Following recent warm and cold weather fluctuations across much of the province, the Canadian Red Cross is reminding Albertans that ice safety is now a major concern.
According to the Red Cross, ice is particularly volatile and dangerous when temperatures rise and fall, as it causes the ice to thaw and refreeze, making it unstable and weak in some areas.
In addition to air temperature, many factors affect ice thickness and stability, such as the type of water (standing or flowing), location, the time of year, depth and size of the body of water, currents and tides, chemical and salt content, fluctuations in water levels, logs and rocks absorbing heat from the sun, fish and water fowl activity, and shock waves from vehicles travelling on the ice.
When determining whether ice is safe to travel on, the Red Cross urges users to check the colour and thickness of the ice first.
Colour of the ice indicates its relative strength, with clear, blue ice being the strongest and thickest.
White, opaque ice is roughly half as strong as blue ice, and is formed by wet snow freezing on the ice surface.
Grey, cloudy ice is never safe, as it indicates the presence of water not far below the surface.
When it comes to thickness, ice should be at least 15 centimetres (6 inches) thick for walking or skating alone, 20 centimetres (8 inches) for large groups in a skating party or playing games, 25 centimetres (10 inches) for snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles, and 40 centimetres (16 inches) for vehicles.
If travelling in a vehicle, drive slowly and carefully, and roll down your window and remove your seatbelt, so as to allow for quick escape if the vehicle falls through the ice.
The Red Cross also encourages people to always travel in groups when going out on the ice, and carry a throw rope and personal floatation device if possible.
Should a member of your group fall through, remember to ensure your own safety before attempting to rescue them, and always call for help first.
Use a hockey stick, branch, pole, belt, or some other long object to reach out to them, and avoid venturing out yourself, as you may fall in as well.