Lake hazard?

I did a little research on the web, and I'm seeing that 3-4" is standard as "safe" to walk on. 4-5" is considered acceptable for groups. This is referring to ice fisherman on clear ice. Snow cover insulates the ice a bit more, but skis also distribute the weight extremely well, even with a large pack on.

Occasional ice cracking, or shifting, is normal to hear as well...

Hey Joe

Be careful.

Wasn't there a scene in Jeremiah Johnson where he falls through the ice?

There was a very famous accident in Canada involving Justin Trudeau, a lake, and an avalanche. That aside, what are the survival odds if you fall through the ice while wearing skis? Wonder if anyone as actually perished in this manner?

Glad to learn of your good fortune Snow Bell.

That aside, what are the survival odds if you fall through the ice while wearing skis? Wonder if anyone as actually perished in this manner?

I don't know about the perishing statistics, but do know from slush cup experience, not only is the cold rather shocking, once your boots fill up you go down rather fast. Gotta say, I laughed at first, but was certainly glad to have a life ring tossed my way.

Snow Bell, It's not a very comforting feeling is it? I guess lake ice is one of those things that I don't know very much about.

Exactly!  For all I know I could have driven a truck over it but I didn't know and that didn't sit well.

What was the weather like? You mentioned the pass was icy...
I am going to just ignore your warning about espresso.

The weather was warmish and had been relatively warm prior and the area that gave me pause was in the sun.  The previous months Pinapple Express and inversion were on my mind as well as strongly evidenced by the dramatically low snow cover. 

It occurred to me that these factors could be in play.

I did a little research on the web, and I'm seeing that 3-4" is standard as "safe" to walk on. 4-5" is considered acceptable for groups.

Thanks Stugie.  That seems intuitively sensable but the trouble is in estimating the thickness.  The cracks near the middle were my best indicators but they would only show an inch or so into the ice.  I suppose I could have chopped a hole in the ice with my axe but I don't recall that occurring to me.  Around the edges the ice was clearly thick except at the end of the lake where it ran into the creek.  There was a sizable ice free area down there.

Hey Joe

Be careful.

Wasn't there a scene in Jeremiah Johnson where he falls through the ice?

Thanks Keith, I try.  I don't know much of Jeremiah Johnson but if he is bad ass I doubt it was that lake that got him in the end.   

...what are the survival odds if you fall through the ice while wearing skis? Wonder if anyone as actually perished in this manner?

I was thinking of this and opted to unbuckle my boots.  I can only imagine a self extraction with skis and boots on.  That would be a bummer way to go out.

How big was the open area in front of the stream? I'm wondering if the bigger (or smaller) the opening, the better the indicator that the ice might not be ready (or is good) to cross? Just a thought. Good thread Joe. This has me thinking that I take lake crossings a little too lightly. :-[