Warmer Weather And The Dangers Of Thawing Ice

Ice skating, ice finishing, snowmobiling, pond hockey. These iconic winter activities are a way of life for many Canadians to help enjoy the long, cold winter months.

When winter clears and warmer weather emerges, Canadians transition to other water-centric activities like boating and swimming. However, there is a period of time between the cold- and warm-weather uses of rivers, ponds, and lakes that can be extremely dangerous.

As temperatures rise, lake ice melts and becomes less stable and less safe for use. Changing temperatures can make seemingly frozen surfaces unstable and dangerous. Early spring is a high-risk period because warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours encourage people to spend time outside, while at the same time melting lake ice becomes weaker.