Always assume ice is not safe

I have lived on Fosters Pond for 20 years. The pond is shaped like a flying bird and I live at the head of the bird.   During the winter the water level is drawn down and isn't very deep, making this area of the pond relatively 'safe'.  However, most years the larger end of the pond doesn't freeze enough to make it safe.

Fosters Pond

My friend and I decided to snowshoe around so her dog could get some exercise and I could check out the numerous coyote tracks.  After checking out the small end of the pond, we decided to venture out to the larger end.  I kept scanning the ice, looking for gray areas, and looking back at my tracks for signs of slush.  I was psyched, but cautious.  I know snow hides weak areas in the ice.  Snow can insulate the ice and keep weak spots from freezing,  but each step with my snowshoes was firm and dry.   There were cross country ski tracks on the ice, evidence that others were also enjoying the deep freeze. 

Crack! 

I went through.  

My arms went out automatically and I reflexively leaned back when I hit the water.  I didn't move. I was waist deep in a tangled mess of decaying weeds.  My friend started to come toward me. 

"Stop! Back up!" 

She wanted to help but I knew the ice around me was slush.  She would be in there with me if she stepped any closer.  She backed up and waited.

I slowly moved my arms in a back-stroke motion, digging my hands into the snow, sliding on my back until my legs were out of the water and on top of the ice.   Now safe, I took a photo of course.  

You can be standing on ice that is over a foot thick in one spot, while a few feet away the ice is unstable.  I thought it was important to put this reminder out there.  

Ice is never safe.

If you are going to venture out, be familiar with valuable life saving ice safety tips:   Ice Safety Tips.