Crime & Safety
When is it Safe to Venture Out on an Icy Pond?
In the latest You Ask, Patch Answers feature, we look at when it might be safe to go on a frozen pond.
The celebration of a new year means it's also pond hockey season.
How often in the past week have you passed a frozen pond and seen kids and adults skating, playing hockey, or even ice fishing?
And how often have you wondered whether it's safe to go out on that pond?
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According to the State of Massachusetts website, the following chart is recommended:
Find out what's happening in Actonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Ice Thickness
(inches) Permissible Load
(clear, blue, lake ice) 2" or less STAY OFF! 4" Ice fishing or other activities on foot 5" Snowmobile or ATV 8" - 12" Car or small pickup truck 12" - 15" Medium truck
(inches) Permissible Load
(clear, blue, lake ice) 2" or less STAY OFF! 4" Ice fishing or other activities on foot 5" Snowmobile or ATV 8" - 12" Car or small pickup truck 12" - 15" Medium truck
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