April 15, 2005
Spring Hazards: Know Your Ice
by Patrick Pavila, CHR Tuntutuliak
Waqaa. Springtime is around the corner and almost everyone is either busy ice fishing, ptarmigan hunting, getting wood or just having a good time riding on the ice road and tundra.
In Alaska, our lives revolve around the water for the food and transportation the rivers, lakes, streams and other tributaries provide for us. In the YK Delta, there are accidents relating to spring activities, most of which could be prevented if travelers are conscious of the deteriorating conditions of the frozen ice in rivers, lakes and other waterways.
In addition to having knowledge of tundra and river trails, trail markers and hazards, one needs to have an awareness of the ice conditions and the dangers they pose. One needs to get to know the different types of ice conditions, especially during spring and spring breakup. If one is not sure how thick the ice is, take the time to check the condition and thickness of the ice. It may save your life or keep you from becoming hypothermic. The following are known ice conditions a traveler should be aware of and be knowledgeable about:
Salt Water Ice is the most dangerous and unstable to travel on due to tide changes. A person should avoid traveling on this type of ice.
Cloudy Ice is usually milky white in color. It is snow that has been soaked with water and frozen again. This type of ice is very hazardous to travel on, even if several inches thick. Also, snow insulates and it slows the freezing process, thereby creating the potential for a fall through the snow into an open hole.
Dark Ice is thin and very dangerous! Be aware! Take time to check ice thickness.
Shell Ice: Hollow areas created when the water level was high and as it froze the water level dropped. Ice has layers of thin ice with open air spaces in between each layer.
Brown Ice is more common during early to late spring; however, there may be some areas throughout the winter months. Whenever around these kinds of conditions, use extreme caution.
Overflow: Areas that have a lot of water on top of the ice. Use caution. Take the time to check ice thickness if you must travel through this type of ice.
Needle Ice is more common during the spring months. It's usually dark in color and is found on old trails traveled throughout the year.
Clear Ice is usually the safest. However, if unsure, check the ice thickness and stability.
Ice Survival: What to do
- If the ice starts to crack, turn around and go in the direction you came from.
- If the ice continues to crack under you, lie down and spread your weight out, then crawl or roll in the direction from which you came.
- If you have an ice pick (which you should always carry), use it to check ice thickness, you can also use it to spread your weight by putting one third of your weight on it and the rest of your weight on your legs, now, turn around and go in the direction from which you came.
If you do fall in:
- Stay calm; don't panic. You will avoid losing the air trapped in between your layers of clothing which helps you stay afloat, giving you time to get yourself out.
- Always travel with a partner. If he/she falls in, throw an object and pull him/ her out to safety.
- If you are wearing gloves, use them to help you by letting them freeze to the ice and gently pulling yourself forward. While pulling, kick your legs to help, then put one leg on top of the ice and roll to safety.
- You can also use a knife or a pair of ice augers to pull yourself out. Carefully jab the tool into the ice and swim out. Put one leg on top of the ice and roll to safety.
Ice thickness for safe traveling:
Walking: 2 inches
Fishing: 4 inches
Snow machining: 7 inches
Cars and light trucks: 14 or more inches
ENJOY AND HAVE A SAFE SPRING!
Health Education: 543-6493