Another casualty of New Hampshire’s milder-than-usual winter may be the state’s ice fishers.

A new aerial survey of Lake Winnipesaukee by the New Hampshire Civil Air Patrol shows “treacherous” ice conditions, including areas of open water, over much of the state’s largest lake, according to the state Fish and Game Division. Officials are warning people to use care before venturing onto the ice, especially on larger lakes.

The aerial survey, conducted Feb. 4, showed long strips of open water running from the southern tip of Rattlesnake Island both east and west across the entire lake. Numerous cracks have appeared to the northeast and southwest of the island in the area known as the Broads, revealing open water. Another long opening in the ice runs from Welch to Lockes islands and more cracks and areas of open water were seen in the bay formed by the end of Moultonboro Neck, according to Fish and Game.

Officials issued the warning just ahead of the Meredith Rotary Ice Fishing Derby on Feb. 11 and 12.

Fish and Game Lt. James Goss advised against driving vehicles onto the ice and to carefully assess any ice with an ice chisel or auger before walking on it.

The Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory in Hanover says there should be at lease 6 inches of ice to walk on and 8 to 10 inches to drive snowmobiles on.

“Many areas that have traditionally been safe for ice anglers and other outdoor recreationists are not safe this year,” Goss said.

Other Fish and Game 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.

Joseph G. Cote can be reached at 594-6415 or jcote@nashuatelegraph.com. Also follow Cote on Twitter (@Telegraph_JoeC).

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