Squam Lakes Association Logo

Ice Safety on Squam Lake

Winter in the Squam area brings many fun recreational activities on the ice, such as ice skating, fishing, and kiting. With the recent drops in temperature, the lakes are beautifully covered in ice. But how can you determine when it’s safe to be out there?

ice skating on squam lake

The U.S. Army Cold Regions Research & Engineering Laboratory in Hanover, NH recommends the following guidelines for ice thickness:

  • Minimum of six inches of hard ice for foot travel. Some sources suggest four inches of thick, clear ice is sufficient, but it’s always best to err on the side of caution.
  • Eight to ten inches of hard ice for snowmobiles or ATVs.

Understanding Ice Types

Not all ice is created equal. Ice strength depends on its type:

  • Clear blue or black ice: The strongest type, formed directly from lake water freezing.
  • White opaque ice: Weaker, formed from snow partially melting and refreezing on the surface.
  • Gray or honeycomb ice: Very weak, prone to breaking easily as it forms during cycles of daytime warming and nighttime cooling.
  • White and gray mottled ice: The weakest type, typically found late in the season just before the ice melts completely.

When judging ice safety, focus on the thickness of clear blue or black ice. For instance, six inches of ice composed of three inches of clear ice topped by three inches of white ice would not be considered safe. Remember the saying: “Thick and blue, tried and true; white and crispy, way too risky.”

Ice Safety Tips

  1. Stay away from areas with moving water: Ice over running water can vary greatly in thickness and strength. Avoid inlets, outlets, and areas around bubblers at docks and marinas.
  2. Plan ahead:
    • Consult locals about safe areas.
    • Inform someone of your plans and expected return time.
    • Carry a cell phone, rope, and a headlamp for emergencies.
    • Wear warm layers, a life jacket, and ice picks.
    • Bring cleats to avoid being stranded if walking against the wind.
    • Travel with a buddy, maintaining some distance between you.
    • Test the ice frequently with a spud bar to check for thickness and quality.
    • Keep pets on a leash, and never attempt to rescue them if they fall in—call for professional help instead.
  3. Use common sense: Be aware of your surroundings and the changing conditions of the ice.

Find additional safety tips in the NH Fish & Game’s Ice Safety Guide.

Hazards to Watch For

  • Pressure ridges: Raised areas where pieces of ice overlap, often exposing water. Carefully find a flat area to cross if necessary.
  • Open water: Especially around pressure ridges, as these areas can melt and expose water on warmer days.
  • Edges of the lake: These areas are often softened by incoming water, particularly as the day progresses.
  • Snow-covered ice: Snow insulates ice, slowing freezing and hiding cracks and weak spots.
  • Stream and river inlets: Currents create thinner, weaker ice.
  • Bubblers: Used around docks, they keep water moving and ice unstable.
  • Late-season ice: Warmer, sunnier days soften ice, and nights that don’t drop below freezing accelerate melting.

What to Do If You Fall Through the Ice

  1. Stay calm and catch your breath.
  2. Keep your clothes on to retain warmth and buoyancy.
  3. Use ice picks (if available) to crawl onto the ice, moving in the direction you came from.
  4. Without ice picks, carefully kick your legs while crawling to pull yourself out.
  5. Once fully on the ice, roll away from the hole to distribute your weight before standing up.
  6. Change into dry clothes and warm up immediately.

Always exercise caution and remember: You are on the ice at your own risk!

Get our newsletter

Receive updates on our work, events, and happenings on Squam.


By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Squam Lakes Association. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
© Squam Lakes Association 2024. All Rights Reserved. The SLA is a non-profit 501 (C) 3.