Black Ice

Black Ice is a term that sounds strange when heard for the first time, considering ice is more often white or even blue.

However, the term is a serious warning and a time to stop and be vigilant.

In the spring, as the weather warms up, the snow melts from the surface of the ice and leaves the typical slippery surface. As the sunny weather progresses, the rays of the sun begin to melt not only the overall surface of the ice but very small vertical channels into the ice.

The warm melt water looks for cracks and holes in the ice in a effort to reach the lake water. While this is taking place the temperature of the water slowly rises. The melting of the ice eventually reaches the point were the ice is filled with countless vertical holes that allow the lake water to rise in the ice and the ice in turn to sink lower in the water.

In the photo you can see the last stages of the ice melting from the lake. This ice has been pushed by the wind and current until it came ashore. It has been broken up into large sections and certainly appears too dangerous to walk on.

Before the ice reaches the break up stage a traveler can come upon a lake that looks safe, if one ignores the black appearance. The black indicates the water has risen through the ice and it is ready to shatter if you step on it. This condition can be very dangerous when traveling at night as it is difficult to see.

If rough water tosses black ice ashore it shatters into countless pieces that look like crystal candles.
The broken pieces that remain in the water will tinkle like small chimes as they bump into each other.
It can be a welcome sound as it confirms that spring is around the corner

The rule is that “black ice” is a warning that travel over the ice has ended and it is time to get the canoe or boat ready.