Winter sports are popular activities with many people in South Dakota. Ice fishing, sledding, snowmobiling, ice skating and downhill and cross-country skiing are among the most favorite. Game, Fish and Parks officials are asking sportsmen to remember these activities demand safety precautions, especially when ice over water is involved. Safety Administrator Bill Shattuck said ice can be very dangerous, and people can be injured or killed if ice is not respected. Traveling in a vehicle on ice, especially early or late in the season, is simply a matter of an accident waiting to happen.
New ice is usually stronger than old ice.
As ice ages, the bond between the crystals makes it more dangerous and weaker even if melting has not occurred. Wind speeds influence ice formation. Light winds speed up the formation. Strong winds force water from beneath the ice and can decay the edges of the ice. Snow can insulate ice and keep it strong.