ICE Camping after a Snowstorm — Detail Guide
Ice camping can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it’s important to be well-prepared and take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Here’s a detailed guide to help you plan your ice camping trip after a snowstorm:
Check the ice thickness:
Before setting up camp, it’s essential to check the thickness of the ice to ensure it’s safe to walk on and set up camp. In general, the minimum recommended ice thickness for camping is at least 4 inches for ice fishing and 6–8 inches for snowmobiles or ATVs. Use an ice auger or ice chisel to check the ice thickness at several points around your campsite.
Bring the right gear:
Make sure you have the necessary gear to stay warm and comfortable in the cold. This includes a good quality winter sleeping bag, a warm tent, insulated clothing and boots, and hand and foot warmers. Don’t forget to pack a stove and fuel for cooking, as well as a shovel and other tools in case you need to clear snow.
Set up camp on solid ice:
Choose a flat, snow-free spot-on solid ice to set up your tent. Avoid setting up camp near cracks, pressure ridges, or other areas of unstable ice. If the ice is covered in snow, shovel off a flat area to create a solid base for your tent.
Stay hydrated:
It’s important to stay hydrated, even in the cold. Bring plenty of water and consider using a hydration system to make it easier to drink.
Keep an eye on the weather:
Pay attention to the weather and be prepared for any changes. Bring a weather radio or other means of staying informed about the forecast. If the weather turns bad, consider breaking camp and heading to a safer location.
Know your limits:
Ice camping can be physically demanding, especially in cold weather. Make sure you are in good physical condition and know your limits. If you start to feel tired or cold, take a break and warm up inside your tent or sleeping bag.
By following these tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable ice camping trip after a snowstorm. Remember to always be prepared and use caution when camping on ice.
Snow Storm Essentials Checklist: How to Stock Up
Here is a list of items that you may want to consider stocking up on in preparation for a snow storm:
Non-perishable food:
Think about items that are easy to prepare and have a long shelf life, such as canned goods, dried pasta, rice, and nuts.
Water:
It’s important to have a supply of clean drinking water in case your pipes freeze or become blocked.
Medications:
Make sure you have a sufficient supply of any prescription medications that you or your family members need.
Warm clothing and blankets:
It’s a good idea to have extra layers of clothing, such as gloves, hats, and scarves, to keep warm in case of a power outage.
Flashlights and batteries:
Having a flashlight and extra batteries can be helpful if you lose power.
First aid kit:
It’s always a good idea to have a basic first aid kit on hand in case of emergencies.
Snow shovel:
Having a snow shovel can help you clear paths around your home and make it easier to get around during a storm.
Rock salt or ice melt:
These can be used to melt ice on walkways and driveways to help prevent slips and falls.
Firewood and matches:
If you have a fireplace or wood stove, it’s a good idea to stock up on firewood and matches in case of a power outage.
Cash:
It’s a good idea to have some cash on hand in case power outages make it difficult to use credit cards or ATMs.
Remember to stay safe and follow any emergency evacuation instructions provided by local authorities.
