up high if it makes you uncomfortable) and unfasten your seat belts.
     • Make sure you know how to get out of a sinking car and you have discussed rescue procedures with all passengers.
     • Drive slowly on ice, especially when approaching the shore. Why? The weight of the vehicle - be it a snowmobile, car or truck - presses down on the ice from above. As you advance, this causes a small but sensitive wave vibration that spreads across the ice in front of you. This wave may bounce off the shore as you approach. Depending on your weight and speed, this could cause an ice break.
     • Do not take children on trips on ice roads unless you simply have no other means of providing the necessary emergency care. You won't have time to think about them when you get out of your sinking car.
   • Snowmobile drivers should not drive at high speed - if they cannot see what's ahead, they will most likely end up in a hole because they will not be able to brake in time. In addition, on slippery ice, it may simply be impossible to sharply drive around a suddenly appeared wormwood. It is more likely that you will get into a skid, as a result of which you will end up in the water. Better stay on the shore.
   • Never skate, play or travel on ice, on foot, on skis or in a snowmobile, at night. You won't be able to see anything if an accident occurs and you probably won't get help.
   • Don't assume that a sudden cold snap makes the ice safer. In fact, in this case the ice becomes brittle and brittle even sooner than during a brief thaw. Always check.
   • Just because the ice in the area you surveyed seems safe does not mean that it will be so somewhere else in the same body of water. If you are going to go beyond the area you have explored, you must again conduct a check or define the boundaries of the safety zone.
   • When driving on a ski or snowmobile trail, do not use ice-covered streams, rivers, ponds or lakes as shortcuts unless they are recognized as such by local authorities and surveyed daily. People often take shortcuts at the end of the day, when athletes are tired and want to get home quickly and it is getting dark; Mostly at this time accidents happen, simply because you are tired. In addition, the influence of daytime heat is felt towards the end of the day, when the ice becomes least strong.

The ideal pattern of ice freezing is greatly changed by the thickness of the snow cover on it.

For winter fishermen who go out on the ice of different types of water bodies, it is simply necessary to know and understand what conditions of the evolution of the ice cover determine the safety or impossibility of being on it. In this case, the main characteristic of ice will be its strength, which is a variable value, highly dependent on the type and structure of the ice, its temperature and thickness.

It happens that the beginning of winter is accompanied by frequent thaws with precipitation in the form of rain or sleet. Then the ice cover freezes in stages during the frosty intervals between cyclones. At the same time, its thickness increases both from below - due to the crystallization of the surface water of the reservoir, and from above - due to the freezing of the snow-water “porridge” that appeared on top of the ice during the next bad weather. Such ice turns out to be cloudy and multi-layered. It should be borne in mind that it is approximately two times weaker (withstands half the static load) of ice, transparent as glass. Therefore, it is safe to go out onto the whitish, opaque ice cover when it reaches a thickness of more than 10 centimeters, and even if the air temperature is negative. This is important to know for the reason that anglers, as a rule, tend to areas with such ice, since fish usually accumulate here in low light conditions and they bite much better in such places.

As already said, pure, transparent ice is the strongest. This is a crystalline monolith formed from the freezing of the supercooled upper layer of water. However, it makes sense to fish from such ice only at great depths, where little light reaches and the fish are not shy. Therefore, it will be safe when it reaches a thickness of at least 5 centimeters - only in this case the ice can reliably support one person, but groups cannot gather on it.

The strength of the ice cover increases linearly with increasing thickness and decreasing temperature. But here you have to imagine that the temperature of the ice varies in thickness: at the top it is equal to atmospheric temperature, and at the bottom it corresponds to the freezing point of water, that is, about zero degrees. And since the temperature coefficient of linear expansion of ice is enormous (for example, five times greater than that of iron) and many have probably seen how strong vessels with frozen water burst, it becomes clear that similar processes are inevitable with ice on a reservoir: according to As its thickness increases, layers at different temperatures experience an expanding load in both the transverse and longitudinal directions. That is why, during sudden warming or cooling, the ice on reservoirs bursts with a deafening roar and long cracks spread across it. In addition, in the vast water areas of lakes and reservoirs, these cracks, on the one hand, cause the formation of ice hummocks, and on the other (to compensate) - wide leads into which one can easily fall, especially after snowfalls covering the open water.

You might think that cracks on the ice surface form haphazardly, chaotically. However, not everything is so simple if we remember the mechanism of ice formation: at the beginning of winter, when the ice is not yet the same thickness everywhere, stresses are localized in narrow zones where thick and thin ice cover meets, that is, where shallow water abruptly turns to depth. Experienced fishermen know that bottom dumps, where fish often stay, should be looked for along old and wide cracks, usually running parallel to the main channel. In this case, the deep side of the reservoir will be determined by the crack located close to the usually steep bank, and vice versa.

To imagine what kind of ice can be expected on a reservoir at the beginning of winter, you should know that its growth during the day is highly dependent on the air temperature and the existing thickness. It looks something like this: if the ice was already about 10 centimeters, then over the next day it will add 4 cm at a frost of minus 5; 6 cm - at frost 10; 8 cm - at minus 15; 9 cm - at minus 20. But if the initial ice thickness is, say, 20-30 cm, then the daily increase at the same temperatures will decrease by about 3-4 times - it is impossible to say more precisely, since this is also affected by the quality of the water.

Of course, the ideal picture of ice freezing is greatly changed by the thickness of the snow cover on it, which acts like a fur coat. It is known that the thermal conductivity (cold conductivity) of snow is up to 30 times less than that of ice (much depends on the density of the snow), therefore, during snowfalls, depending on their intensity, an appropriate correction must be made to the calculations.

It is important to understand by the appearance of the first, fragile ice how it reacts to the load. Experienced fishermen say that young ice will not deceive, will not let you down, but will notify you of danger in time with a loud crack and the appearance of cracks. A load applied to thin ice (a fisherman on ice) causes it to sag (deform) into a bowl shape. With a small load, the deformation is elastic in nature, and the bowl expands symmetrically around the perimeter. If the load is higher than the elastic limit, then plastic deformation of the ice will begin and the deflection bowl will begin to increase faster in depth than in width - this is the beginning of ice destruction. In quantitative terms it will look like this. For the strongest transparent ice, its central deflection to a depth of 5 cm will not cause cracks; a deflection of 9 cm leads to increased formation of cracks; a deflection of 12 cm causes through cracking; at 15 cm the ice falls through.

Under the influence of a load, cracks in the ice appear both radial - emanating from the point of application, and concentric - around this point. Radial cracks only warn of insufficient ice strength, which requires extreme caution on it. But if concentric cracking is added to the radial cracks, accompanied by a characteristic creaking sound, you need to immediately leave the dangerous area with a sliding step; in a particularly critical situation, it is better to lie on the ice in order to increase the area of ​​weight distribution over the surface, and crawl in the opposite direction. You need to know other rules of behavior on thin ice:

Under no circumstances should you walk along it in single file, otherwise the radial cracks on the path will quickly grow concentric;

Do not go fishing alone;

Check every step on the ice with a pointed pick, but do not hit the ice in front of you with it - it’s better from the side;

Do not approach other fishermen closer than 3 meters;

Do not approach places where driftwood, algae, or air bubbles are frozen into the ice;

Do not walk near a fresh crack or on an area of ​​ice separated from the main body by several cracks;

Quickly leave the dangerous place if water begins to flow like a fountain from the hole you have made;

It is necessary to have means of insurance and rescue (a cord with a weight at the end, a long pole, a wide board);

Do not combine fishing with drinking alcohol.