This distance might be less in cases where the bale is partially concealed by emergent vegetation so it cannot be seen from shore by raccoons or other predators. Bales should not be placed in deep water or river systems where they will drift or float away. Water depth of 1 to 2 feet and no deeper than onehalf the height of the bale are ideal. Generally, the deeper the water, the shorter the bale's life span. Bales placed on the ice sometimes tip over when the ice melts unevenly.
Tipped bales are of little value as nesting sites.
To avoid tipping, set the bale into a hole cut into the ice. A circular hole the size of the end of the bale can be cut in the ice with a chain saw and the chunks of ice removed with an ice tong. The bale is then laid on its side next to the hole, tipped up, and set into the hole so an end goes down through the hole settling on the marsh bottom. Experience has shown that if the distance from the surface of the ice to the marsh bottom is a foot or less, the bales can be set on end on the ice without much risk of it tipping. Tipped bales that cannot be uprighted can be made usable for nesting geese.