MONADNOCK REGION, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) As temperatures and precipitation fluctuate across New Hampshire this winter, outdoor enthusiasts are being urged to prioritize safety on ice-covered trails, ponds, and lakes. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department has issued a warning about the dangers of unstable ice and is calling for caution during winter recreation activities.

Colonel Kevin Jordan, Chief of the department’s Law Enforcement Division, emphasized the risks posed by erratic weather patterns in a news release. Ice conditions can vary dramatically, even within a single waterbody, he said. What looks safe may not be. It’s crucial to test ice thickness and stability before stepping onto frozen surfaces, he advised.

Experts recommend using tools such as ice chisels or augers to check the thickness and strength of the ice, especially as snow cover can obscure weak spots. General guidelines suggest that individuals avoid walking on ice less than six inches thick and only operate snowmobiles or similar vehicles on ice that is at least 8–10 inches thick.

However, ice thickness alone is not a guarantee of safety. According to research from the U.S. Army Cold Regions Research & Engineering Laboratory in Hanover, factors like currents, warming trends, and uneven freezing can create hidden dangers. Areas near inlets, outlets, or springs are particularly treacherous.

To minimize risks, Fish and Game officials offer several safety tips:

  • Avoid going onto ice during warm spells or thaws.
  • Stay clear of cracked or slushy ice, especially near shorelines or structures like docks and rocks that absorb heat.
  • Be cautious around thin or discolored ice, which can indicate weaker areas.
  • Never gather in groups unless the ice is proven to be at least 8–10 inches thick.

Carrying a rescue rope, ice picks, and a flotation device is strongly encouraged. In the event of breaking through the ice, individuals should stay calm and work to return to the area of solid ice they previously traversed. Rolling away from the break rather than walking minimizes further pressure on fragile ice.

Snowmobilers are also reminded to exercise vigilance. Trail conditions can change rapidly, and a cleared path is not always a safe one. Riders can check trail updates at the New Hampshire State Parks website before venturing out.

To watch a short instructional video on checking ice thickness, visit www.wildlife.nh.gov/get-outside/stay-safe-ice.