Air Holes

Here's what you see when you see air holes. These are clearly defined, good sized, air holes and you want to stay at least 30 feet (or farther) away from them. Also, one of the first things I learned from my dad when I was a kid and on ice was to avoid these areas. You might pass this info on to the kids. Also, be sure to remember that they aren't always this easy to spot.

Note that this air hole was only about 30 feet off shore. They can occur anywhere. It wasonly +10 degrees out when this photo was shot. The night before I shot this photo, it was -15 degrees F. It's hard to see, but darkest area in the spot is actually open water. Cold temperatures don't always affect air holes as one would expect. I don't know why, but that's the way it is.

Here's another air hole further from shore. Be aware of what they are so you don't feel the need to ski right up to it to investigate as so many folks mistakenly do around here.