Please call 911 if you see someone who has fallen through the ice or is in distress.
The City of Yellowknife Fire Division strongly recommends that you stay off the ice until it measures 6 inches thick. Please be careful when travelling on the ice, especially in a vehicle or on a machine, and keep these tips in mind:
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Travel with a partner
- Carry dry clothing and an emergency kit including matches, a whistle, and rope
- If travelling in a group (when snowmobiling), spread out when stopped (to spread the weight across the ice sheet)
- Carry a form of communication to call for help if you break through the ice
- Stay off the rivers; flowing water under the ice creates very thin ice even in cold temperatures
- Leave a detailed travel plan with someone, including your destination, route, and an expected return date/time
- If you are unsure of the ice thickness, drill a test hole or stay off the ice
Each year, the City partners with the Great Slave Snowmobile Association to conduct ice testing on lakes in proximity to the City. A huge thank you to the Great Slave Snowmobile Association Trail Riders for their assistance!