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.
Lake ice readings are in, Chestermere!
Anniversary – 6 inches or 15.24cm
The Landing – 6 inches or 15.24cm
South End – 9 inches or 22.86cm
Sunset – 8 inches or 20.32cm
The Cove – 4 inches or cm 10.16cm
Please note that there is open water by the Storm Pond at The Cove.
Thin ice was also observed in the middle of the lake between Anniversary Park and the Landing.
Additionally, the City has begun work to establish ice surfaces on our boarded locations. These locations should not be skated on until the rink is properly prepared and signage removed.
- Mcivor Terrace
- Sandpiper Point
- Dawson Circle
- Alta-Link (Rainbow Falls Grove)
This process will begin on December 9th starting with the Alta-Link location and is expected to be completed by the end of the week. Lake rinks will follow shortly after, once ice levels have grown to the point where they can support heavy equipment.
Get Involved and Adopt-A-Rink: Help to maintain an outdoor ice rink by connecting with our Parks Team! Just call (403) 207-2807 or e-mail recreation@chestermere.ca.