DANGER - 6" ice on all lakes - Jan3/2014

[Ministik Man]

Hi ALL

While doing trail maintenance east of Edmonton in Ministik on Jan 3, 2014 we drilled 6 locations at 3 different lakes

Each hole drilled was only 6" of ice

It did not matter 2 holes were on our Trail System and the snow has been packed down flat 100s of sleds - was still only 6" ice under 10" of had pack trail snow

Tried to find a new trail route around the thin ice and moved over 100' into the bulrushes the ice was still 6" under 18" powder in 4 other holes

Saw 3 sleds parked side by side out on the same lake as we drilled the holes - and all 3 guys were standing together beside there sleds - quick math - 2250lbs in a 10' circle on 6" of ices - very close to the limit of that kind of crap ice - not is not clear/clean blue ice
the top 2" is frozen slush from the November snowstorm that froze in.... hence - crap ice

Also saw sledders rip across the lake with water/slush water spout off their tracks - Russian Roultte or the Darwin Theory (Deadly Game)
Lets add in that all 3 lakes have very bad springs --- If it smells like rotten eggs - stay off & away from the ice (Also Crap Ice)

It is possible that these 3 lakes have 6" all across the lake (Less the sprigs) but I will not be riding out onto them to drill test holes until the shore line ice reaches 10-12"--- not worth the risks....
No lakes east of Edmonton will support a car or truck

DANGER the ice is still very thin -

DANGER - 6" ice on all lakes - Jan3/2014

 

[roadtech]

HI MM
We are in the same situation here at Long Lake, and about 4 inches of top water under the
snow to boot. I dropped the groomer about 6 inches through the ice and dam near had the Big one, thought I was going to the bottom.
I tested last week after running into all this top water and we have 12 inches but it's not good clear Blue ice, it's soft White and this will never cover off a pick up .
Heads up to all snow and mudders

See you on the trails
Don

 

[LBZ]

Was out fishing on Sylvan. Kinda scary when you have 12" of ice and it doesn't crack when people drive on it. Lots of slush all over the place too. Someone is going through yet this year.