Ice thickness

[nube]

When do you guys feel safe riding skidoos on the lakes? Is it usually safe the first week of December usually? What time of the year north of Edmonton is the ice usually safe to travel on usually?

[Crankbait]

this year I would be overly cautious of the ice as ice came off lakes quickly and the weeds got thick just as quick, at least down south. all that dying weed makes for unstable ice, looks great on top but iffy below.

I think there is a fellow on here called "kaz dog" who belongs to the alberta skidoo club or something. use the search feature or the community page for his listing.

I'm praying for bitterly cold without snow from November forward through January.

[DiabeticKripple]

I wouldn't go on in less than 6 inches of good black ice

[Sooner]

Sled on early ice = speed and keep the throttle thumb ready lol

Every year is different Nube, all depends on snow. If it falls on early ice, takes awhile for it to get thick. Couple weeks of cold and minimal snow on the ice. Better.

I never started ice fishing till the xmas break and we always used sleds to access the lakes. I would be wary in early December without doing some checks.

[nube]

Kinda what I am thinking Sooner! I have a couple buddies coming up in the first part of December to run around on the trapline a bit with me. They have never iced fished before and wanted to try it out. I may just have to walk on and keep my fingers crossed it's cold in November to see if I can get a skidoo on it.

[PerchBuster]

Most years we usually have 6" to 8" of good ice by first of December in the north country. Last year was unusual in that we had a mild spell in November which caused the ice thickness to vary a lot depending on the lake. Could be 8" in one spot and only 3" in another spot. If we get sustained cold temps without any warm spells first of December should be ok. Always check ice thickness often, do your homework and make sure you aren't fishing a lake with springs in it. If we get good uniform ice 6" or more thick at that time of year then you are good to go.

[nube]

(Snowmobile + rider) < 500kg):
Slow moving: 18cm minimum good ice
Parked more than 2 hours and less than seven days: 25cm minimum good ice

Person walking (120kg):
Walking: 10cm minimum good ice
Standing: 15cm minimum good ice

Good ice is "freshwater lake(blue) ice" which has low variability over an area and good strength, anything else, you need to increase ice thickness required.

Source: https://work.alberta.ca/documents/WHS-PUB_sh010.pdf

That is some good info to read thanks

[FlyTheory]

Nows a good time, just checked and ice is 8" :)
But seriously if say 8 for a sled is safe