OPP are warning that, with the warmer temperatures lately, ice conditions are deteriorating and may not be safe.
One incident occurred on March 3, near Callander between Lighthouse Road and Smith Island where a passenger vehicle went through the ice approximately 200 m from shore. No injuries were reported.
A second incident took place the next day when officers received a call about an ATV partially sunk between Smith Island and Grand Trunk Island. The ATV appeared to have been abandoned.
Ice safety and weight-bearing properties of ice can be affected by many factors including:
- thickness,
- currents,
- age of the ice,
- pressure cracks,
- snow cover and
- weather.
Ice conditions can change dramatically from lake-to-lake, from bay-to-bay and from day-to-day.
Anyone considering venturing out on ice-covered bodies of water for recreational activities should do so with an experienced, safety-conscious guide who is familiar with local conditions and currents.
