Is that Bucks County lake or pond frozen, safe to play on? How to tell

JD Mullane, Bucks County Courier Times
·2 min read
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Snow fall is beautiful, and frigid winter temps give the added benefit of skating or walking on frozen lakes and ponds. But caution is required.

And in Bucks County park system there are no lakes or ponds maintained or open for recreation. In fact, one official said it is "very strongly discouraged."

Here's what you should know.

Ducks had picturesque Lake Afton all to themselves Friday morning as the lake wasn’t covered in the ice.
Ducks had picturesque Lake Afton all to themselves Friday morning as the lake wasn’t covered in the ice.

How do you know it's safe to skate or walk on a pond or lake?

Ice is considered safe to walk on when it's at least four to five inches thick, because it can take the pounding of ice skaters to ice hockey players. But that takes two to three weeks of frigid temps, and we're only a week or so into into our local deep freeze in Bucks County.

Anything less, and you'll probably fall through, exposing yourself to frigid water temps and possible drowning. Maybe stick to sledding.

More: Lower Bucks under winter storm warning

"Thick and blue, tried and true"

Basically, "thick and blue, tried and true" is the preliminary eyeball measure of ice that's safe to walk on. But don't be overconfident.

Four inches of ice will hold a person who weighs up to 200 pounds, suitable for ice fishing, cross country skiing and walking. When ice reaches five inches of thickness, it can handle an 800-pound snowmobile, ATV or aggressive ice hockey game.

Bucks County snow forecast: Winter storm could dump up to 6 inches.

Advice from Bucks County Parks and Rec Director

Director Angela Nagle: "The county does not have any place within the park system that are designated or maintained for that purpose. Skating, sledding, snowshoeing or walking on any lake is very strongly discouraged."

Stay safe: Cold weather hacks for staying out of ER, urgent care during snow storm

JD Mullane can be reached at 215-949-5745 or at jmullane@couriertimes.com.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: How to know if that frozen lake or pond is safe to walk on, skate