IceWatching Tips

IceWatch USA	Become an IceWatcher	Why IceWatch?	Getting Started (Ice Area)
Getting Started (non Ice Area)	IceWatch FAQ	IceWatching Tips	Volunteer Application

Remember IceWatch observing should be completed from a distance. Do not walk onto a freezing body of water or to the direct edge of a shoreline. Observations should be done from a spot where your feet are firmly on the ground! For example:

Recording the freeze and thaw dates for an entire body of water. Watch a pond in your local park, the irrigation pond in your field or the lake outside your home or apartment.

Looking at one small section of a larger body of water. Pick one section of a river, or an inlet or small cove that is attached to the larger lake. A small bridge makes an excellent observation place, but also be prepared for snow or ice on the bridge.

Creating an imaginary line that goes across a body of water.

Examples for Identifying Ice

Example of Observation Points and Viewing Areas (Illustration used with permission from IceWatch Canada)

Examples of Ice Coverage

Ice-on: Ice completely covers the lake, bay or river. See left photo below of an ice covered (Ice-on) lake in Washington State.
Ice-off: Ice goes out or completely disappears from the lake, bay or river. See right photo below of an "Ice-off" phase on the Clarion River in Pennsylvania.

Partial Ice Coverage: Waterbody has some ice coverage but also open water sections. See photo below of Patuxent River in Maryland.