Winter Ice
Contributor: Mark Fazzini

Ice Fishing

The lure of ice fishing has brought many anglers to Gravel Lake. Fishing is truly a year round activity with fisherman of all ages enjoying the sport, even throughout the winter, ice permitting. This past weekend, the ice was measured at 14 inches think, amble ice to accommodate almost any winter sport. However, "No ice is ever completely safe ice," said Department of Natural Resources law enforcement officer Steven Burton, as quoted in an issue of Your Hometown Gazette. He advised that anglers should always test the ice as they venture forward. Ice experts also recommend that anglers wear personal flotation devices and carry rope so they can reach someone in trouble without approaching to closely. And while there is often fisherman on the frozen ice, they share the lake with numerous other enthusiasts. Snowmobile riders, skaters, tobogganing and even walkers take time to enjoy the frozen lake.

Ice Dams and Icicles

Keep in mind that ice dams and icicles could cause your home a problem during the winter months. Ice left to pile up at the end of gutters could create ice dams causing nasty damage to homes. The snow on the roof melts and freezes, along with heat escaping from the house, could create the formation if icicles and ice dams. Some do's and Don'ts are: Don't ignore icicles. Don't put road salt on a roof. Don't chip away at the ice with a shovel or other sharp object. Do clear the snow off with a roof rake. Do make small cuts (don't hack) in the ice to create a channel for the trapped water to flow through, if it is safe to go on the roof. Do make sure the attic is ventilated properly. Do use roof melt tablets (made of calcium chloride.)