We've certainly had enough cold weather to freeze most of the local watercourses, but there is an advisory today from the OPP.
Ice does not freeze at a uniform thickness across streams, rivers and lakes. Ice that has formed overflowing water, springs, pressure cracks, old ice holes or around the mouths of rivers and streams will be weaker than surrounding ice.
Heavy snow on frozen rivers and lakes can insulate the ice below, causing the ice to freeze slower. Traveling on frozen rivers or lakes with snowmobiles or vehicles is still very dangerous, and is not recommended.
Children should never play on or near ice covered bodies of water unless directly supervised by an experienced adult.
If you're planning a day of ice-fishing, let someone know where you're going, and when you plan to return.
Clear blue ice is the strongest, while white or opaque ice is much weaker. Ice that has a honeycombed look, common during thaws, should be avoided altogether.
