Frigid temperatures in December and January brought more ice to Lake St. Clair, Lake Huron harbors and local ponds and rivers than has been the case in recent memory.
But temperatures recently have been on a roller coaster ride, increasing to more than 50 and dropping back below freezing in the course of two days.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is reminding anglers, snowmobilers and other outdoor enthusiasts to exercise caution on the ice, especially as temperatures fluctuate.
According to a DNR news release, the warming trend affects the integrity of ice. In addition to temperature changes, DNR conservation officers say other factors determine the strength of ice, and that outdoor enthusiasts should know the warning signs.
“Don’t assume the ice is safe just because a lake or stream looks frozen,” said Lt. Tom Wanless, DNR recreational safety programs supervisor, i n the news release. “There are several factors that can determine the strength of the ice. Understanding and recognizing these factors, as well as using common sense and caution, will allow you to have a more enjoyable outdoor experience and to make it home safely.”
According to Wanless:
- It's not always possible to determine the strength of ice simply by its look, its thickness, the temperature or whether the ice is covered with snow. New ice generally is stronger than old ice. While a couple of inches of new, clear ice might be strong enough to support a person, a foot of old ice riddled with air bubbles might not.
- Clear ice that has a bluish tint is the strongest. Ice formed by melted and refrozen snow appears milky, and often is porous and weak.
- Ice covered by snow always should be presumed unsafe. Snow acts like an insulating blanket and slows the freezing process, making the ice thinner and weaker.
- If there is slush on the ice, stay off. Slush ice is only about half as strong as clear ice and indicates the ice no longer is freezing from the bottom.
- Be especially cautious in areas where air temperatures have fluctuated. A warm spell might take several days to weaken the ice. But when temperatures vary widely, causing ice to thaw during the day and refreeze at night, the result is a weak, spongy or honeycombed ice that is unsafe.
- The DNR does not recommend the standard “inch-thickness” guide used by many outdoor enthusiasts to determine ice safety. A minimum of 4 inches of clear ice is needed to support an average person’s weight, but since ice seldom forms at a uniform rate it is important to check the thickness with a spud and ruler every few steps.
- Deep inland lakes take longer to freeze than shallow lakes. Ice cover on lakes with strong currents or chain-of-lakes systems also is more unpredictable.
- Ice near shore tends to be much weaker because of shifting, expansion and heat from sunlight reflecting off the bottom. If there’s ice on the lake but water around the shoreline, proceed with caution. Avoid areas with protruding logs, brush, plants and docks as they can absorb heat from the sun and weaken the surrounding ice.
Brian King at Brian's Blue Water Bait, 8089 Dixie Highway, Fair Haven, said people were out on Lake St. Clair's Anchor Bay fishing through the ice on Friday.
"It's a little wet wet on top, but that's about it," he said. "We didn't lose any ice over here. It's still 15, 18 inches of ice."
He said anglers were out in 50-degree temperatures on Thursday and again during snow and freezing rain on Friday.
They should be aware of areas with current, he said.
"I would say any of the ditches or any of the creek mouths you're going to get some flow," he said.
He said the cold snap, which will last through at least Jan. 18, should bring out the anglers.
"It's freezing the rest of the day," he said. "We're back to winter."
Wanless said anyone walking onto a frozen lake or river should wear a life jacket, wear bright colors, carry a cellphone and bring a set of ice picks or ice claws. He advises against taking a car, truck or snowmobile on the ice.
If you do break through the ice, Wanless offered the following tips:
- Try to remain calm.
- Don’t remove your winter clothing. Heavy clothes won’t drag you down, but they can trap air to provide warmth and flotation. This is especially true with a snowmobile suit.
- Turn your body toward the direction you came from, as that ice is probably the strongest.
- If you have ice picks or ice claws, dig their points into the ice while vigorously kicking your feet and pull yourself onto the surface by sliding forward on the ice.
- Once out of the water, roll away from the area of weak ice. Rolling on the ice will distribute your weight to help avoid breaking through again.
- Get to shelter, warm yourself, change into dry clothing and consume nonalcoholic, noncaffeinated drinks.
- Call 911 and seek medical attention if you feel disoriented, have uncontrollable shivering or notice any other ill-effects that may be symptoms of hypothermia.
To learn more about staying safe while on the water or in the woods, visit www.michigan.gov/recreationalsafety.
Contact Bob Gross at (810) 989-6263 or rgross@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @RobertGross477.