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OPP fish out vehicle on Lake Nipissing

OPP News Release ******************** North Bay OPP responded to a vehicle having gone through the ice on Lake Nipissing in the area of Premier Road, North Bay, Ontario on Tuesday, December 30th, 2008. Luckily no injuries were reported.
Kate Adams
OPP News Release

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North Bay OPP responded to a vehicle having gone through the ice on Lake Nipissing in the area of Premier Road, North Bay, Ontario on Tuesday, December 30th, 2008. Luckily no injuries were reported.

While the fishing season will be opening on New Year’s Day for Lake Nipissing, it is expected a high number of ice fishermen and snowmobile enthusiasts will be out.

Officers are cautioning those to be vigilant and aware of the ice conditions prior to venturing out on any bodies of water.

Other important information about ice conditions:

• Ice does not freeze at a uniform thickness across most lakes and rivers. You should check thickness regularly with a spud bar or an auger as you move further out on the ice.

• Not all ice is created equal. Ice that has formed over flowing water, springs, pressure cracks, old ice holes or around the mouths of rivers and streams can be weaker than surrounding ice.

• The strongest ice is clear blue in colour. White or opaque ice is much weaker. Ice with a honeycombed look, common during thaws or in the spring, should be avoided

• Traveling on frozen lakes or rivers with snowmobiles or vehicles can be particularly dangerous and added precautions must be taken. At least 20 centimetres (eight inches) of clear blue ice is required for snowmobiles and 30 centimetres (12 inches) or more is needed for most light vehicles. Double these amounts if the ice is white or opaque

• A layer of heavy snow on a frozen lake or river can insulate the ice below and slow down freezing.

• Anglers should check with local ice hut operators before venturing out, let others know where they’re planning to fish and advise when they plan to return. Appropriate clothing and equipment are critical to safety and comfort. Many anglers wear floater suits and carry a set of ice picks.
Reference the Ministry of Natural Resources website at www.mnr.gov.on.ca .

If you are not sure about ice conditions, do not go out on the ice.

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