ALBANY – Due to the late start of winter and recent warm weather
and rain, the state Department of Environmental Conservation is advising
fishermen and others who may want to be on the ice on water bodies to
be cautious.
Ice began forming late this year and is not as thick as it typically would
be in early February.
Anyone planning to enjoy ice covered ponds and lakes should take precautions,
the DEC noted.
• The use of motor vehicles on ice is strongly discouraged until
the ice thickens
• Use caution when moving from ice to shore and from shore to ice
• Check ice thickness near shore before going further out on the
ice
• Avoid areas around inlets, outlets, boathouses, docks and any
open water
• Be prepared to self-rescue, carry spikes, floatation devices and
a throw line
• Wear traction devices on your fee as there is no snow on the ice
surface
