Why Ice Thickness is Important to Know in Montana

Mother Nature has given central Montana an extremely mild winter so far, and for outdoor enthusiasts that prefer the cold and snow, it's been a pretty slow year.  Especially those that love to be on the ice during winter in Montana.

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If you happen to be one of those aficionados of fishing, ice skating or maybe a hockey rink, you should know when it is or isn't safe to be on a patch of ice.  Knowing how thick ice needs to be to support you or your activity is imperative to safety in the winter.

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Why Ice Thickness is Important to Know in Montana

Knowing what the thickness of the ice you are about to traverse can mean the difference between a great day of enjoyment, or a rescue operation from the local emergency services.  But before you even head out, there are a few tips that can help also that will make the day even more about the enjoyment.

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First and foremost, never go alone.  Always have a buddy when you are heading out.  You should also avoid ice that has cracks throughout it, or ice near a shoreline that may be brittle.  Avoid inlets with ice and never trust ice over a moving body of water.

Check Out the Full Gallery of Ice Thickness Tips for the Cold in Montana Below👇

Ask a Local if You are New to Central Montana Waterways and Be Prepared

When heading for the ice, no matter the activity, check with local residents or businesses near those bodies of water.  More than likely, they will have the latest information on any changes or areas to avoid.

Remember that ice conditions can change rapidly.  Check several areas for depth, and if you hear cracks, lie down to evenly distribute your weight.  If you do fall through, these tips can help in an emergency situation:

• Stay calm - don't thrash around.
• Turn towards the direction you came from (ice is strongest there).
• Kick your legs while pulling yourself onto the ice.
• Once out, roll away from the hole to distribute your weight.

Then seek warm shelter and remove your wet clothing.  If signs of hypothermia appear, you should seek medical attention immediately.