Reading ice, or ‘ice forensics’ as we sometimes call it, is using visual observation plus probing and drilling to help us understand the natural processes that have formed the ice we’re skating on - and then assessing its strength and the prognosis for future adventures. Will we be able to skate there again tomorrow, or next week, if it stays cold? What if it warms up? And what if it rains or snows? Judging the prognosis is essential for organizing a wild skating tour or workshop and getting the word out to potential participants like you.
For example, identifying the ice in the photo as large-crystal black ice tells us that it can withstand above-freezing temperatures better than other colors and textures of ice.
This topic is broken down into the following sections:
Black ice
Gray & white ice
Snow-covered ice
Pack ice
Pressure ridges
Shell & sandwich ice
Unusual ice formations
Ice-in & ice-out