Wampsville, NY – With winter recreation picking up across Central New York, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office is urging residents to check ice conditions carefully as fluctuating temperatures continue to weaken frozen lakes and ponds.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, recent freeze-thaw cycles are creating hidden soft spots that may not be visible from the surface. The agency is reminding residents that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation recommends at least 3–4 inches of solid, clear ice before stepping onto a frozen waterway.
Officials released updated thickness guidelines this week, noting that safety varies widely depending on weather, snow cover, and water movement. Two inches of ice or less is never safe, and deputies advise residents to stay completely off ice that thin. At 4 inches, ice fishing or other foot traffic may be safe. Five inches is recommended for snowmobiles and ATVs, while 8–12 inches is needed to support a small car or pickup truck. Medium trucks should only be on ice measuring 12–15 inches.
The Sheriff’s Office added that not all ice behaves the same. Slush ice is roughly 50% weaker, and clear ice over moving water is about 20% weaker. White or “snow ice” requires double the recommended thickness. Areas near shorelines, stream inlets, outlets, and docks equipped with “bubblers” also tend to form thin, unpredictable ice.
Residents planning to fish, skate, or ride snowmobiles are urged to test ice frequently while moving and to never assume uniform thickness across an entire lake.
Officials encourage anyone heading outdoors to stay alert, use proper safety equipment, and report hazardous conditions when possible.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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