Renfrew Power Generation is concerned about public safety on frozen or partially frozen waterways.

While winter has begun in our area, lakes, rivers, ponds, swamps and bogs remain open, partially open or with insufficient ice to support the weight of a person, ATV or snowmobile traveling across any frozen surface.

Stay clear of all dams where the flow of water can change quickly and may reduce ice thickness from below leaving weak ice that appears solid from above.

Ice does not freeze at a uniform thickness across most lakes and rivers, particularly at the start of the winter season when near-shore ice is often much thicker and safer than ice further out.

Ice that forms 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, and ice with a honeycombed look should be avoided.

Added precautions must be taken when travelling on frozen lakes or rivers. Snowmobiles require at least 20 centimetres of clear blue ice and most light vehicles require 30 centimetres or more. 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.

Beware of thin ice that may develop due to dam operations. Never venture out on the ice alone. Always wear a floatation suit and carry a throw rope.

Dam operations often result in lowering of water levels throughout the winter and spring. This can result in ice collapsing onto lower water levels and then water seeping up under the snow. Persons venturing out on the ice should always be aware of the potential of slush under the snow over ice. Travel in slush conditions is very difficult regardless of the mode of travel.