For several weeks now, I have been going out onto the ice to drill holes and measure its thickness. With ice measuring 6 inches or more, consistently observed at the various points checked, I was able to begin ice fishing in North Hatley with due caution. Last Sunday, I also invited a few friends from the village to join us on Lake Massawippi.
Safety guidelines — minimum recommended ice thickness (clear ice)
Below are the commonly accepted thresholds for new, clear, solid ice. These are minimums: ice conditions can vary greatly depending on currents, cracks, springs, shoreline areas, thaw periods, or rainfall.
| Activity | Minimum thickness |
|---|---|
| Person on foot | 10 cm (4″) |
| Group of people | ≈ 20 cm (8″) — more if the group is large |
| ATV / snowmobile (small ATV) | 12–20 cm (5–8″) depending on the type |
| Car / small SUV | 23–30 cm (9–12″) |
| ight truck (pickup) | 30–38 cm (12–15″) |
Important reminders :
- These guidelines assume clear ice. For white, “rotten,” or refrozen slush ice, a much more conservative approach is required (often aiming for up to double the thickness).
- Measure in multiple locations: ice thickness can change quickly across the same lake.
- During thaws or rainfall, strength decreases faster than thickness, so thicker ice than the minimum is necessary.
A grand landscape and a sense of calm
Thanks to the North Hatley business Fish le camp, we rented all the necessary ice fishing equipment—an ice fishing shelter, rods, tip-ups, heating and chairs—along with a fire to warm the atmosphere. While the scenery was stunning, it was above all the sense of vastness and the peaceful silence of the snow-covered lake that left a lasting impression.
Some fished, while others enjoyed hot wine—or a caribou, as we call it here. The afternoon ended with an excellent fish meal at home: a simple and memorable moment among friends.
Changing temperatures: increased caution
Rain remains the number one enemy of ice. As a general reference, under rainy conditions and temperatures around +4 °C:
- 0.5 to 1 cm per day of melting if rainfall is light and intermittent
- 1 to 2 cm per day if rainfall is sustained
In practical terms :
- Starting from 6 inches (15 cm)
- After 3 to 5 days: possible thickness of 10–12 cm (4–5 inches)
- After 5 to 7 days: ice is often soft, perforated, and dangerous, even if it appears thick
WARNING: Wet, deteriorating ice supports far less weight than cold, dry ice.
Safety above all
Even with 4–5 inches measured locally, ice can be layered, weakened from below, or unstable—especially near:
- shorelines,
- currents,
- water inlets and outlets,
- dark areas.
Good practices
- Carry a rope, ice picks, a bivy/shelter, and ideally spare clothing.
- Check ice thickness every outing, starting at the shore and every 10 to 20 feet.
- An inflatable flotation vest can reassure for kids and for more nervous participants.
Falling into cold water is unlikely with more than 4 inches of ice, but preparation is always best. At worst, you’ll have carried equipment that wasn’t needed—at best, you’ll have prevented an accident.
In closing
When winter conditions allow, why not reclaim our lake during beautiful winter days? Living by a lake also means learning how to enjoy it safely during the cold season.
For now, winter conditions are favourable for walking on the lake. Always measure your ice and respect safety thresholds. Fatal accidents occur every year. On Lake Massawippi, avoid ATVs and snowmobiles.
Enjoy winter in North Hatley—safely!
