Pond Management

Auglaize Soil and Water Conservation District

WINTER POND MANAGEMENT

Winter Pond Management

The most common cause of winter fish kill in Ohio ponds is suffocation. This occurs when aquatic plants do not produce enough oxygen for fish to breath. This may happen during heavy snow and ice cover in the winter. Once suffocation starts, it is too late to stop it. Winter kill can best be prevented by removing the snow cover from the pond. Three inches of ice covered by 5 inches of snow will shut out 99% of the incoming light. To prevent or reduce the severity of winter kills, remove snow from at least 50% of the pond surface. Drilling holes in the ice will not help. Winter kills can also be prevented by aerating the water with motor driven compressors that constantly agitate the water.

How Thick Should The Ice Be?

Ice skating on your pond can be a great winter activity. But you first need to take precautions when ice over water is involved. Ice on ponds, lakes and rivers can be affected by many things. The strength and thickness of the ice should be known before any activity takes place on it.

Follow this rule of thumb for ice safety;

2 inches for walking,
4 inches for fishing,
5 inches for snowmobiles,
8-12 inches for vehicles.

Ice safety points to consider include:

-New ice is usually stronger than old ice. As ice ages, the bond between the crystals decays making it more dangerous and weak.

-Wind speeds influence ice formation. Light winds speed up ice formation. Strong winds force water from beneath the ice and decay the edges of the ice.

-Snow can insulate the ice and keep it strong or it can keep the ice from freezing. Watch out for snow covered ice. It may be dangerous.

-Slush is a danger sign. It indicates that ice is no longer freezing.

-Ice can change with the surrounding climate conditions. Temperature, precipitation (such as snow, sleet, rain), wind speed, ice age, water depth, and water quality are all factors that affect ice strength and thickness.

-Never check ice or rescue a victim of ice failure alone. You could go from rescuer to victim very quickly.

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