CTFishTalk.com: snow and ice - Connecticut Ice Fishing Reports ( CT Ice Fishing Reports ) - A Community Built for Connecticut Fisherman.

hookt · Joined: 30 Dec 2009 Posts: 73 Location: Newtown

hellow my fellow adventurers (crazies). I wonder if anyone would help me out with a little edumacation on ice safety. Withthis noreastern snow dropping we are getting it seems to me a lot of wieght is being put on the ice. I have been out in deeper snow draggin my slead feeling like my heart was about to blow but not this much. Is snow evenly dispersed across the ice make any difference at all? thanks for the lnfo or possibly a web site Confused

860go · Joined: 27 Jan 2008 Posts: 15

I'm no expert, but the snow has never stopped me. 99% of the time the weight of the snow is spread out like you said. On a pond with 3 inches maybe I would worry about it, but most places are up to at least 6-7 if not more. As always use your best judgment but you should be fine. Plus with all the wind the snow dosen't stay on the ice long

AustinB · Joined: 10 Jan 2009 Posts: 120 Location: Simsbury

The wieght of snow will not effect the ice strength if you are more than three inches, but snow is an insulator and over time if you have alot, can reduce some of the thickness or stunt ice making. Thats at least to my knowledge.
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Fish On! · Joined: 24 Dec 2009 Posts: 68 Location: Northeast, CT

Hopefully it gets windy enough overnight to blow all the snow off the ice and we don't need to worry about it, that's wishful thinking Surprised

AustinB · Joined: 10 Jan 2009 Posts: 120 Location: Simsbury

haha What snow? Laughing

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I'd Rather be fishin' :ifishing

perfect hook set · Joined: 24 Feb 2008 Posts: 1069 Location: Danbury

The snow reducing the ice from expanding.

I always thought snow was a good thing (a couple inches) because, it shielded the ice from the sun. From what I read snow isnt a plus at all besides hiding the creepy cracks.
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SeaDog1 · Joined: 21 Dec 2009 Posts: 2629

Hi Guys!

OK! FYI! -> Snow and ice are lighter than water due to the fact that ice and snow are frozen water and has expanded.
If they were heavier than water both would sink!

Snow on ice does 2 things:
1) Insulates ice but causes minimal ice melt.
2) Will reflect sunlight causing minimal heat absorbsion by the ice.

Oh! and snow is much lighter than ice because of all the air trapped between snow crystals.

So -> Bottom line is snow does not really add any significant weight to ice.
Just makes for terrible walking thru it on ice.

Still if your concerned about it -> Definitly spud your way out every few feet to check for weak spots.

ALWAYS CONSIDER "SAFETY" AS YOUR 1st PRIORITY WHEN VENTURING OUT ON ICE -> SNOW COVERED OR NOT!

Best regards,
SeaDog1

hookt · Joined: 30 Dec 2009 Posts: 73 Location: Newtown

thanks seadog for the info! you are one knowledgeable fella also all others that help me

860go · Joined: 27 Jan 2008 Posts: 15

I'll take walking threw the snow anyday over clean ice

hookt · Joined: 30 Dec 2009 Posts: 73 Location: Newtown

the walk is awesome, BUT, the sled has gained a little drag!!

fishinschmoe · Joined: 01 Jan 2010 Posts: 300

Hey 860- do you have a set of cramp ons, cleats, coils, or anything?? If not...GET a PAIR ! they will change your whole perspective about walking on ice...