OPP Media Release
(KENORA, ON) Members of Kenora Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police are reminding the community of the dangers of thin ice this time of year. The ice is still not thick enough to hold the weight of people.
Parents are reminded to tell their children to stay off the lakes and away from open water.
Ice begins to be "safe" at around 4 - 6 inches thickness.
Do not even walk on ice 3" or less in thickness. However, even at a 9" - 10" thickness, there may be unforeseen hazards such as a flowing current underneath that is ceaselessly weakening the underside of the ice. In this instance, even the thickness is not a good indicator of safety, as the ice could collapse at any time.
In general, the rules for ice thickness measurements are:
- 3" (7 cm) (new ice) - KEEP OFF
- 4" (10 cm) - suitable for ice fishing, cross-country skiing and walking (approx. 200 pounds)
- 5" (12 cm) - suitable for a single snowmobile or ATV (approx. 800 pounds)
- 8" - 12" (20 - 30 cm) - suitable for one car, group of people (approx. 1500 - 2000 pounds)
- 12" - 15" (30 - 38 cm) - suitable for a light pickup truck or a van
These are commonly cited measurements.
Members of Kenora OPP wish the community an enjoyable and safe winter.
