Cold temperatures mask ice danger

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - The Arctic air that moved in this week has caused ice to form on area lakes, ponds, and rivers, but there are some important things you should know before you venture out onto the ice.

Though some bodies of water may appear to be frozen, you need to make sure that ice is safe.

In Waltham Friday afternoon, rescuers were able to save a deer that had gotten stranded on the ice on the Cambridge Reservoir.

Here in western Massachusetts at the Oxbow in Northampton, some people were out ice fishing Friday. But it is important to make sure that the ice is safe before you go out on it.

For ice fishing, you need the ice to be 4 to 5 inches thick. You can test it by drilling a hole, or by chopping a hole into it with a pick.

Ice fisherman Steve Latour of Northampton told 22News that order to stay safe, it's important to be aware of your surroundings.

“Of course you have to know the water, like there's a channel there right where the ice isn't very thick, there's a channel that runs out the middle where the ice isn't very thick. It's important know the water,” Latour said.

If you're not familiar with the ice, you should talk to someone who knows it, so you don't end up in trouble. You should also check with you local parks department or fire department to find out if the ice on your local lake or pond is safe to go out on.