It's always exciting to watch the waterways freeze over and anticipate sliding around on their surface. In Cordova's mild winter climate there is commonly a repetition of freezing with thawing events in between. Ice conditions can change drastically from day to day, and even at different times over the course of the same day. Before venturing out onto the ice for adventures, play or necessity, it is important to accurately assess the current conditions to make sure safety is the highest priority. Minimum ice thickness levels required to safely support people is set at 4" advised by the Alaska Departments of Fish and Game and Natural Resources. Their graph can be referenced below for various activities. Ice thickness can be determined by chopping through the ice with an ice axe, chisel, auger or cordless drill and checking the hole with a tape measure.
It is important to check the ice repeatedly as traveling to different areas as ice thickness can vary, even over the same body of water. Activity below the surface such as river and stream outlets, currents, gas bubbles, heated water and pressure ridges can cause areas of thin ice or even pockets of fully open water surrounded by otherwise supportive ice. Being prepared for possible submersion in worst case scenarios is also a smart plan. Items such as life jackets, rope, ice picks, helmets, whistles, cell phones and extra warm clothing are good to have on hand. Ice screws can be used to anchor ropes out on the flat ice surface when there is nothing else available to tie ropes off to. The direction from which you approached the broken ice is usually the most supportive direction to attempt climbing back out on. Making sure to tell others of your plans and location when venturing outdoors, staying alert and carrying safety gear is the best way to have a fun and successful day on the ice!
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