CONCORD, N.H. -- Following several days of mild weather and spring-like conditions in late December, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department Conservation Officers (COs) have observed some extreme hazards to snowmobilers and other outdoor enthusiasts in and around the state's waterways. Fish and Game officials are concerned that more seasonable temperatures forecast for this week are going to allow many areas to skim over with ice and snow, a condition that may make lakes look safe, but still be far from safe. It will take many, many more days and nights of sustained cold to build consistently strong ice across New Hampshire. Outdoor enthusiasts are reminded that the presence of a snowmobile track leading out onto a lake does not mean that the lake is safe!

In the North Country, Conservation Officers conducting snowmobile patrols have observed large expanses of open water on several waterbodies. Much of the open water cannot be seen from shore or areas in which trails access lakes. In many cases there is an appearance of good ice as far as the eye can see, but views from higher elevations reveal large areas of open water that riders might not encounter for over a mile after venturing out onto some of the larger lakes.

While conducting snowmobile patrols throughout the North Country, Conservation Officers have observed large expanses of open water on several waterbodies. Much of the open water cannot be seen from shore or areas in which trails access lakes. In many cases there is an appearance of good ice as far as the eye can see, but views from higher elevations reveal large areas of open water that riders might not encounter for over a mile after venturing out onto some of the larger lakes.

Of particular concern are Lake Francis and First Connecticut Lake in Pittsburg, neither of which is completely frozen over, but both of which are located in the heart of available snowmobiling. In many instances over the years, snowmobilers have relied on the more consistent cold that northern Coos County has to offer when making the decision to venture out onto the ice. While some riders would never dream of venturing out on a mid-state lake at this time of year, they would readily cross waterbodies such as Lake Francis or First Connecticut Lake. Pittsburg has not been spared from warm weather this season, however, resulting in exceptionally dangerous ice conditions. As of December 28, 2014, Conservation Officers estimated that 40% of First Connecticut Lake was still open water.

Fish and Game officials are concerned that more seasonable temperatures forecasted for this week are going to allow many areas to skim over with ice and snow, a condition that will make lakes look safe, but be far from safe. Riders are reminded that the presence of a snowmobile track leading out onto a lake does not mean that the lake is safe! It will take many, many more days and nights of sustained cold to build a consistently strong ice across North Country waterbodies and those in other parts of the state.

An incident in Rangeley, Maine in 2013 provides a somber reminder of how conditions like these can result in tragedy. On New Year's Eve of that year, three snowmobilers ventured out onto Rangeley Lake after dark in an attempt to take a shorter route to get to fuel. All three riders unknowingly rode into open water, resulting in their deaths. COs are hoping to raise a renewed awareness of situations like this in an attempt to keep riders safe and avoid further tragedy.

Fish and Game is urging all those heading out onto the ice to exercise caution as they do so. Though all ice is potentially dangerous, the U.S. Army Cold Regions Research & Engineering Laboratory in Hanover, N.H., offers a "rule of thumb" on ice thickness: There should be a minimum of six inches of hard ice before individual foot travel, and eight to ten inches of hard ice for snow machine or All-Terrain Vehicle travel.

Keep in mind that thick ice does not always mean safe ice. It is possible for ice to be thick, but not strong, because of varying weather conditions. Weak ice is formed when warming trends break down ice, then the slushy surface re-freezes. Be especially careful of areas with current, such as inlets, outlets and spring holes, where the ice can be dangerously thin.

Tips for staying safe on the ice include:

Stay off the ice along the shoreline if it is cracked or squishy. Don't go on the ice during thaws.

Watch out for thin, clear or honeycombed ice. Dark snow and ice may also indicate weak spots.

Small bodies of water tend to freeze thicker. Rivers and lakes are more prone to wind, currents and wave action that weaken ice.

Don't gather in large groups or drive large vehicles onto the ice.

If you do break through the ice, don't panic. Move or swim back to where you fell in, where you know the ice was solid. Lay both arms on the unbroken ice and kick hard. This will help lift your body onto the ice. A set of ice picks can help you pull yourself out if you do fall through the ice; wear them around your neck or put them in an easily accessible pocket. Once out of the water, roll away from the hole until you reach solid ice.

Anglers should also be aware that lakes specifically managed for lake trout and salmon can be fished only through the ice from January 1-March 31. No open-water fishing is allowed on these water bodies during that time period, regardless of ice conditions. There is no such restriction on other so-called "General Regulation" waters, which do not have a defined ice fishing season and are available for open-water fishing year round. For more information, consult the 2015 New Hampshire Fishing Digest, available at http://wildnh.com/pubs/fishing.html.

To download a brochure from Fish and Game called "Safety on Ice - Tips for Anglers," visit http://www.wildnh.com/Outdoor_Recreation/ice_safety.html.

CONTACT:
Major Kevin Jordan - 603-271-3128
Conservation Officer Matthew Holmes, 603-788-4850
Scott Decker - 603-271-2501