Sea ice starts to freshen in the first warm spring weather, beginning with chunks atop the ridges and hummocks. Inexperienced people are usually surprised to learn that fresh water is available almost anywhere on the sea ice in summer, when even the puddles are drinkable. But in winter, a traveler must either find piqaluyak ice or dig snow from a deep drift to melt for water. Incidentally, young sea ice without a good snow cover is always moist due to its saltiness, regardless of temperature. Winter ice travelers must always be wary of movement, or the potential for movement, whenever they go beyond the edge of the tuvaq.
Onshore pressure can raft or pile the ice,and people stay well away from such activity.
Huge pieces of ice can suddenly crush or tumble even when the motion is so gradual that it is hard to detect. The surface near active piling can break, heave, or buckle downward without warning. Offshore pressure is an even greater danger because it can sever the pack from the tuvaq, setting a traveler adrift. Winter activity on the sea ice is reserved for times of gentle current and light breezes, when offshore travel carries the least risk. Temp Mead Max.