Ice Measurements and Safety

The Yellowknife Fire Division wishes to remind the public that, even though the cold weather has frozen some bodies of water, ice conditions are very poor and nowhere near the thickness that would be deemed acceptable for pedestrian or other types of travel.

Recommended Thickness

The recommended thickness for walking, skiing and snowmobiling is a minimum of six (6) inches of ice. Remember that this is merely a guideline for clear, solid ice.

Safety First

Many factors other than thickness can cause ice to be weak. Water currents and snow load are two of them. Be aware that ice does not freeze or thaw at a uniform rate. It can be a foot thick in one spot and only an inch thick 10 feet away. Therefore, ice is NEVER safe and you should always remain aware of your surroundings. Parents, please talk with your children about the dangers of playing around or on under-developed ice. If you have questions concerning ice safety, contact the Yellowknife Fire Division at 766-5502.

YELLOWKNIFE ICE THICKNESS MEASURMENTS

Testing is done during the fall/winter season (October to November) on a weekly basis (time permitting). Once the ice reaches a thickness of 6 inches (15cm), the Fire Division does not continue to test the ice.

Ice Measurement Location Map


What to do if a companion falls through thin ice:

• Keep calm and think out a solution.
• Don’t run up to the hole. You may fall through and then there will be two victims.
• Use an item to throw or extend to the victim to pull them out of the water such as jumper cables, skis, rope or push a boat ahead of you.
• If you are unable to rescue the victim immediately, call the Fire Division at 873-2222.
• Get medical assistance for the victim. People subjected to the cold may seem fine after being rescued, but can suffer a potentially fatal condition called “after drop” where cold blood that is pooled in the body’s extremities starts to circulate again as the victim starts to warm.

What to do if YOU fall in:

• Remain calm and look towards the shore.
• Place your hands and arms on the unbroken surface of the ice.
• Work forward on the ice by kicking your feet. This will assist in keeping your body horizontal and help you “swim” out of the hole in the ice.
• If the ice breaks, maintain your position and slide forward again. If this doesn’t work – keep trying.
• Once you are lying on the ice, don’t stand up. Instead, roll away from the hole.
• Crawl back to your tracks, this will ensure that your weight is spread out until you are on solid ice or on shore.
• Seek medical assistance.