Rate of DO loss under the ice is dependant on numerous things and will vary from pond to pond. Main factors to consider are ice thickness, ice clarity, snow cover, time length of snow cover, water clarity, amount of organic bottom accumulation, amount of rooted weed growth and water depth. Obviously all these variables makes estimating winter kill risky. Generally I do not worry about oxygen loss of my pond until at least 3"-4" of snow covers the ice for 3 wks. After that things can in a eutrophic pond deteriorate rapidly. Deep water ponds (>16ft) with a large percentage of deep water will hold more available oxygen and when low weed cover is present, can go for 4-8wks with snow cover and still have adequate DO.
Shorty needs a vehicle like Dan P has to remove 4 ft wide strips of snow from his 9 ac lake. The 4 wheelers are relatively light weight and can push lots of snow fairly quickly. 6" of clear ice should easily hold up a normal 4 wheeler. Dan trusts 5" of ice for his 4 wheeler. Goal would be to remove length wise N-S strips similar to Cecil's photo above. Although Cecil has revoved more snow in the photo than necessary. In many cases 10% of the surface cleared should be adequate. My friend had his 4 wheeler break through thin ice under some deep drifted snow near the shore. Airfilled balloon tires floated the 4 wheeler.
Last edited by Bill Cody; 02/15/08 10:53 PM.
