Remember, no ice is safe ice. Although you or your family may be eager to get out and skate, please remember to use caution around ice surfaces. Fluctuating temperates and water conditions can impact the time it takes to freeze an amount of ice that can safety support recreation.
Ice colour can help indicate the strength of ice:
- Clear blue ice is strongest
- White opaque or snow ice is half as strong as blue ice – this type of ice forms by wet snow freezing on the ice
- Grey ice is not safe. The ice gets its grey colour from the presence of water.
Ice thickness is the best way to measure safety. Ice should be at least:
- 15cm for walking or skating alone
- 20cm for group skating or games
- 25cm for snowmobiles
Floating ice on open waters like ponds, rivers and lakes is never considered 100% safe, regardless of thickness. Remember to check back or visit our ice thickness page for details on ice conditions.
Chestermere – good news! Ice thickness is continuing to increase in most places. As usual, always use caution when on the ice.
Ice thickness readings are as follows:
Anniversary – 6 inches or 15.24cm
The Landing – 7 inches or 17.78 cm
South End – 11 inches or 27.94cm
Sunset – 11 inches or 27.94cm
The Cove – 7.5 inches or cm 19.05cm
Please note that open water was observed by the storm pond at The Cove, and on the North end of Sunset Park, along the shoreline.
Remember, the City has opened outdoor skating rinks at the following locations, with more to come soon:
- Sandpiper Point
- McIvor Terrace