 | New clear or black ice is stronger than old ice. A few inches of new
ice may be strong enough to support you while a foot or more of old ice may
not be. |
| Snow on ice will insulate it slowing down the freezing process. The
additional weight of the snow can also decrease the weight-bearing capacity
of the ice. |
| Ice is generally weaker near the shore. |
| Ice over moving water can be unsafe especially around inflows and
outflows. |
| Fluctuations in water level can also weaken ice. |
| Ice that begins the thaw is "rotten" and is especially weak in
late winter. The ice may be solid on the surface, but may be unsafe
due to uneven melting underneath as ice melts or rots from the bottom up. |
