Growth Chart (Estimate your own ice)

[ratherbefishing]

One of the most important functions of being an ice fishing educator is stressing the need to be informed. Please gather as much information as you can before heading out for first ice. I know how frustrating it can be to arrive at the lake and have conditions make fishing dangerous or impossible. Please use this chart as a basis for calculating the ice sheet in your area. Make an informed decision BEFORE leaving for the lake. Once you're there, check you own ice with a spud bar or chisel. As always, check IFO for dependable reports, and exercise caution.

[snowcone]

well said, ratherbe   experience, good intel, common sense , just remember the lakes don't freeze evenly , I have been on 4 "  and there were big open water spots out farther.

[Optfish]

Nice chart Ryan. What effect has the win  have on the making of ice?

[ratherbefishing]

The surface of the ice creates drag during windy conditions. The wind has a more pronounced effect when open water is present. If a lake is firmly frozen, the effect of wind is reduced. I don't know of any benefit to having a windswept ice sheet beyond that of wind chill.

[30inthabucket]

I actually read somewhere that wind will actually help ice formation.  Think it said that it helps pull the warmth away from the surface or something.  It was on a posted link on here earlier this winter. I would assume it would have to be frozen enough already that the wind wouldn't break up the ice.

[Optfish]

when a lake has 4 or more inches of ice. is there a temperature chart for melting ice? the reason i ask is just curiosity. question how long ice can stay safe?  love scientific explanations.

[ratherbefishing]

There are so many factors at play with wind, rain and snow that it would be unreasonable to come together with a calculation. The formation of ice on this chart is dependent on skim ice being present, and eliminating the factors above the surface.