in north east ohio we had worst winter in years, lots snow , 20 degs every day.why do i live here lol. i never cleaned snow off, but i keep hole in ice open all year. the pond is fairly new,about 10' deep , lot young fish. i didn't see any problems after ice out.i just ordered aeration system , my fish will be happy. my neigbor had about 30 or 40 large fish die , bummer . also i have read alot about hybrid strippers here and want to stock same , how many can i put in arce pond , 50 be ok. ken